What is CivicTREK?

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