NEWS                                                                                      

The Regional Network is pleased to announce its Professional Development Workshop at Teachers College.  This workshop is entitled “Success with Service Learning”, and will be interactive and hands-on.  This workshop will allow those new to service learning to develop a strong foundation, as well as those with experience to learn how to improve and expand their programs.  Participants will receive excellent materials and useful resources, and lunch!

This day long workshop will be offered on Friday, April 16th.

Click here for more details and registration form.  If interested, please register quickly as enrollment is limited!

WHAT IS SERVICE-LEARNING?                                            

Service-learning offers a unique opportunity for students to get involved with their communities in a tangible way by integrating service projects with classroom learning. Service-learning engages students in the educational process, using what they learn in the classroom to solve real-life problems.  Students not only learn about democracy and citizenship, they become actively contributing citizens and community members through the service they perform. Service-learning can be applied across all subjects and grade levels; it can involve a single student or group of students, a classroom or an entire school. Students build character and become active participants as they work with others in their school and community to create service projects in areas like education, public safety, and the environment.

Why is Service-Learning Important?

A national study of Learn and Serve America programs suggests that effective service-learning programs improve grades, increase attendance in school, and develop students' personal and social responsibility. A growing body of research recognizes service-learning as an effective strategy to help students by:

• Promoting learning through active participation in service experiences;

• Providing structured time for students to reflect by thinking, discussing and writing about their service experience;

• Providing an opportunity for students to use skills and knowledge in real-life situations;

• Extending learning beyond the classroom and into the community; and

• Fostering a sense of caring for others.

Service-learning also strengthens both education and local communities by:

• Building effective collaborative partnerships between schools or colleges and other institutions and organizations.

• Engaging parents and other adults in supporting student learning

• Meeting community needs through he service projects conducted

• Providing engaging and productive opportunities for young people to work with others in their community

 from Learn and Serve America