July 2001

Courtrooms to Classrooms

by Lynn Mattson-Eul

"The goal of the Snohomish County Prosecutor's Office is to keep kids away from behavior that leads to the criminal justice system. Having deputy prosecutors teach kids decision-making skills and consequences helps them make the right choices when faced with peer pressure and other tough life decisions. Preventing violence and self-defeating behavior, like drug and alcohol use, starts with having the right tools to make the best choice. Courtrooms to Classrooms is designed by prosecutors and educators as an early prevention tool."

James H. Krider
Snohomish County Prosecutor

Courtrooms to Classrooms, a fifth-grade curriculum, has been designed to support current research related to reducing destructive behaviors such as substance abuse, dropping out of school, truancy and violence. In 1999, the Snohomish County Prosecutor's Office acquired an existing curriculum and adapted it to the needs of fifth graders in Snohomish County. This curriculum continues to be revised as the office approaches the third year of teaching the program. The feedback and recognition of this successful program has been phenomenal.

Research suggests that individuals who grow up in environments that promote protective factors are less likely to engage in destructive behaviors. Courtrooms to Classrooms supports the research in promoting protective factors by:

encouraging youth to lead healthy, productive and legal lifestyles;
emphasizing civics and the many roles in the justice system;
highlighting accomplice liability, problem-solving and decision-making;
providing opportunities for positive risk-taking;
placing a high value on education;
reinforcing strong attachments to school and community; and
bonding to positive role models.

During the 2000-2001 school year, 60 volunteers accumulated approximately 1,000 hours of service. The program, with a current waiting list of 35 classrooms, serves 1,250 students in 40 classrooms across six school districts in Snohomish County. Courtrooms to Classrooms emphasizes a five-lesson plan that includes:

Who's Who in the Justice System;
The Justice System at Work;
Groups, Individuals and Consequences;
Mock Trial Preparation; and
the "Trial of Goldi-locks."

The program is funded by a Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant and is currently in the second year of its grant period. The grant pays for printing, training, curriculum materials, and the coordinator's salary. The only cost for the participating school is the field-trip transportation to the courthouse. For more information about the Courtrooms to Classrooms program, contact Lynn Mattson-Eul at 425-388-3361.

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