Service
Learning
Culminating Projects
&
Civic
Engagement
What is
it?
Service
Learning
Service learning is a
project based teaching and learning strategy that connects
classroom learning with meeting a community need that is applicable
for emementary, middle, and high school students.
High
school students are required to complete 60 hours of a service
learning experience for graduation from Seattle Public
Schools.
High
School Graduation Requirements - Service Learning:
In a
survey of definitions of Service Learning from around the world,
three common elements were found:
- Clear Learning
Objectives
- Meets Genuine
Need
- Incorporates
Systematic Reflection
National Service
Learning Standards based on current research are described
at:
www.nylc.org/standards
Culminating
Projects
Washington Statewide
goals:
- Encourage students to
think analytically, logically and creatively and to integrate
experience and knowledge to solve problems.
- Give students a chance
to explore a topic in which they have a great interest.
- Offer students an
opportunity to apply their learning in a “real world"
way.
As
part of the Culminating Project, each student will demonstrate
essential skills through reading, writing, speaking, production
and/or performance. To complete the project, students may be asked
to write a research paper, work with a mentor in school or in the
community, present to a community or peer panel, complete a service
or civic engagement component, create a portfolio of work and/or
develop a multi-media presentation. (Washingon State Board of
Education)
Civic
Engagement
Each
student in grades 4 or 5, 7 or 8, and 11 or 12, will demonstrate
civic skills, knowledge, and actions by completing a minimum of one
Civic - Social Studies Classroom Based Assessments. (Washington
State Legislature, HB2579, 2006)
