Service-learning as a dropout prevention strategy

1. Service-learningas a dropout prevention strategy Michael Slavkin, Kristen Watt, Jeremy McLaughlin

2. What is service-learning? Definition, Expectations

3. What Is Service-Learning?

4. What Does It Look Like? • Cleaning up a river isservice. • Sitting in a science classroom, looking at water samples under a microscope islearning. • Students taking samples from local water sources, analyzing the samples, documenting the results and presenting scientific findings to a local pollution control agency is service-learning.

5. National Community Trust Act (1993) – Definition of Service-Learning • Under which young people learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service experiences that meet actual community needs that are coordinated in collaboration with the school and community; • Is integrated with specific learning objectives and provides structured time for youth to think, talk, or write about what they did and saw during the actual service activity; • Provides young people with opportunities to use newly acquired skills and knowledge in real-life situations in their own communities; • Enhances what is taught in school by extending student learning beyond the classroom and into the community; and • Helps foster a sense of caring for others.

6. Aim for Quadrant IV:a good balance of learning and service Original Design: Hill, Service-Learning 2000 Center Modified: Geiger, “Service-Learning Toolbox,” NWREL

7. National service-learning standards National Youth Leadership Council – www.nylc.org

8. Points of Entry: The Process

9. High Quality Service-Learning • The NYLC defines high quality service-learning as: • Meets academic standards and curricular needs • Promotes critical thinking and problem solving • Engages community partners • Provides opportunities for youth voice throughout the project • Occurs throughout the term or academic year.

10. Example Project: Intergenerational • Think about the classic example of students working with an assisted living community: • Reading the newspaper • Painting their fingernails • Watching birds, going for walks around the center • Playing games (BINGO, singing songs, cards) • Doing art projects • Primary need of elderly – elderly want to feel more connected to the community • Primary need of students – students need to have interaction with other generations to learn morals, values, citizenship

11. Example Project Re-Thought

12. Mini-Grants • Check with district/corporation on deadlines • Must be reviewed by Service-Learning Advisory Board (S.L.A.B. – comprised of students, teachers, community partners, administrators, community partners) • Depending on total funding for corporation, should be $500 - $1,000 (sometimes larger with multiple teachers) • Issues: • How will you ensure matching funds? • How will standards align? • What outcome will be evidenced at the end of the program?

13. What Can I Buy

14. Questions and contacts Kristen – kwatt@goshenschools.org Jeremy – jmclaughlin@goshenschools.org Michael – mslavkin@usi.edu