The DKP has worked with 60 educators in more than 15 districts in MA over the past four years to codesign, pilot, and redesign a year-long civics curriculum, entitled “Civic Engagement in Our Democracy“, 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). “Civic Engagement in Our Democracy” has been wide released as of August 2023.

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.  This in-person institute provided Massachusetts educators with an introduction to the curriculum, including a focus on its core pedagogies and the instructional strategies embedded within it.

This took place July 16-18, 2024 at Harvard University.