The DKP worked with 60 educators in more than 15 districts in MA over five years to codesign, pilot, and redesign a year-long civics curriculum, entitled “Civic Engagement in Our Democracy,” (published August 2023) that is aligned with both the Massachusetts state requirements for civic education and, nationally, the Educating for American Democracy roadmap for high-quality history and civic education. The MA Dept of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has recognized the curriculum as one of four that meet DESE’s standards for high quality out of nearly 100 reviewed by an expert educator panel.

We believe that access to high-quality civics curriculum, experiential civic learning, and communities of practice are essential for teachers if they are to support deeper civic learning for students. Our in-person summer institute provides educators with an introduction to the curriculum, including its core pedagogies and the instructional strategies embedded within it.

This year’s Civic Engagement in Our Democracy Summer Institute took place July 15-17, 2025. Enacted by our implementation arm, DKP Launch, the summer institute is one of the professional development opportunities offered throughout the year to support a cohort of teacher implementers.