Deadline to Sign Up: December 17 

http://www.abanet.org/publiced/noys/09/home.shtml

To apply, you will need to complete an application form, and ask your school principal to send a letter of support. Application at:

http://www.abanet.org/publiced/noys/09/theapplication.shtml

About the Summit

The National Online Youth Summit (NOYS) is a national program that encourages youth to learn about and critically evaluate a timely, law-related topic. The Summit curriculum, objectives, and goals are adaptable and allow teachers to create an exemplary project-based learning experience tailored to their students and relevant learning standards.

Over the last ten years, more than 4,000 students have participated in the Summit. Past topics have included environmental law, immigration, capital punishment, and youth internet access. Visit 2008 NOYS to learn more about last year's Summit.

The 2009 Summit

During the course of the 2009 Summit, high school students will study, research, and analyze the Second Amendment, and then engage in civil discourse online with students around the country. Students will explore the debate surrounding the Second Amendment through study of: historical context; national and state gun laws; role of pro-gun rights and pro-gun control advocacy groups; and guns in American popular culture.

NOYS Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Summit?

The Summit is designed to help high school students learn about a timely, law-related topic, and develop informed opinions about the issue. Students complete a series of activities designed by the ABA to build their knowledge and sharpen skills, such as critical thinking, research, civil discussion, writing, analysis, synthesis, self-direction, and cooperation.

Students will be asked to share thoughts and to take part in online discussions with other students across the country. The discussion is asynchronous— meaning that students do not need to be online at the same time.

Is the curriculum provided?

Yes. Activities are designed and provided by the ABA. Ongoing instructional support from ABA staff is provided throughout the project. Additional resources will also be made available. Teachers will be asked to create one individualized activity for students, based on parameters provided by the ABA.

When does the Summit take place?

The Summit takes place during the second-half of the school year, between January and May. Approximately 10-14 activities will take place over a 14 week period.

What do I need to do to prepare for the summit?

You will need to participate in an online orientation via a "teachers only" message board and complete required orientation activities. You will also need to integrate the program curriculum into your students' course of study.

How do students communicate with other schools? Will I need to install any software?

Students and teachers will communicate with each other and other schools through the use of FuseTalk, an Internet-based software. FuseTalk is an online message board where participants can post messages related to the topic at hand.

The first time you log-in to FuseTalk, you will be prompted to install an application. This application is used for composing posts and will need to be installed on each computer that is used during the summit. The installation is quick and automatic, but you may have problems if your school computers are behind firewalls. You will want to check with your school's technology expert to make sure you can download the application.

Are there any other technical requirements I should know about?

FuseTalk will work with any of the following browsers installed on your computers:

Internet Explorer (IE) version 4 and higher• Netscape version 4 and higher • Opera version 5.12 and higher • Safari • Firefox version 1.0 and higher (Note: There are known display issues with this browser) To participate in the Summit, you will need to provide school computers with Internet access for student use. You will also need to have a valid e-mail address, use e-mail on a regular basis, and agree to subscribe to a Summit listserve.

Is technical support provided?

ABA will help you to learn the software, but cannot help you to manage your technology. You may need to seek support from technical staff at your school.

Will just anybody be able to access my students' posts?

No! Our FuseTalk board is private and can only be accessed by using a password. Only students and teachers involved in the summit will be able to see your students' posts.

Will my students be able to write whatever they want on the message board?

No. We encourage you to ask your students to draft their posts offline, so that you can review the message before students post it online. You will also be responsible for managing your students' use of the Web, and engaging them in discussions on the message board. ABA staff is also active in monitoring web conferences.

Does the program meet national standards? What about state standards?

Yes. The Summit curriculum is adaptable, and can be aligned with many national and state standards.

Do students need permission from their parents to participate in the summit?

We encourage you to seek parental permission for students to participate in the online aspect of the Summit.

Do I have to pay to apply?

No! All we ask is that teachers hand in final reports, evaluations, and post tests.

How long has this program been around?

The first National Online Youth Summit was held in 1999. Since then, ten summits have taken place, and more than 4,000 students have participated.

Over the last ten years, students have told us that they enjoy the experience of online discussion with other high school kids in different parts of the country. Our pre- and post- tests show that students improve their knowledge of the topic during the course of the Summit.

For more information, please contact:

Rina Shah

American Bar Association

Division for Public Education

321 N. Clark Street, 20.2

Chicago, IL 60654-7598

shahr@staff.abanet.org