Content Objectives
This unit, taking place over three weeks, provides an opportunity to teach students how they or family members have fallen into the legal system, why they may have remained in it, and how to advocate to improve the system and consequently their communities. We will trace how changes in culture and law and the status of race and class have determined not only the reckless and prejudiced state of our juvenile justice systems, but also the challenges young people face afterwards. Critical reading along with reflective and supported writing and research will address necessary state and local ELA standards. Materials may include essays, informational texts, political and social cartoons, a graphic novel, song lyrics, and websites. All of the background and proposals are research-based. As students begin to understand the systems and policies that have affected their encounters with the legal system, I want them to cease seeing themselves as victims or adversaries and instead come to see themselves as advocates for change and appropriate justice.
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