Please visit the Integrated Action Civics Project website for strategies and detailed information.
Brief Program Overivew
UCBHSSP leads the Integrated Action Civics Project, an insturctional approach that integrates civically-oriented project-based learning strategies with History-Social Studies curriculum. Formed through our collaboration with the Santa Clara and San Mateo County Offices of Education, along with a dedicated cohort of teacher leaders, we have developed, tested and shared this powerful approach to the integration of civic engagement into any History-Social Science, or other discipline, course curriculum.
How is this approach different?
Most civic engagement programs take place within government or civics courses, or exist as isolated projects within history classrooms. Integrated Action Civics is a different approach that weaves the powerful lenses and practices of civic action and change-analysis throughout the study of course content. Our goal is to empower all students as change-makers by integrating civic disposition, skills, and engagement opportunities within K-12 History-Social Studies courses
The change analysis skills they learn and practice throughout their education, along with their deepened sense of self, empowers students to engage with, and advocate for, issues that are important to them, as well as studying, connecting, and allying with other communities. This might be through school civic action projects, or even later in life as active, informed members of society
This model also can be used by educators in the development of civic action projects that are deeply integrated within the history curriculum, including YPAR projects in Ethnic Studies and/or to support students in earning the State Seal of Civic Engagement
Teaching for Change
The Change Analysis strategies are the key to the IAC framework. The lenses of power, stakeholders, and strategy development, among others, help students look at the content in a new way and help teach the process of social change. These can be selectively used to support an inquiry arc within a unit, and can be interspersed across a full course of study. The strategies are flexible and can be easily adapted and included in teachers's existing curriculum.
We want to not only teach that change happens, but also how chang happens.
Integrate civic engagement into your courses
- Read more about Integrated Action Civics.
- Watch for upcoming workshops and institutes via our events listings.
- Bring Integrated Action Civics to your school or district.
- Contact us: Devin Hess, Director, Integrated Action Civics Project, dhess@berkeley.edu