Civic engagement in American schools: an evaluation study

2018-02-13This study of high school students at the American School of Central America (ASCA) looks to evaluate the civic engagement program in the high school. The study looks to address two research questions: 1. What are the students’ knowledge, motivation, and organizational needs necessary for ASCA to achieve a minimum rate of one hundred and fifty civic engagement hours for all the graduates? 2. How civically engaged are ASCA students? What are the spaces and times that they are civically engaged? All high school students at ASCA were asked to participate in the study. Students completed a survey and selected students participated in an interview and supplied civic engagement reflections through their student ePortfolios. Students show knowledge and motivation to participate in civic engagement activities and the school provides students with some avenues to get involved in the community. Though students volunteer their time in the local community, the school can do more to promote sustainable civic engagement practices in its students and graduates. The study provides additional data and conclusions on civic engagement and focuses specifically on one private American school in Central America. The conclusions presented add to the literature on International/American schools and their ability to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make lasting change in their communities