WALTHAM, MA | June 28, 2012
A new Law and Justice curriculum is now available online and free of charge for teachers working with grades 9–12 and beyond. This two-year program was developed by EDC and funded by The James Irvine Foundation.
The Law and Justice program includes two one-year courses—Foundations in Law and Foundations in Criminal Justice—which may be taught in combination or independently. Both courses are recommended for use in social studies, legal studies, criminal justice, and U.S. government classes in public schools, career academies, and postsecondary institutions.
Foundations in Law helps students understand how laws are created, enforced, interpreted, and changed. Students examine criminal, civil, constitutional, and international law, as well as explore civil rights issues and the roles of advocacy, civics, and the media in the U.S. legal system.
Foundations in Criminal Justice provides students with a broad overview of the criminal and juvenile justice systems. Students learn about historical developments and current practices in criminal law, corrections, and the courts. They explore the meaning of crime and justice, and the relationship between criminal justice and social justice.
The courses were developed with substantial input from curriculum developers, legal practitioners, educators, and school administrators. Industry experts who reviewed the curriculum gave it high praise. As one reviewer states, “I was completely floored by the level of thought, creativity, and skill that went into creating it.” Teachers have described the curriculum as being “extremely detailed” and “well-resourced,” with activities that are “exciting and engaging, and [that] also leave room for more exploration.”
“We designed the program as a fully integrated learning experience for students—one that connects core skills with academic, career, and technical content knowledge,” said Eliza Fabillar of EDC. “After receiving such positive feedback, EDC is excited to offer the program to high schools nationally.”
Developed to meet national social studies, career technical education (CTE), common core, and industry standards, the courses were pilot-tested in California high schools. The program’s Teacher Toolkit, also developed by EDC, provides strategies, templates, and practical resources to support teachers working with students of diverse abilities, interests, and backgrounds. EDC also provides professional development and technical assistance to schools and districts.
To download the free Law and Justice program curricula, including the Teacher Toolkit, go to: http://lawandjustice.edc.org.
Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC), is a global nonprofit organization that addresses some of the world’s most urgent challenges in education, health, and economic development. EDC manages more than 250 projects in 23 countries. Visit edc.org.
