Students and justice organizations benefit from educational partnerships
By Karen Machura, Education Coordinator
In the last issue of Just-in I introduced you to the new Alberta Public Legal Education Initiative. This proactive strategy was developed in response to the first theme of the Alberta Justice Summit - to improve public knowledge, education and awareness of the justice system. I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you more about two of the several initiatives detailed last issue - the Teacher Resource Manual and the Alberta Public Legal Education Resource Database.
Teacher Resource Manual
While doing research and talking with Albertans and justice partners, Alberta Justice discovered a lack of useful resource material on our justice system for teachers to use in the classroom. This led us into discussions with Alberta Learning to find the best curriculum fit for such a resource. The Grade 10 Social Studies classroom was identified as the key place to teach students more about our justice system.
Once this group was identified, the department enlisted the expertise of Alberta teachers. Over the past few months, Grade 10 Social Studies teachers have participated in a focus group session, a working group session and in an on-going advisory capacity to help Alberta Justice develop the contents of the resource manual. The Teacher Resource Manual will provide lesson plans, teacher and student background information, activities and assessment ideas for teachers. It is anticipated that this resource will be made available to classroom teachers across the province by the 2002/2003 school year.
Alberta Public Legal Education Resource Database
Another initiative that resulted from talking with Albertans and justice partners was the need to establish a centralized information database of available public legal education providers in Alberta. Alberta Justice responded by teaming up with the John Howard Society of Alberta to establish the Alberta Public Legal Education Resource Database.
The database, currently being developed, will provide basic information about Alberta organizations that are working in the field of public legal education. It is intended to help both organizations and Albertans in finding and linking with public legal education providers in the province through a user-friendly search site. The database will also make it easier for users to identify public legal education services and programs available in our province.
When completed, this database will be placed on the Alberta Justice/Alberta Solicitor General website at www.gov.ab.ca/just. It is anticipated that this initiative will be available to users by the end of the year.
If you have any comments or questions about these initiatives please contact the Education Coordinator at PLE.Coordinator@gov.ab.ca or by telephone at (780) 427-8530 (dial 310-0000 to be connected toll-free).
