MASSACHUSETTS TRIAL COURT REPRESENTATIVES PARTICIPATE IN ADVANCED LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE IN JUDICIAL EDUCATION

Boston -- A four-member team from the Massachusetts Trial Court participated in the Leadership Institute in Judicial Education 2004, Advanced Institute, held at the University of Memphis from May 20 through May 23, 2004. Suffolk Juvenile Court Clerk-Magistrate Donna M. Ciampoli of South Boston; Probate and Family Court Judge Edward F. Donnelly, Jr. of Maynard; Franklin/Hampshire Counties Juvenile Court Chief Probation Officer Edward A. Driscoll of Florence; and Director of Judicial Education Ellen M. O'Connor of Shrewsbury attended the program.

            The purpose of the Advanced Institute was to build upon the six-day Basic Institute program held in June 2003.  Both sessions examined the theory and practice of adult learning, cognitive and ethical development, curriculum design, and program planning.  Support staff education committees were established on a departmental level as a result of the implementation of an action plan for improving judicial branch education formulated at the Basic Institute. These committees will focus on developing quality continuing education for departmental personnel.

           In December 2003, the Massachusetts team presented a two-day, on-site institute in Marlborough to introduce members of the newly established education committees and other invited guests to the principles and curriculum of the Leadership Institute in Judicial Education.

            The Advanced Institute concentrated on advanced theory and practice in professional development and education, and included a presentation by the Massachusetts team on the Trial Court's establishment of departmental education committees.

            Tuition and travel expenses for judicial and court personnel were funded by the State Justice Institute (SJI), a non-profit organization established by Federal law to award grants to improve the quality of justice in State courts nationwide, facilitate better coordination between State and Federal courts, and foster innovative, efficient solutions to common problems faced by all courts.More information about the State Justice Institute is available on the SJI web site (http:/www.statejustice.org).