Elements of High Quality Service-Learning
1. Integrated Learning
- The service learning component has clearly articulated knowledge, skill, or value goals that arise from the broader classroom and school goals.
- The service informs the academic learning content, and the academic learning content informs the service.
- Life skills learned outside the classroom are integrated back into classroom learning.
2. Quality Service
- The service responds to an actual community need that is recognized by the community.
- The service is student-appropriate and well organized.
- The service is designed to achieve significant benefits for students and the community.
3. Collaboration
- The service learning component is a collaboration among as many partners as is feasible: students, community-based organization staff, school administrators, teachers, and recipients of service.
- All partners benefit from the service component and contribute to its planning.
4. Student Voice
- Students participate actively in the reflection sessions, evaluations, and celebrations; take on roles appropriate for their maturity and commitment level.
5. Civic Responsibility
- The service learning project promotes students' responsibility to care for others and contribute to the community.
- By participating in the service learning component, students understand how they can impact their community.
6. Reflection
- Reflection establishes the connections between the students' service experiences and the academic curriculum.
- Reflection occurs before, during, and after the service experience.
7. Evaluation
- All partners are involved in evaluating the service learning project.
- The evaluation seeks to measure progress toward the learning and service goals.
8. Celebration