Volunteerism in SchoolsVolunteerism in Schools

          

CHAMPS Collegiates Helping As Mentors in Public SchoolsCHAMPS volunteer is like a big brother/big sister, a role model, an encourager, and, most of all, a caring friend.

Learning OutcomesLearning Outcomes

Students are able to:Students are able to: Define volunteerismDefine volunteerism Discuss the importance of confidentiality in Discuss the importance of confidentiality in

volunteerismvolunteerism Preparing guide book for volunteer services in Preparing guide book for volunteer services in

schoolsschools Describe how volunteerism benefit different Describe how volunteerism benefit different

groups of stakeholdersgroups of stakeholders Discuss legal issues pertaining to volunteer Discuss legal issues pertaining to volunteer

servicesservices

Definition of A VolunteerDefinition of A Volunteer

Can we just focus on activities related to students in the Can we just focus on activities related to students in the classrooms?classrooms?

In general term:In general term: A volunteer is anyone who A volunteer is anyone who without compensationwithout compensation or or

expectation of compensationexpectation of compensation beyond reimbursement beyond reimbursement performs a task at the performs a task at the direction ofdirection of and on behalf of the and on behalf of the agency. A volunteer must be agency. A volunteer must be officially accepted and officially accepted and enrolledenrolled by the agency prior to performance of the task. by the agency prior to performance of the task. Unless specifically stated, volunteers Unless specifically stated, volunteers shall not be shall not be considered as ‘employees’considered as ‘employees’ of the agency of the agency

In school setting:In school setting: Persons who work without pay, usually under the Persons who work without pay, usually under the

direction of an authorized teacher or other school direction of an authorized teacher or other school employee, in support of school objectives to employee, in support of school objectives to enhance the education of students. It includes enhance the education of students. It includes people who participate in some aspect of people who participate in some aspect of instruction as well as those who help with clerical instruction as well as those who help with clerical or other support activitiesor other support activities

(Bernard Michael (Ed.) Volunteers in Public (Bernard Michael (Ed.) Volunteers in Public Schools, 1990)Schools, 1990)

School Volunteer ProgramSchool Volunteer Program

Lynchburg, Virginia Lynchburg, Virginia School Board Policy on volunteersSchool Board Policy on volunteers The administration of the schools and the instructional The administration of the schools and the instructional

program are entirely the responsibility of school board program are entirely the responsibility of school board employees, and this responsibility employees, and this responsibility cannot be delegated in cannot be delegated in any degreeany degree. Volunteers work under the . Volunteers work under the direction of direction of principals who retain the responsibilityprincipals who retain the responsibility for the instruction for the instruction and supervision of students in their chargeand supervision of students in their charge

Only the teachers may:Only the teachers may:

Diagnose (identify a child’s needs)Diagnose (identify a child’s needs)

Contact parents (regarding a student’s Contact parents (regarding a student’s performance/behavior)performance/behavior)

evaluate on a formal basisevaluate on a formal basis

Prescribe (decide on a child’s program of study)Prescribe (decide on a child’s program of study)

Provide initial instruction (introduce new concepts and Provide initial instruction (introduce new concepts and skills)skills)

Write comments on papers that go homeWrite comments on papers that go home

Discipline studentsDiscipline students

Two Types of Volunteer ServicesTwo Types of Volunteer Services

Occasional projectsOccasional projects

To help a few times or even just one timeTo help a few times or even just one time Long-term assistance:Long-term assistance:

Requires an ongoing commitment and regular scheduleRequires an ongoing commitment and regular schedule

Confidentiality Confidentiality

A volunteer operates in a position of trustA volunteer operates in a position of trust Personal information pertaining to students must be kept Personal information pertaining to students must be kept

confidentialconfidential Children’s actions, responses, progress or problems at Children’s actions, responses, progress or problems at

school are not for sharing in the communityschool are not for sharing in the community Conversations among parents, teachers, and students in Conversations among parents, teachers, and students in

schools are confidentialschools are confidential The personal opinions/knowledge about staff members The personal opinions/knowledge about staff members

should never be shared in the community or anyone who should never be shared in the community or anyone who has no legitimate need to knowhas no legitimate need to know

Parents: You Have to Become Volunteers!Parents: You Have to Become Volunteers!Otherwise?Otherwise?

