SERVICE-LEARNING….. is a teaching method that combines meaningful service to the community with curriculum-based learning. Students improve their academic & technical skills by applying what they learn in school to the real world; they then reflect on their experience to reinforce the link between their service and their learning. Is not volunteering or community service. While both activities are defined as forms of service within a community, they do not necessarily include a structured educational connection for participants, which is a foundation of all service-learning projects.

Stages of Service-Learning 1. Investigation- Learn about issues in your community through research, discovering your own strengths and abilities, and identifying a need to address. 2. Preparation and Planning- Take a closer look into the need, see what has already been done to address the need, develop partnerships, gather resources, & create an action plan. 3. Action- Carry out the action plan, observe your strengths and abilities, and develop an appreciation for the collaborative efforts. 4. Reflection- Write, talk, draw, act, and evaluate your activities and impact. 5. Demonstration- Share out what you accomplished, who you helped, and your plan for future service. 6. Evaluation- Assess student learning and the service-learning experience as a whole to identify successes and areas in need of improvement.

Benefits of service-learning Increases relevancy of education to the all century student living in the “real” world Enhances personalized education for students Teaches positive values, leadership, citizenship, and personal responsibility Empowers students as learners, teachers, achievers and leaders Invites students to become members of their own community

K-12 Service-Learning Standards for Quality Practice Meaningful Service Link to Curriculum Reflection Diversity Youth Voice, Youth Choice Partnerships Progress Monitoring Duration and Intensity

Student Opportunities Service-Learning A.P. Capstone I.B. Cas Project C.T.E. Learn and Serve Gifted

Getting Started Annual Community Partnership Fair: Hosts approx. 40 community partners Is attended by over 400 students, teachers, counselors, & administrators Allows for students to engage in meaningful discussions with community leaders about global issues Provides students with mentors from various career fields Provides students with an opportunity to discuss their academic and technical skills Allows students to explore options for service-learning projects

Career and Technical Education PROJECT B.O.O.T.S- Bringing Occupational Opportunities to Schools The BOOTS program is a project of the Stafford County Vocational Education Foundation, founded in 1988. Since then- 24 homes have been constructed and sold Approximately 1,500 students have participated Over 40 contractors and suppliers have donated services and materials Single-family residences designed & built by Stafford County high school students

Agents of Change Day An on-going effort by Stafford County Public Schools to encourage and empower students, school staff, parents and community partners to make a positive difference in the areas of Academics, Health/Wellness, and their Local and Global Societies. An avenue for schools to provide programs to promote and cultivate student leaders in grades kindergarten through twelve . AOC aligns with the division’s Strategic Plan and focus on recognizing achievements and contributions in the areas of Math, Literacy and 21st Century Learning.

Service-Learning in Your School Community Incorporate it in your district’s Strategic Plan School Improvement Plan Family Engagement Plan

Contact Cynthia Lucero-Chavez CTE Support Specialist 540 658-6695 clucero@staffordschools.net