Civic Learning Award: Valley High School
Valley High School
Elk Grove Unified School District
County of: Sacramento
Civic Learning Award of: Merit
Recognized for: Valley Leadership; Valley Health TECH Academy; Social Sciences Department
School Website
Highlight: Valley High School's Health TECH Academy emphasizing public health, has 62% at-risk students and a 100% graduation rate.
Civic Learning Description
Valley High School has a diverse student body, with a high population of socioeconomically disadvantaged students, and English Learners speaking more than 20 languages. The number of students scoring proficient and advanced on US History CST has increased by 47 percent at Valley High School, due to the Social Sciences Department’s increased use of simulations and other methods to engage students. Valley’s Health TECH Academy, a small learning community with a rigorous academic curriculum, partners with community health providers to involve students in meaningful public health projects, including a vibrant, annual health and fitness expo. And students in the school’s active Leadership program go beyond organizing school rallies, to sponsoring unity days that build connections on campus, and to coordinating a one-week summer camp for children in their community.
Research-Based Civic Education Practices
This school demonstrates the following research-based best practices in civic education. For more information on research-based best practices, visit the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools website.
- Discuss current local, national and international issues and events in the classroom, particularly those that young people view as important to their lives.
- Conduct community service that is linked to the formal curriculum and classroom (Service-learning)
- Offer extracurricular activities that provide opportunities for young people to get involved in their schools or communities.
- Encourage students’ participation in simulations of democratic process and procedures such as voting, trials, legislative deliberation, and diplomacy.
Contact Information
Chelsea Bowler-Shelton
6300 Ehrhardt Avenue
Sacramento, California 95823
(916)-689-6500