Children Discovering Justice (CDJ) is a Massachusetts standards-based K-5 civics curriculum that has been revised and enhanced this year through feedback from Teacher Leaders and Professional Development cohort participants throughout the Commonwealth. Teachers can now access fully updated CDJ resources to elevate student discourse and build deeper social studies and civics connections in their classrooms. 

Erin Wallace, a 3rd grade teacher in Boston, shared, “The materials are very engaging and give students of all learning styles and abilities an access point!”

At a March 13th briefing organized by Discovering Justice, an audience of 60 Massachusetts legislators and their staff gathered in the Massachusetts State House to hear students and teachers speak on the importance of the state’s continued investment in civic education.

This spring, Discovering Justice joins with the Massachusetts Civic Learning Coalition (MCLC) and other civic leaders across the Commonwealth for Massachusetts Civic Learning Week.

From March 11-15, Discovering Justice and its partners will host events, bringing together local students, educators, policymakers, and leaders to energize the movement to make civic learning a top priority. The theme for this year’s civic learning week is “Civic Learning as a Unifying Force Beyond 2024.”

Discovering Justice has three events planned. The organization will host two virtual “Zoom with a Judge” sessions for students in elementary through high school to learn about the judicial system directly from a judge In the name of MCLC, Discovering Justice will coordinate an in-person forum March 13 at the Massachusetts State House, which invites legislators and their staff to hear from students and teachers about civic education programs happening in districts across Massachusetts. 

Interested parties are invited to fill out MCLC’s interest form for more information, including registration dates.

Massachusetts Civics Learning Week is a part of National Civic Learning Week.

Last week, Discovering Justice welcomed our new Communications and Development Senior Associate to the team. Welcome, Emily Duggan!

Emily Duggan believes in the importance of experiential learning programs to help young people explore new perspectives, environments, and ideas. A poet and performer, Emily is proud to have supported communications and development initiatives for a variety of local nonprofits. She earned a BA in Creative Writing from Brandeis University, with graduate study in Theatre Education at Emerson College and Writing at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Emily will be working with Executive Director Matt Wilson and all members of the Discovering Justice team to implement communications, promote our programs, and plan the Annual Gala in the June.

Last month, Discovering Justice hosted a special panel event: “Court Interpreting Within The Judiciary: Making Justice Accessible.” Moderated by Discovering Justice Executive Director Matt Wilson, the panel of court interpreters, judges, and attorneys highlighted the essential role interpreters play in the courtroom and larger legal system, and the challenges those interpreters face. 

Sponsored by The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, the Federal Bar Association, and the New England Translation Association, the event was a part of an ongoing public events series in the Moakley US Courthouse from the Courthouse and Discovering Justice. Over the last two years, this series has offered events focusing on Restorative Justice and the role of the media in the justice system.