Service-Learning in Chicago Public Schools

1. Service-Learning in Chicago Public Schools Faculty Presentation

2. CPS Definition of Service-Learning • Service-learning is a teaching strategy that connects classroom curriculum with service projects. Service-learning engages students in projects that serve the community while building social, civic, and academic skills.

3. Example: The Sciences • Students in an Environmental Science classroom learn about climate change and its impact on ecologies around the world. Students then conduct a carbon emissions audit of their school building in partnership with the Alliance for Climate Education and work with school leaders to take appropriate steps to reduce the school’s carbon footprint. Students calculate the reduction in carbon emissions and prepare a report for the Local School Council.

4. Example: Social Sciences • Students learned about both international hunger and sustainability issues by examining the geography, history, culture, economics, and politics of a country. Students then planned a “Race Against Hunger”, inviting their peers and community members to participate and gain awareness about the problems of hunger. Students followed up their event by researching local food issues and drafting a plan for presentation to their Alderman.

5. Example: English • Students in an English class develop meta-cognitive skills by studying literacy attainment strategies. They use these strategies with elementary school students to help children develop literacy skills. Students evaluate their work with elementary pupils and make adjustments for their next visit.

6. Example: Mathematics • Students in a Pre-Calculus class looked at the problem of credit card debt by examining the marketing of credit card companies and mathematic principles of credit calculation. Students hosted a credit night for parents and community members to better understand accessing and utilizing credit resources.

7. Stages of Service-Learning • Preparation – identify skills and knowledge, utilizing existing curriculum, to prepare students for service experience • Action – participate in direct, indirect, or advocacy project that builds community • Reflection – write, discuss, create art, present learning from service project experience

8. Student Outcomes • Academic – students discover and apply skills and knowledge • Civic – students develop skills and dispositions to contribute to the common good • Social Emotional – students build a new set of relationships

9. Service-Learning Standards • Youth Voice • Curriculum Integration • Reflection • Community Partners • Duration and Intensity • Diversity • Meaningful service • Progress Monitoring For video of SL standards go to www.lift.nylc.org

10. Links to Common Core • SL9-12.4 – Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning…. • SL9-12.1 – Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners…. • W9-12.2 – Write informative texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts and information clearly…. • RST9-12.7 – Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media in order to address a question or solve a problem….

11. Framework for Teaching • Domain 1: Planning and Preparation • Knowledge of student interest and cultural heritage • Instructional groups • Access for diverse learners • Domain 2: The Classroom Environment • Creating an environment of respect and rapport • Student ownership of learning • Domain 3: Instruction • Using questioning and discussion techniques • Standards-based objectives • Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities • Enhancement of content knowledge and pedagogical skill • Collaboration and professional inquiry • Demonstrating college and career readiness

12. Service-Learning Expectations • Freshmen and Sophomores should participate in three SL projects as a graduation requirement. • Teachers should integrate service-learning pedagogy into classroom instruction. • SL Coaches should access and make available resources for teachers. • Schools should develop a strategy to implement service-learning effectively.

13. Classroom Strategies • Classroom group projects that engage each student in preparation, action, and reflection towards completion of an engaging learning experience that meets curricular goals, and common core and service-learning standards. • Independent service experiences that connect to classroom themes and concepts and include robust academic assignments.

14. Project Resources • District-wide Initiatives: Addams, King, Chavez, CERAP, Adopt-an-Ecosystem • Project Exemplars: 35 teacher-created projects at www.servicelearning.cps.k12.il.us/Curriculum.html • Community Partners: Race Against Hunger, Chicago Cares, Mikva Challenge, Alliance of Great Lakes, Junior Achievement, etc. • Students and Teachers

15. Service-Learning Web Resources • www.servicelearning.cps.k12.il.us – curricular, project and community partner resources in Chicago • www.gotoservicelearning.org – examples of great service-learning projects around the country • www.servicelearning.org – project examples, curriculum, ideas, resources, assessments • www.learningtogive.org – tons of lesson plans and SL project ideas

16. Good Luck!