The Democratic Knowledge Project (DKP) at the Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics has been recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the high quality of it’s 8th grade curriculum, “Civic Engagement in Our Democracy.” The DKP’s curriculum was one of only four core civics curriculum materials of nearly 100 reviewed found to meet DESE’s expectations for high quality.

DESE engaged The Rennie Center for Education Research and Policy to oversee a review process of materials, including recruiting nine experienced civics educators to serve as teacher advisors. Teacher advisors met regularly to review and rate curricular materials on the following criteria:

• Authentic, meaningful tasks
• Culturally responsive pedagogy
• Support for all students
• Usability 

The DKP was the only Civics Curriculum of the four selected that was able to meet three of four criteria.  

We are incredibly proud of the recognition of the curriculum, which would not have been possible without the partnership of over thirty educator partners in 14 districts across the commonwealth over the past several years. Without their partnership implementing the curriculum in their classrooms, providing the DKP with input and feedback, and iterating with them on the redesign, the curriculum would not be as strong as it now is.

Congratulations to the DKP team!