Indianapolis Public School 57 not only recognizes the Indianapolis Public School 57 not only recognizes the value of parental involvement in education, they mandate value of parental involvement in education, they mandate it. It is a fundamental school, which sounds a bit like a it. It is a fundamental school, which sounds a bit like a charter school -- meaning they receive public money and charter school -- meaning they receive public money and follow the standard curriculum, but can make up their own follow the standard curriculum, but can make up their own rules about certain things. Among their rules: parents must rules about certain things. Among their rules: parents must sign their children's homework every day, must volunteer sign their children's homework every day, must volunteer at the school, and must respond to teachers' calls or notes at the school, and must respond to teachers' calls or notes within 24 hours. Failure to abide by these rules can result within 24 hours. Failure to abide by these rules can result in in the child being kicked out of schoolthe child being kicked out of school..

Goals of A Volunteer ProgramGoals of A Volunteer Program

Stimulates community interest, understanding and support of public Stimulates community interest, understanding and support of public education through improved knowledge about school programs and education through improved knowledge about school programs and enhanced school-community communication;enhanced school-community communication;

Enlarges and enriches the scope of the curriculum by bringing special Enlarges and enriches the scope of the curriculum by bringing special skills, talents and experiences of the community into schools and skills, talents and experiences of the community into schools and classrooms;classrooms;

Assists and relieves professional personnel in such a way that they Assists and relieves professional personnel in such a way that they may perform their duty more effectively;may perform their duty more effectively;

Allows children more individual attention;Allows children more individual attention;

Provides direct assistance to children in specific curriculum areas such Provides direct assistance to children in specific curriculum areas such as in reading, math and other areas of needs; andas in reading, math and other areas of needs; and

Supplies volunteer services in response to identified school needs.Supplies volunteer services in response to identified school needs.

Philosophy Behind VolunteeringPhilosophy Behind Volunteering(From A Volunteer Handbook)(From A Volunteer Handbook)

Structured programs in schools provide the optimum Structured programs in schools provide the optimum learning experience for students, teachers and parentslearning experience for students, teachers and parents

Benefits from research findings: enhance student self-Benefits from research findings: enhance student self-esteem, increases academic achievement and cognitive esteem, increases academic achievement and cognitive development and improves student behavior and development and improves student behavior and attendanceattendance

Teachers come to see parents as valued partners in Teachers come to see parents as valued partners in extending and enriching the educational programextending and enriching the educational program

Parents come to know they make a difference in the school Parents come to know they make a difference in the school through contributions of time and talentthrough contributions of time and talent

Staff recognizes volunteers as friends and partners in Staff recognizes volunteers as friends and partners in developing a quality learning environmentdeveloping a quality learning environment

RequirementsRequirements

A genuine love for childrenA genuine love for children Some free timeSome free time Willingness to work under professional supervision Willingness to work under professional supervision

1998 National Distinguished Principals1998 National Distinguished Principals

Eileen D. WoodsEileen D. Woods - South School (Suburban Pre-K-5, - South School (Suburban Pre-K-5, 623 students), Andover School District, Andover, 623 students), Andover School District, Andover, MassachusettsMassachusetts

Formation of an effective parent volunteer program, Formation of an effective parent volunteer program, involving 32 PTO committees and over 250 volunteers, involving 32 PTO committees and over 250 volunteers, that has led to excellent relations between teachers and that has led to excellent relations between teachers and parents.parents.

Craig H. KayCraig H. Kay - Dassel Elementary School (Rural K-4, 350 - Dassel Elementary School (Rural K-4, 350 students), Dassel-Cokato #466 School District, Dassel, students), Dassel-Cokato #466 School District, Dassel,

MinnesotaMinnesota Expanded the volunteer program, which now boasts a Expanded the volunteer program, which now boasts a

parent resource room, a volunteer coordinator, and a parent resource room, a volunteer coordinator, and a community clothing center. community clothing center.

