DISTRICT/SCHOOL POLICY

How Local Policymakers Can Support Service-Learning

Decision makers at all levels, from governors to school principals to parents, can play a role in supporting service-learning in the nation’s schools. Below you will find a few ideas.

School Districts and Local School Boards

  • Establish district vision, philosophy and mission statements.
  • Develop a district policy framework for defining and supporting service-learning.
  • Create a budgetary and organizational infrastructure for service-learning.
  • Build and sustain school-community partnerships.
  • Make service-learning an integral component in hiring new teachers, and use professional development funds to support service-learning training for current teachers.
  • Visit service-learning programs in schools whenever possible.
  • Highlight the impact of service-learning on outstanding student leadership and student achievement.
  • Recognize teachers and administrators who lead outstanding service-learning activities.
  • Allow deviations to traditional scheduling to support service-learning (e.g., block scheduling to allow sufficient time for activities, as well as planning time for teachers).

Teachers and Administrators

  • Take advantage of federal, state, local and private funds available to support the implementation of service-learning.
  • Partner with local colleges and universities to recruit new teachers and mentors for service-learning activities.
  • Link service to curriculum goals, objectives and performance outcomes.
  • Implement alternative scheduling strategies to make time for service activities as part of the school day.
  • Involve youth in their education by involving them fully in planning, implementing and evaluating service-learning activities.
  • Document learning results from service-learning activities and assessments and tell the story to a variety of audiences.
  • Provide on-going training and professional development for teachers, administrators, community partners, students and family members so everyone understands service-learning.

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