Student Service Learning

(SSL)An Important High School Graduation

Requirement!

What is Student Service Learning?• Service-learning is a teaching method that

combines meaningful service to your community with skills and knowledge you learn in the classroom

• Students…

– improve their academic skills by applying what they learn in school to the real world

– then reflect on their experience to reinforce the link between their service and their learning

– develop and improve their leadership skills

Independent Hours • The classes of 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013

must complete 36 Independent Service Learning Hours

– Independent hours are the service learning hours that students earn while exclusively participating in local community service learning projects.

Steps to Earn Student Service Learning (SSL) Hours

1. Consider what activity or organization you would want to assist

- (All SSL must be done with nonprofit, tax exempt organizations)

2. Check the list of Pre-approved Service Opportunities for SSL here

More steps are on the next slide…

Steps to Earn SSL Hours (cont.)

3. If the organization and activities are....

(a) Complete a Service Learning Site Approval Form and submit it to Ms. Alston (C-216) for approval PRIOR TO BEGINNING any service hours!

(b) After receiving approval from Ms. Alston (C-216) participate in the SSL activity

(a) Contact the organization to set up when you complete your student service learning hours

(b) Participate in the S.S.L. activity

NON-PRE-APPROVED Service Learning Site Steps

PRE-APPROVED Service Learning Site Steps

Steps to Earn Student Service Learning Hours (cont.)

4. Turn in your SSL Verification Form to Ms. Alston (C-216)

What do Student Get out of SSL?• The Student Meets a Recognized Need in the Community

– Examines pressing community needs

• The Student Achieves Curricular Objectives – Applies academic learning to recognized community

needs

• The Student Gains Necessary Knowledge and Skills– Explores citizenship and career options– Understands expectations associated with participation– Cooperates with team members and community partners

What Student Get out of SSL?• The Student Plans Ahead:

– Assesses own skills and interests

• The Student Works with Existing Service Organizations: – Identifies non profit, tax-exempt organizations with which to partner.

• The Student Develops Responsibility:– Evaluates own performance– Strengthens character through civic engagement– Participates in a range of service opportunities

• The Student Reflects Throughout the Experience:– Evaluates overall impact of service and learning– Analyzes what was learned from multiple perspectives – Explores next steps to continue service-learning involvement