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Policy, Research & Analysis
Policy Forum September 2007 – Service-Learning: Linking Classroom Lessons and Social Action to Improve Student Achievement
Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that offers students the opportunity to participate in meaningful and relevant community service activities that address authentic community needs and make curricular connections beyond the classroom. Educators using service-learning as pedagogy create a 21st Century classroom that is responsive and reflective of the skills and competencies that students need for a successful transition into adulthood and postsecondary options. Young people equipped with the ability to think critically, identify community assets, and engage community partners in solution-based problem-solving are better prepared to become active and informed citizens. Linking the community and the classroom not only enhances the learning process for young people, but it provides multiple pathways to learning that is youth-driven, personalized, and comprehensive.
School-based service-learning supports the goals and expectations outlined in Mayor Fenty’s education reform plan for the public schools in the District of Columbia. The expansion of service-learning initiatives in District schools will foster strong community partnerships and create an innovative learning environment that promotes student academic achievement.
In partnership with Serve DC and the DC Commission on National and Community Service, this forum examined service-learning through an education lens and offered both national and local perspectives on the benefits of service-learning as a school reform strategy. Forum speakers addressed some of the following questions:
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What are the essential elements of a high-quality service-learning program?
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What are the benefits of service-learning?
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What are some national and local service-learning trends in schools?
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How can service-learning be promoted in the District’s current education landscape?
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What role can community-based organizations have to support service-learning as a school reform effort?
Speakers included:
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Amy Cohen, Director, Learn and Serve America; Board Member, Corporation for National and Community Service
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Peter Guttmacher, Director of Programming and Curricula Development, DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation
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Max Skolnik, Executive Director, Kid Power DC
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Maria Tukeva, Principal, Bell Multicultural High School
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Millicent Williams, Executive Director, Serve DC
To access speaker bios, speaker presentations, and an annotated bibliography, please select from the following list:
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