Service–Learning in the Social Studies: Civic Outcomes of the 3^rd–12^th Grade CiviConnections Program

Abstract

This article describes a service-learning intervention, the CivicConnections Program, as implemented by 96 teachers in 32 site-based teams in 21 states during 2004–2005. Each of the 32 teams was responsible for multiple service-based, social studies classrooms serving a total of more than 2500 students in grades 3–12. The individual classroom-level projects demonstrated much diversity. Student responses to pre-surveys and retrospective pre- and post-surveys indicated consistent and important growth regardless of ethnic background or grade level. Students reported significant increases in their knowledge and sense of efficacy and participation. The magnitude of reported outcomes differed considerably depending on the site where students participated, even though all 32 sites demonstrated some significant growth on the retrospective pre- to post-survey comparisons.