The Decision Center The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum and the Harry S. Truman Library InsƟtute are excited to present The White House Decision Center (WHDC), an experienƟal program in which students take on the roles of President Truman and his advisors facing real-life historical decisions. The WHDC provides students with an innovaƟve one-of-a-kind learning experience in a recreaƟon of the West Wing of the White House. Primary documents such as declassified papers, leƩers, diary entries, and military reports from President Truman, his advisors and other federal agencies are used to help facilitate the experience.
“ I hope this library will give young people a better understanding of the history and nature of the presidency and the government of the United States.” THE WHDC CURRICULUM The White House Decision Center acƟvely engages students in the learning process. A day of acƟve student role-playing at the center highlights the program. During the WHDC curriculum, students take on the roles of actual presidenƟal advisors, recommending a course of acƟon on a criƟcal issue from the Truman Presidency. A presidenƟal briefing iniƟates the decision process and leads to group meeƟngs where students are faced with a naƟonal or internaƟonal dilemma. Students, working in teams, analyze primary documents and collecƟvely advise their president. Decisions are prepared and presented by the president who then faces quesƟoning by students acƟng in their secondary role as press correspondents or U.S. Senators and RepresentaƟves. This curriculum includes four pre-visit and one post-visit classroom modules, extensive materials, and teacher training.
Creative Education STUDENT SKILLS The main goals of the White House Decision Center are to strengthen student skills in information gathering and analysis, problem solving, leadership, decision making, group cooperation, and communication while increasing knowledge of American history, government, and the presidency. SCENARIOS Teachers select one of the following:
•Reacting to the North Korean invasion of South Korea in June 1950 •Responding to the 1948 Soviet blockade of Berlin •Addressing post WWII civil rights and desegregation of the military •Ending the war against Japan
STUDENT FEES A per student fee applies for the WHDC with a minimum group charge. This price includes the full curriculum, materials, teacher training and use of the facility, including an optional tour of the museum. For detailed pricing information vist www.trumanlibrary. org/whdc. WHDC FACILITY The WHDC program takes place in the Truman Library’s Ed and Beth Smith Education Wing. The facility, which can accommodate up to 64 students per session, includes eight meeting rooms and a large pressroom furnished to resemble the West Wing of the White House. The program was designed for students in grades 8-12, and meets national and state social studies knowledge and language arts skills standards. PLAN YOUR TRIP TODAY For additional information or to reserve space for your students, contact the White House Decision Center office at (816) 268-8241 or visit www.trumanlibrary.org.
Each year more than 5,000 students participate in this experiential, role playing program based on President Truman’s most important decisions!
Teacher Testimonials Overall I thought it was a terrific and extremely worthwhile experience. Some (students) even commented to me that it was the best field trip they had been on. I will definitely be bringing my students back every year. Chris, Lee’s Summit High School The WHDC provided my students with ‘hands on’ history. The past became the present, an interactive drama as my freshmen lived the push and pull of conflicting opinions within the halls of power, wrestled with the burden of the presidency and dealt with the power of the press. Gaylen, Winnetonka High School We had a great time at the White House Decision Center. The program is unbelievable! It gives the students a realistic understanding of the issues faced by Truman and the process through which he worked to devise and implement policy. The history is truly ‘hands on.’ Ann, Archbishop O’Hara High School We often can’t immerse the students in these types of primary sources, let alone the decision making and role playing, so the opportunity for them and us is invaluable. Darla, Parkview High School Our WHDC experience is a highlight for my students each year. It is quite simply one of the best simulations available. Val, Lawrence High School
500 West U.S. Highway 24 Independence, Missouri 64050-1798
www.TrumanLibrary.org/whdc The White House Decision Center program and materials may not be used without permission.