Quote: "I believe that everyone is important and does Quote: "I believe that everyone is important and does make a difference, and that I can be most effective when make a difference, and that I can be most effective when leading by example."leading by example."

Miller's Parent Center is a room in our school which has been Miller's Parent Center is a room in our school which has been designated for our school parents.  Parents are invited to come designated for our school parents.  Parents are invited to come help help with teacher work, attend ESL lessons, attend parenting sessions, work with teacher work, attend ESL lessons, attend parenting sessions, work on computers, learn about different cultures, or just visit and make on computers, learn about different cultures, or just visit and make new friends.new friends.  There will be a Parent Educator working in the Parent   There will be a Parent Educator working in the Parent Center from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursdays with the parents Center from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursdays with the parents who attend.  The Parent Educators are a group of trained district who attend.  The Parent Educators are a group of trained district personnel.personnel.

In addition to our Parent Center, we have a Parent Volunteer In addition to our Parent Center, we have a Parent Volunteer Program.  As well as helping to make teaching materials, we need Program.  As well as helping to make teaching materials, we need assistance in the classroom, library, clinic, and office areas.  assistance in the classroom, library, clinic, and office areas.  Volunteering in school is a wonderful way to be in touch with your Volunteering in school is a wonderful way to be in touch with your child's education.  We value our Miller parents and encourage you to child's education.  We value our Miller parents and encourage you to participate in our Parent Center and Parent Volunteer Program.  participate in our Parent Center and Parent Volunteer Program.  

Miller's Parent Center Coordinator in Mrs. Lisa Montero.  She can be Miller's Parent Center Coordinator in Mrs. Lisa Montero.  She can be reached at 498-8110 ext. 5783reached at 498-8110 ext. 5783..

General GuidelinesGeneral Guidelines

AA written requestwritten request for volunteer for volunteer assistance/resources must be submitted to and assistance/resources must be submitted to and approvedapproved by the principal by the principal

Volunteers work Volunteers work under the direction and under the direction and supervisionsupervision of a teacher or school personnel of a teacher or school personnel

Volunteer service is Volunteer service is supportive and supplementalsupportive and supplemental and not substitute for professional teachersand not substitute for professional teachers

School liability insuranceSchool liability insurance includes coverage for includes coverage for authorized school volunteersauthorized school volunteers

Students permanent recordsStudents permanent records are available to are available to employed school personnelemployed school personnel only (state only (state mandates)mandates)

Steps to be Taken by VolunteersSteps to be Taken by Volunteers

Attend the orientation at your school at the beginning of Attend the orientation at your school at the beginning of the year. On-site orientation will be given if assigned later the year. On-site orientation will be given if assigned later in the yearin the year

Complete the volunteer emergency formComplete the volunteer emergency form Volunteers who work on a regular basis need to Volunteers who work on a regular basis need to take a take a

tuberculin testtuberculin test Be sure to sign-in and sign-out upon arrival at and Be sure to sign-in and sign-out upon arrival at and

departure from schooldeparture from school

Vista schools are deeply committed to the use of Vista schools are deeply committed to the use of volunteers to help teachers in the classroom, work in the volunteers to help teachers in the classroom, work in the school office, help supervise on field trips and perform school office, help supervise on field trips and perform many other services for the schools. Volunteers work as many other services for the schools. Volunteers work as much or as little as they are able. much or as little as they are able. District policy requires District policy requires those who work over 20 hours per year to show evidence those who work over 20 hours per year to show evidence of a negative TB testof a negative TB test. TB tests are available from the . TB tests are available from the school nurse for a nominal fee. school nurse for a nominal fee. 

