Skip to main content

Service Learning

Definition

Service Learning is a teaching strategy that connects classroom curriculum with service projects. Service Learning engages students in projects that serve the community while building social, civic, and academic skills.

Service Learning is a pedagogical strategy, not an outcome. Service-Learning is an opportunity for students to develop Common Core skills and 21st-century skills (Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, and Critical Thinking/Problem Solving) through project preparation and development, execution, and reflection.

Research indicates that when students participate in high-quality Service-Learning we see positive academic, social/emotional, and civic outcomes.

Stages of Service Learning

In order to qualify as a Service Learning project, a service experience must include the following components:

  • Preparation - Students prepare for their service by learning about the issue, building their skills and knowledge, and developing an action plan for service.
  • Action - Students engage in meaningful service by working on a project that will make a difference in their community and is tied to their classroom curriculum.

  • Reflection - Teachers enable students to analyze and make sense of their experience through discussion, journaling, and presentation opportunities.

Service Learning Requirements

For the graduating classes of 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 ONLY  graduation requirements are:

Two classroom-integrated Service Learning projects + 15 individual service hours

For the graduating class of 2020 and beyond (incoming Freshman of 2016-2017 SY) graduation requirements are:

  • One Service Learning project in Civics or AP Government Course & One classroom-integrated Service Learning project (in any additional course)

  • One Service Learning project in Civics or AP Government Course + One independent Service Learning project