Service-Learning homepage

Why Service-Learning is Important

Service-learning is a teaching method that engages students in solving problems within their schools and communities as part of their academic studies.
Research has shown that service-learning has an enduring positive impact on students' academic achievement, civic engagement, and personal and social development.
Service-learning is an effective instructional pedagogy which asks students to use their abilities and skills to make their school, local, and global communities stronger.
Service-learning is a key strategy in developing 21st century skills which will lead to a prepared workforce and a civically engaged citizenry.

Service-Learning Grants

Each year, the DPI receives a Learn and Serve America grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service to support school-based service-learning programs. Grant awards of up to $20,000 are available to local education agency partnerships or a consortium of LEAs to support the implementation and institutionalization of programs that advance service-learning as an effective pedagogy in teaching STEM and creativity. This year, $118,172 is available to support applications to create a lasting service-learning culture in Wisconsin schools.

Deadline for proposals was June 15, 2009 with grant awards to be announced no later than August 31, 2009.

K-12 Service Learning Standards for Quality Practice

These standards and indicators were vetted through a series of "reactor panels" convened nationwide by the National Youth Leadership Council and RMC Research Corporation. The panels were composed of young people, teachers, school and district administrators, community members, staff from community-based organizations, policy-makers, and others interested in service-learning. The process was much like content-setting standards in other fields. Each panel considered the work of the two before them, revising the standards and indicators to ensure that they included the strongest aspects of quality, and to make the wording clearer, measurable, and actionable.

Download all Standards and Indicators here.

Meaningful Service
Link to Curriculum
Reflection
Diversity
Youth Voice
Partnerships
Progress Monitoring
Duration and Intensity

For questions about this information, contact Theresa L. Dary (608) 261-7494

Last updated on 6/25/2009 9:35:14 AM