STANARDS OF QUALITY

SCHOOL-BASED AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICE LEARNING

  1. Effective service-learning efforts strengthen service and academic learning.
  2. Model service-learning provides concrete opportunities for youth to learn new skills, to think critically, and to test new roles in an environment that encourages risk-taking and rewards competence.
  3. Preparation and reflection are essential elements in service-learning.
  4. Youths' efforts are recognized by those served, including their peers, the school, and the community.
  5. Youth are involved in the planning.
  6. The service students perform makes a meaningful contribution to the community.
  7. Effective service-learning integrates systematic formative and summative evaluation.
  8. Service-learning connects the school or sponsoring organization and its community in new and positive ways.
  9. Service-learning is understood and supported as an integral element in the life of a school or sponsoring organization and its community.
  10. Skilled adult guidance and supervision are essential to the success of service-learning.
  11. Preservice training, orientation, and staff development that include the philosophy and methodology of service-learning best ensure that program quality and continuity are maintained.