Service Learning

Dr. Sukola

November 4, 2014

What is Service Learning? DOE SOP #400-002

Service Learning (SL) is defined as a teaching and learning approach that integrates service to the community with academic study to enrich learning, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.

The standards-based curriculum must: (1) meet the needs of the community,

(2) help foster civic responsibility

(3) used to integrate and enhance the academic curriculum of the students, and

(4) provide structured time for students to reflect on their experience.

DOE SOP #400-002 (Con’t) SL shall only be with governmental entities and

non-profit organizations, unless approved by the Superintendent and the Board.

SL shall not be part of a penalty or disciplinary action.

SL through religiously-affiliated organizations is permitted. However, the service shall not be religious in nature.

There shall be no credit for SL involving monetary compensation.

SL hours shall be recorded on student report cards.

SL hours shall be documented on PowerSchool by teachers on a quarterly basis.

What types of projects may be considered for Service Learning?

Direct Service: Works performed directly with people or providing a service like tutoring, picking-up litter, painting bus stops, etc.

Indirect Service: Provides support like helping with mailings, collecting clothes or can foods, creating pamphlets.

Advocacy: Writing letters to businesses or local senators supporting or opposing an issue in the community, making signs and participating during a wave.

Taking Action in Our Community What are our needs in our community?

Make a list

Identify what you know

Select one community need What is the cause?

Who is helping?

What are some ways we can help?

Recipients of Service Learning are able to have unmet needs addressed through the valuable service that the student volunteers provide.

PARC Model PREPARATION

Teacher reviews curriculum and identifies ways to integrate SL

Teacher works with students to assess community issues, focusing on problems, and possible solutions.

Teacher and students explore service options and select a project.

Teacher and students finalize plans to begin Service Learning.

PARC Model (Con’t) ACTION

Teacher and students take steps to implement SL

Teacher facilitates students’ participation, using on-going evaluation, and makes necessary changes.

Students perform the service with supervision, but not necessarily by the teacher.

PARC Model (Con’t) REFLECTION

Teacher provides opportunities for individual and group reflection activities throughout the process.

Teacher and students incorporate student reflection in the classes' evaluation of the success of the completed project, essays, portfolios, and displays.

Teacher integrates students’ reflections in planning for future projects.

Examples: Journals, reflection/essay papers, a letter, article for newspaper, poem, statistics report, research report on the larger issue, time lines, displays, collages, PPT, video, song, skit, dance, etc.

PARC Model (Con’t) CELEBRATION

Teacher and students decide how to celebrate the group’s accomplishments

Recognize those involved

Everyone celebrates

Recognize students in a school bulletin, local newspaper, certificates of recognition for participation, invite the service recipient for students’ presentations, create a bulletin board to showcase the activity, have students share their experiences with others.