Education Technology
Empowering the Future: Attleboro’s Student-Led Court System Boosts Engagement and Real-World Learning
Student-led courts in one Massachusetts district are reducing suspensions while teaching teenagers how the justice system actually works
Key takeaways
Student-led courts in one Massachusetts district are reducing suspensions while teaching teenagers how the justice system actually works
This episode of the “Just Thinking” podcast, host Kevin Dougherty, features an innovative approach taken by Attleboro Public Schools to address school discipline and engagement through a student-led court system.
Toby Reed, a Criminal Justice Instructor at Attleboro High School, and his former student, Peter DelPozzo, a current Student at Norwich University discuss the creation and impact of this court, which aims to reduce suspension rates and prevent the school-to-prison pipeline by handling minor infractions with restorative practices. This initiative not only educates students about the justice system but also empowers them to actively participate in resolving issues, fostering responsibility, engagement, and a sense of community. The project represents a shift towards more student-led learning experiences, demonstrating the benefits of trusting students with real responsibilities and highlighting the potential for such innovative programs to transform educational approaches to discipline and student involvement.
The project represents a shift towards more student-led learning experiences, demonstrating the benefits of trusting students with real responsibilities and highlighting the potential for such innovative programs to transform educational approaches to discipline and student involvement.
About the author
Kevin Dougherty is the Chief Strategy Officer for 806 Technologies. He has spent the past 39 years as an educator and serving educators. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts/Amherst, Kevin earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Multicultural Education. He later earned a Master of Education Degree in Education Administration from the University of Massachusetts/Lowell. Kevin was a classroom teacher for ten years in the Dallas, Boston, and Houston areas. He then served as an assistant principal/principal of Title I/Bilingual campuses in Fort Bend ISD and Irving ISD. For the past 22 years, Kevin has been serving educators throughout Texas and the nation in various roles supporting sales/marketing, professional learning, and overall company strategy. He has been married to his wife, Michelle, for 33 years. They have two grown children who both live in the DFW area.
