NEWS AND UPDATES!
We've added a 4th Course- scroll down to learn about our exciting new
Summer Institute- Leadership, Law, and School Practices!Register before May 30, 2008 to receive an "Early Bird" discount!
Click here to download the brochure with all the details for the 2008 Summer Institutes on the Courts: -2008 Summer Institutes on the Courts Brochure
Courts, Laws, and Schools
Dates: July 14-18
Studies have shown repeatedly that most Americans know very little about their judicial system. This institute is designed to remedy that by providing participants with an overview of the courts. Observations in RI District Court, Family, and Superior Courts and trips to the RI Supreme Court, the RI Workers' Compensation Court, and the Training School are complemented by visits from judges, prosecutors, public defenders, and other court personnel. Participants develop and understanding of the courts in ways that make the course relevant for today's educators. This course is not a prerequisite but those who know very little about the courts will benefit from taking it before the other two. (Three graduate, PDC or CEU credits)
Family Court and Schools
Dates: July 21-25
Most classrooms have at least one student who has had contact with the Family Court in the past year. There are children whose parents are divorcing or who are at the center of a custody battle. Others have been abused or neglected and are in the custody of DCYF. Some are truant or adjudicated. This institute examines the impact Family Court has on students, classrooms, and educators by providing an in-depth look at the Family Court. Child Support cases, contested divorces, and juvenile hearings normally closed to the public, are among the matters observed. Meetings with Judges complement the observations and visits to the Training School and the ACI put things in perspective. Panel discussions and workshops on court-related programs and available services round out the week. (Courts, Laws, & Schools is not a prerequisite but it provides a good foundation for this course). (Three graduate, PDC or CEU credits)
Classroom to Courtroom
Dates: July 28-August 1
From the broad overview of the courts in Courts, Laws, & Schools, the focus shifts to Family Court for Family Court & Schools. This third institute narrows the focus further. Starting with a hypothetical model - a violent crime committed by two young people (a 15 year old juvenile and an 18 year old), this institute examines the system from crime to investigation to court to incarceration. Court observations, judges, prosecutors, panel discussions and workshops illustrate the possible outcomes of violent crimes committed by youthful offenders. Representatives from diversionary programs, residential programs, and juvenile probation fill in the gaps. A tour of the Wyatt Detention Center, where dangerous young offenders have been held, completes the experience. (Three graduate, PDC or CEU credits)
Leadership, Law and School Practices
Dates: August 4-8
Educators today are faced with an ever-expanding set of challenges to the profession: academic performance, school safety, internet issues, attendance, alcohol and drugs, are only a few. This course is designed to examine and explore the legal theory and practices in the court systems and practical applications at the school level. Blending actual court experiences with leadership skills, change theory, and the principles of influence, participants will return to their schools with research-based approaches as a means to improve their school culture and climate and allow a greater anount of time to devote to student learning. Courtroom observations, reflective journals, and a trip to the ACI complete this course. (Three graduate, PDC or CEU credits)