Civic Learning Award: El Camino Creek Elementary School
El Camino Creek Elementary School
County of: San Diego
Civic Learning Award of: Distinction
Recognized for: Going beyond the classroom to connect young students with civic leaders and professionals to get a deeper understanding of their communities.
Civic Learning Description
El Camino Creek is a Justice School that engages young students in meaningful integrated curriculum that includes mock trials and collaboration with their local Superior Court. The school also involves students in local environmental projects as part of the science program. El Camino Creek is a district model in providing permanent civic education opportunities for all students.
Research-Based Civic Education Practices
This school demonstrates the following research-based best practices in civic education:
- Provide instruction in government, history, law and democracy, and avoid teaching only rote facts about dry procedures.
- 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).
- Encourage student participation in school governance.
- Encourage students’ participation in simulations of democratic process and procedures such as voting, trials, legislative deliberation, and diplomacy.
For more information on research-based best practices, visit the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools website
Contact Information
Mrs. Meredith Mills
Meredith.mills@eusd.net
760-943-2051