Current Projects
Law & Justice Pathway
In February 2009, Civic Ed Project began working with the Education Development Center (EDC) on development of a 4-year Law & Justice Pathway for law-themed high schools. EDC is "a global nonprofit organization that designs, delivers and evaluates innovative programs to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges in education, health, and economic opportunity."The project includes design of (1) 4-year Program of Study, (2) "Foundations of Law" 9th grade course, and (3) "Foundations of Criminal Justice" 10th grade course as well as delivery of professional development programs for high school teachers.
The
9th grade course is currently being piloted by five law or law
enforcement themed high schools in California. The 10th grade
course
will be piloted beginning in September 2010.
The project is funded by the James Irvine Foundation, which is "dedicated to expanding opportunity for the people of California to participate in a vibrant, successful and inclusive society." This project is part of a broader effort by the Irvine Foundation to comptetely transform the high school curriculum. Called "Linked Learning" (formerly called "Multiple Pathways"),their approach "combines strong academics and real-world experience to help students build a strong foundation for success in college and careers—and life."
Both courses are being designed using project based learning (PBL), defined by the Buck Institute for Education as “a systematic teaching method that engages students in learning knowledge and skills through an extended inquiry process structured around complex, authentic questions and carefully designed products and tasks.”
Click here to read an EDC press release about the project.
Click here to view an invitiation to the Law and Justice Professional Development Institute in Sacramento, CA July 20-23, 2010.