The advantages a volunteer programThe advantages a volunteer program

Volunteers serve as volunteersVolunteers serve as volunteers Volunteers contribute to student learningVolunteers contribute to student learning Volunteers expand and extend student horizonsVolunteers expand and extend student horizons Volunteers contribute to positive student self-Volunteers contribute to positive student self-

conceptconcept Volunteers provide a first-hand view of schoolVolunteers provide a first-hand view of school

2000 SUFFOLK PUBLIC SCHOOLS2000 SUFFOLK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PARENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM: All elementary PARENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM: All elementary schools encourage families to et involved. Volunteers are schools encourage families to et involved. Volunteers are matched according to their talents, skills and interests with matched according to their talents, skills and interests with the needs of teachers, students and the school. Jobs the needs of teachers, students and the school. Jobs include, but are not limited to include, but are not limited to performing clerical work, performing clerical work, helping in the clinic, chaperoning field trips, tutoring helping in the clinic, chaperoning field trips, tutoring students, reading stories to classes, leading craft projects, students, reading stories to classes, leading craft projects, entertaining, or speaking on their careersentertaining, or speaking on their careers -- just to name a -- just to name a few. Call your child's school and volunteer!few. Call your child's school and volunteer!

Services Provided by VolunteersServices Provided by Volunteers(Bernard Michael, 1990)(Bernard Michael, 1990)

Tutoring students in need of special help (reading, writing, and Tutoring students in need of special help (reading, writing, and mathematics)mathematics)

Listening attentively to students who need a special friendListening attentively to students who need a special friend Working to develop English Language skills in children who are Working to develop English Language skills in children who are

immigrantsimmigrants Acting as mentors and role modelsActing as mentors and role models Providing career guidance for disadvantaged youthsProviding career guidance for disadvantaged youths Enhancing students’ appreciation of art and literature through lectures Enhancing students’ appreciation of art and literature through lectures

and demonstrationand demonstration Helping in hands-on application of arts and craftsHelping in hands-on application of arts and crafts Organizing and operating computer labsOrganizing and operating computer labs Accompanying choral and other musical eventsAccompanying choral and other musical events Serving as guest lecturersServing as guest lecturers Helping students organize science fairs, school newspapers, and Helping students organize science fairs, school newspapers, and

dramatic eventsdramatic events

Do Classroom Volunteers Benefit Schools? Do Classroom Volunteers Benefit Schools? Brian O. BrentBrian O. Brent

A recent study of volunteers in 57 elementary schools reveals some A recent study of volunteers in 57 elementary schools reveals some surprises.surprises.

Table 1Table 1Who Volunteers?Who Volunteers?

GenderGender        Male Male 12%12%        Female Female 88%88% AgeAge        Under 20 Under 20 < 1%< 1%        20-2520-25 4%4%        26-35 26-35 20%20%        36-55 36-55 62%62%        56 and over 56 and over 14%14%

Hours Volunteered Each YearHours Volunteered Each Year         40 or fewer 40 or fewer 52%52%         41-80 41-80 22%22%         81-200 81-200 15%15%         201-400 201-400 6%6%         400+ 400+ 5%5%

Employment StatusEmployment Status         Not employed Not employed 51%51%         Employed, part-time Employed, part-time 39%39%         Employed, full-time Employed, full-time 10%10%

Education LevelEducation Level         Earned at least a bachelor's degree 53%Earned at least a bachelor's degree 53%         Former teacher Former teacher 15%15%

Table 2Table 2 What Do Volunteers Do?What Do Volunteers Do?

Duties:Duties:         Classroom (includes tutoring) Classroom (includes tutoring) 88%88%         Library Library 6%6%         Administrative Office Administrative Office 2%2%         Supervisory DutiesSupervisory Duties 3%3%

Grades*:Grades*:         Kindergarten Kindergarten 58%58%         Grade 1 Grade 1 62%62%         Grade 2 Grade 2 53%53%         Grade 3 Grade 3 48%48%         Grade 4 Grade 4 36%36%         Grade 5 Grade 5 26%26% Grade 6Grade 6 9%9%

