 |
 |
OREGON
OREGON SCHOOLS TAPPED FOR SERVICE-LEARNING INITIATIVE EUGENE, Oregon – December 13, 1999 – Five Oregon school districts will develop comprehensive service-learning models as part of a $13 million national initiative funded by the Kellogg Foundation. The announcement was made today by State Schools Superintendent Stan Bunn and representatives of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Education Commission of the States. Districts selected to develop the models are Eugene, Powers, Crook County, Creswell and Tillamook. There are many service-learning projects in Oregon schools, but the Kellogg grant is designed to develop models that connect kindergarten and all 12 grades. The Foundation, working with the Education Commission of the States (ECS), selected Oregon and four other states to develop the models. Other states are Maine, California, Minnesota and South Carolina. The Initiative is called “Learning In Deed: Making a Difference Through Service-Learning.” “Service-learning pays many dividends,” said State Schools Superintendent Stan Bunn. “But the main payoff is that it gets students to higher academic standards. We’re excited to be a part of this prestigious Initiative that will help schools across the country. “Service-learning lets students apply what they learn in the classroom and give back to their communities,” Bunn added. “We have many examples across the state which show how service-learning helps, but we need to expand those opportunities to all students.” ECS will work with Oregon and the other four states to increase the number of schools providing quality service-learning opportunities; ensure service-learning efforts are integrated into the core academic curriculum, and develop policies and funding to support effective service-learning practice. “We are excited to work with Oregon through Learning In Deed,” said Christine M. Kwak, Kellogg Foundation program director for Learning In Deed. “Through service-learning, we find students gain an increased sense of civic responsibility and a commitment to community involvement.” “Service-learning also helps improve school performance and academic engagement while it helps reduce involvement in risky behavior,” Kwak added. “Often, students emerge with improved self-confidence, real-world experiences and a passion to make a difference.” ### |