United States Senator Herb Kohl : Wisconsin

Contact Senator Kohl


  CLASSROOM CONNECTION

Since 1995, I have used "Classroom Connection" to speak with thousands of Wisconsin high school students in a program designed to give students a better understanding of how government works. Using the facilities of the Senate Recording Studio at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, I have spoken directly with students in Wisconsin classrooms using satellite, webcasting and videoconferencing technology.

I participate in two or three Classroom Connection sessions each semester. Each session generally includes four schools, of different sizes and from different regions in the State. Sessions generally last about 30 minutes.

If your class is interested in participating in a Classroom Connection, please contact Patrick Morris in my Washington office at (202) 224-5653.

If your class has been selected to participate in a Classroom Connection, I encourage you to look at these suggestions to help make the session as educational as possible:

Preparing Students:
Students should consider what type of question they wish to ask. It also can be helpful if they write out their questions in advance and prepare back up questions in case their first question is asked by another student. Questions do not have to be brief, nor do they have to be devoid of comment. I encourage a combination of questions on current events, how the Congress operates, and how I reach difficult decisions.

Have Students State Their Name:
Before asking a question, students should introduce themselves to help foster a one-on-one conversation.

Background Information:
My office has background information on Congress and current events and will be happy to send it to you upon your request prior to the program.

Media Coverage:
Members of the local media may be interested in covering the Classroom Connection program from your classroom. Please contact my office if you would be willing to allow reporters in your classroom during the program.

Follow Up:
We are very interested in following up with your class after the program. Please call after the program with any particular questions on legislative issues such as pending votes or bills to be introduced.