Tasks*:Tasks*:         Assist students with reading/writing activitiesAssist students with reading/writing activities 53%53%         Assist students with math activities Assist students with math activities 30%30%         Assist students with science activities Assist students with science activities 4%4%         Assist students with computer activities Assist students with computer activities 3%3%         Help students make up work Help students make up work 11%11%         Prepare games and teaching materialsPrepare games and teaching materials 33%33%         Photocopy materials Photocopy materials 22%22%         Assist with grading Assist with grading 11%11%         Decorate classroomsDecorate classrooms 18%18%         Help with field trips Help with field trips 53%53%

*Percentages add to more than 100 percent because *Percentages add to more than 100 percent because volunteers performed multiple activities.volunteers performed multiple activities.

Table 3Table 3 How Do Volunteers Benefit Schools?How Do Volunteers Benefit Schools?

AgreeAgree NeutralNeutral DisagreeDisagree Principals' Responses:Principals' Responses: Improve the school's climate Improve the school's climate 97%97% 3%3% -- Improve the quality Improve the quality

of classroom instruction of classroom instruction 85%85% 13%13% 2%2% Can increase individual Can increase individual

student's achievement in readingstudent's achievement in reading 87%87% 13%13% -- Can increase individual Can increase individual

student's achievement in mathstudent's achievement in math 70%70% 30%30% -- Improve school-community Improve school-community

relations relations 98%98% 2%2% -- Volunteers' Responses:Volunteers' Responses: I have learned more about I have learned more about

how schools operate how schools operate 89%89% 7%7% 4%4% I am more interested in I am more interested in

education issues education issues 84%84% 8%8% 8%8% I have greater respect I have greater respect

for teachers for teachers 90%90% 5%5% 5%5% I have greater respect for I have greater respect for

school administrators school administrators 71%71% 21%21% 8%8%

Some Bad NewsSome Bad News

Our analysis confirmed that schools in poor communities Our analysis confirmed that schools in poor communities have access to fewer volunteers than schools in more affluent have access to fewer volunteers than schools in more affluent communities:communities:

First, schools with high percentages of poor childrenFirst, schools with high percentages of poor children

have fewer parents and community members whohave fewer parents and community members who

have time to volunteer.have time to volunteer.

Secondly, many adults in poorer communities believe Secondly, many adults in poorer communities believe that they do not have the skills necessary to that they do not have the skills necessary to

volunteer.volunteer.

Finally, some principals suggested that poorer schools Finally, some principals suggested that poorer schools often are located in communities where many often are located in communities where many parents parents and residents have had unfavorable school and residents have had unfavorable school

experiences, making them reluctant to volunteer.experiences, making them reluctant to volunteer.

Parent Volunteer Views on Volunteering in SchoolsParent Volunteer Views on Volunteering in Schoolsby by Charlie NaylorCharlie Naylor

BCTF ResearchBCTF Research

What has been a success in your work with teachers?What has been a success in your work with teachers? FlexibilityFlexibility Teacher and school openness to volunteersTeacher and school openness to volunteers A recognition and an acceptance of roleA recognition and an acceptance of role Taking some time to gauge the Taking some time to gauge the

culture of the school’culture of the school’

Recognizing that being a Recognizing that being a volunteer meant helping more volunteer meant helping more than one’s own childthan one’s own child

PatiencePatience Respect the childrenRespect the children

Have there been any areas of tension or conflict in your Have there been any areas of tension or conflict in your work with teacherswork with teachers??

