CivicTREK is a year-long professional development opportunity for teachers from any content area in grades 3-12 to develop project-based learning experiences in which students solve real-world problems and connect to their communities.
SERVICE LEARNING IS:
- a teaching and learning strategy embedded in the school day
- students identifying and solving problems in their school, community or world
- using academic skills for authentic purposes
WHAT SERVICE LEARNING IS NOT:
- keeping track of volunteer hours
- students “doing” community service
- a one time volunteer day
- an experience unconnected to the curriculum and academic skills
EXAMPLES OF SERVICE LEARNING PROJECTS IN ACPS:
Community issue: Increasing access to books. Students researched and used mathematics to design Little Free Libraries for their community
Community issue: Building a welcoming school. Inspired by Progressive Movement leaders, history students created and implemented a plan for beautifying their school
Community issue: Supporting family needs. Building on their own strengths, students with learning needs designed a family resource center