Street Law Brings Lessons About The U.S. Legal System to English Learning Center Learners

“The question is,” said the teacher, a volunteer from the University of Minnesota, “how old do you have to be to be President?” English Learning Center students discussed, smiling and talking quietly in groups. The game board showed a tight score between four teams. They were engaged in this competition, while also learning about the laws and legal systems of the United States.

Through a partnership with the Minnesota Justice Foundation, two groups of first-year law candidates from University of St. Thomas and University of Minnesota brought their knowledge of U.S. law to the ELC with Street Law, an education program designed to help students better understand the United States legal system and connect what they learn to their own lived experiences. Originally developed to introduce law to middle and high schoolers, former ELC staff member and current University of St. Thomas law student Connor Edrington saw an opportunity last year to expand Street Law to serve adult learners. “We were happy to say yes to Connor when he wanted to bring this program to us with a group of first year law students,” said Kate Ronald, program director at the English Learning Center. “We always like to be open to opportunities that present themselves.”

This winter, for the second year, groups of law students designed and taught a one-hour lesson each week intended to give students a baseline understanding of the United States legal system.

Lessons covered a wide variety of legal topics, such as how the United States government is structured or how key historic moments led to changes in law. “We engaged students by making our presentations as interactive as possible,” said Isaac Cheek, a volunteer with the University of Minnesota. “Through discussion questions and activities, our students were able to work through complicated legal concepts and relate them to their own experiences.”

Students who attended Street Law lessons appreciated how the classes expanded what they knew and asked them to critically discuss the United States legal system. “My favorite moments teaching Street Law were when the students shared their ideas and opinions,” said Isaac. “It was exciting to hear the students confidently engage with the material we covered in class.”

In a lesson on constitutional amendments, volunteers asked students which amendments they would like to see added to the U.S. Constitution. One student had the idea to grant free education to everyone in the United States, which was supported by others in the class.

The English Learning Center, in partnership with volunteers and organizations like the Minnesota Justice Foundation, is proud to provide free educational opportunities to adult learners. Together, we offer experiences that keep our community of learners, volunteers, and staff growing.