Teachers Turn to Online Sources For Election Background

By Michelle Galley

Washington

When social studies teacher Franklin Foster began planning the election unit for his U.S. history class this year, he found a set of lesson plans that fit his needs perfectly. But he didn't come across the materials by searching through textbooks, newspapers, or handbooks on supplementary curriculum.

Instead, he went online and discovered an engaging Web site dedicated to the vice presidency—an office generally glossed over in the broader discussion of this November's presidential election.

"Who knows about the vice presidency, except that it is a way to get to the presidency?" asked Mr. Foster, who teaches at the 890-student Allen County High...