Lack of information and Lack of information and communicationcommunication

Some teachers did not want Some teachers did not want volunteers in their volunteers in their classclass

Where the roles became blurredWhere the roles became blurred

As a result of staff cutbacksAs a result of staff cutbacks

When appreciation appeared limitedWhen appreciation appeared limited

  

What would you recommend to other parents who are What would you recommend to other parents who are about to volunteer, in terms of how to work about to volunteer, in terms of how to work successfully with teachers?successfully with teachers? Make some effort to find out more about Make some effort to find out more about the the culture of the schoolculture of the school Take some time to be receptive to Take some time to be receptive to teachers’ teachers’ views and instructionsviews and instructions Avoid imposing your own values on Avoid imposing your own values on childrenchildren Recognize that student progress can be Recognize that student progress can be very very gradualgradual Take cues from the teacherTake cues from the teacher Talk to teachers and the principalTalk to teachers and the principal Keep a volunteer listKeep a volunteer list Be receptive to students and students’ needsBe receptive to students and students’ needs

Responsibilities of volunteersResponsibilities of volunteers

as an example to students appropriate behavior, as an example to students appropriate behavior, speech and dressspeech and dress

every task performed in the school is important to every task performed in the school is important to the education of studentsthe education of students

be willing to serve under professional supervision be willing to serve under professional supervision and directionand direction

be punctual and reliable in fulfilling volunteer be punctual and reliable in fulfilling volunteer assignmentsassignments

become familiar with individual school’s policies become familiar with individual school’s policies and practicesand practices

respect the confidential nature of school records respect the confidential nature of school records and relationships between staff members and and relationships between staff members and studentsstudents

mutual respect and confidence (with mutual respect and confidence (with staff staff members)members)

accept willingly the tasks assignedaccept willingly the tasks assigned

inform the community in a positive inform the community in a positive manner about manner about the schoolthe school

be dependable in attendancebe dependable in attendance

work toward a team relationship work toward a team relationship

Volunteers: Volunteers: Always keep in mind:Always keep in mind:

DependabilityDependabilityVolunteer only for the time you can realistically Volunteer only for the time you can realistically expect to fulfillexpect to fulfill

TimeTimeThe school looks forward to seeing volunteers The school looks forward to seeing volunteers when they are scheduledwhen they are scheduled

ConfidentialityConfidentialityBound to hear privileged information when they Bound to hear privileged information when they come into schoolcome into schoolNeed to establish a positive and mutually Need to establish a positive and mutually

respectful relationship with the schoolrespectful relationship with the school AdaptabilityAdaptability

To what exists rather what would be idealTo what exists rather what would be ideal

Responsibilities for teacher/staff memberResponsibilities for teacher/staff member

Make the volunteer feel welcomeMake the volunteer feel welcome Make sure the volunteer feel comfortable Make sure the volunteer feel comfortable in the in the schoolschool Learn about the volunteer’s talents, Learn about the volunteer’s talents, special special interest, and abilities so that he/she interest, and abilities so that he/she is utilizedis utilized Plan specific and clearly defined duties Plan specific and clearly defined duties for the for the volunteervolunteer Be patient and diplomatic while Be patient and diplomatic while supervising the supervising the activities of the volunteeractivities of the volunteer Provide regular opportunities for Provide regular opportunities for interchange and interchange and feedback with the volunteerfeedback with the volunteer Work toward a team relationshipWork toward a team relationship

Responsibilities of the principalResponsibilities of the principal

encourage commitment from staff to participate in the encourage commitment from staff to participate in the volunteer programvolunteer program Appoint annually a volunteer chair person to lead and Appoint annually a volunteer chair person to lead and coordinate the programcoordinate the program

School principals report that having a coordinator is critical to School principals report that having a coordinator is critical to their ability to support and maintain a successful volunteer their ability to support and maintain a successful volunteer program. program. The Volunteer Coordinator can focus on recruiting, The Volunteer Coordinator can focus on recruiting, training, training, maintaining records, and supporting volunteers as they maintaining records, and supporting volunteers as they come to come to the school. Principals also the school. Principals also respond that by having a respond that by having a person dedicated to person dedicated to coordinating volunteers, it has made a coordinating volunteers, it has made a significant impact on their significant impact on their ability to attract and maintain new ability to attract and maintain new volunteers.volunteers.

