2006 Midwest Regional Academic Assistance Workshop: “Designing a For-Credit Bar Exam Preparatory Course”

Tentative Program Agenda

The Bar Exam: What is Tested and How?

The National Conference of Bar Examiners

• This session will focus on what is tested and how it is tested on the bar exam. Representatives from the National Conference of Bar Examiners will present on this topic

Your State’s Bar Exam: Who and What You Need to Know

State Bar Examiners

• This session will focus on working with your state bar examination officials —what information is available; what assistance can the bar examiner provide your school; and how to use bar examiner officials in your program.

Getting to Know the Commercial Bar Review: A Review of the Formats, Strategies and Effectiveness

Representatives from the major commercial bar review companies

• This session will look at the nature of commercial courses available to students from the traditional courses to self-directed study courses. How do you talk to your students about the pros and cons of various commercial bar review products? What services can commercial bar review companies offer your school?

The For-Credit Bar Preparatory Course: Who, When and Why? Part I

Workshop participants

• This session will look at issues involving assessing the student audience, scheduling and timing, securing people and financial resources for the course. Etc.

The For-Credit Bar Preparatory Course: Who, When and Why? Part II

Workshop participants

• This session will focus on determining the components of the course-- substance and/or skills, text and materials, syllabus, format, etc.

Beyond the Classroom: What More Can We Do?

Workshop participants

• Dealing with the whole student: Stress and time management, financial considerations, and attitude
• Involving the whole law school community: How to involve doctrinal faculty, administrators and alumni in your bar support efforts

Best Practices Show and Tell: What Are You Doing That Works?

Workshop participants

• An opportunity for participants to share classroom exercises, approaches and ideas that they have used with success in their bar support efforts

Putting It All Together

Workshop participants

• Wrap Up: questions, concerns, and suggestions for future programs