City of SeattleCity of SeattleHuman Services DepartmentHuman Services Departmenthttp://www.cityofseattle.net/humanservices/fys/Family/Comhttp://www.cityofseattle.net/humanservices/fys/Family/Com

munityInvolvProgram.htmmunityInvolvProgram.htm discuss volunteer program possibilitiesdiscuss volunteer program possibilities with the school staff with the school staff

and the volunteer chair personand the volunteer chair person

assist in the orientation of volunteers to the assist in the orientation of volunteers to the school school building, its policies and practicesbuilding, its policies and practices

provide adequate space for volunteer program provide adequate space for volunteer program needsneeds

review and evaluate the volunteer program review and evaluate the volunteer program periodically with staff, school chair person and periodically with staff, school chair person and division coordinatordivision coordinator

provide recognition for those involved in the provide recognition for those involved in the volunteer programvolunteer program

work toward a team relationshipwork toward a team relationship

Be sensitive to the legal requirementsBe sensitive to the legal requirements

Factors That Foster/InhibitFactors That Foster/InhibitSuccessful School Volunteer ProgramSuccessful School Volunteer Program

Factors foster:Factors foster: On-going needs assessmentOn-going needs assessment Multiple recruiting strategies:Multiple recruiting strategies:

Brochures, posters, newspaper articles/advertisement, announcements Brochures, posters, newspaper articles/advertisement, announcements on radio/television, and word of mouth (effective)on radio/television, and word of mouth (effective)

TrainingTrainingMost teachers had received no training in the use of volunteers during Most teachers had received no training in the use of volunteers during their professional preparationtheir professional preparationThey gained experience through trial and errorThey gained experience through trial and errorMinimal training is needed when volunteers are aiding elementary Minimal training is needed when volunteers are aiding elementary teachers by reading/listening to students or during craft work activitiesteachers by reading/listening to students or during craft work activitiesExtensive training is needed when volunteers are involved in thinking Extensive training is needed when volunteers are involved in thinking and writing skillsand writing skills

Factors inhibitingFactors inhibiting Prevent the establishment of volunteer programs and/or Prevent the establishment of volunteer programs and/or

inhibiting them from flourishinginhibiting them from flourishing 40% of schools surveyed reported no use of volunteers 40% of schools surveyed reported no use of volunteers

(National Center for Statistics)(National Center for Statistics) Reasons been:Reasons been: Lack of awarenessLack of awareness Lack of know-how to go about getting startedLack of know-how to go about getting started SuspiciousSuspicious Negative attitudes of school administrators: Perceived Negative attitudes of school administrators: Perceived

volunteers as outside intruders and trouble makersvolunteers as outside intruders and trouble makers Teachers viewed volunteers as someone watching their Teachers viewed volunteers as someone watching their

perforamnceperforamnce

Legal issue: Volunteer DriversLegal issue: Volunteer Drivers

ANYONE TRANSPORTING CHILDREN ON A FIELD TRIP ANYONE TRANSPORTING CHILDREN ON A FIELD TRIP MUST COMPLETE A "VOLUNTEER AUTOMOBILE DRIVER MUST COMPLETE A "VOLUNTEER AUTOMOBILE DRIVER AUTHORIZATION" FORM.AUTHORIZATION" FORM. Drivers must have third party liability Drivers must have third party liability insurance of $1,000,000.00. Seat belts must be used for each child insurance of $1,000,000.00. Seat belts must be used for each child being transported in the vehicle. Parents are reminded that children being transported in the vehicle. Parents are reminded that children who weigh less than 40 pounds are to be transported in approved car who weigh less than 40 pounds are to be transported in approved car seats. Volunteer drivers must have less than six demerit points. A copy seats. Volunteer drivers must have less than six demerit points. A copy of the drivers’ insurance and passenger endorsement must be provided of the drivers’ insurance and passenger endorsement must be provided to the school office. In order to obtain passenger endorsement, drivers to the school office. In order to obtain passenger endorsement, drivers must inform insurance companies that they will be occasionally must inform insurance companies that they will be occasionally transporting students. Some insurance companies may indicate that transporting students. Some insurance companies may indicate that you do not need a passenger endorsement in addition to your current you do not need a passenger endorsement in addition to your current coverage.coverage.