P-16+ Service Learning

Service Learning in Illinois

Summary of the Report

Whether it is reading, writing, math, communication or a specific discipline, service learning helps students find meaning in their education and develop a positive view of their abilities. The strength of service learning lies in its ability to address the key issues: standards, workforce skills, and most important, responsibility.

Not a Cure-all
Service learning is not a cure-all, but combined with other strategies makes a win/win educational foundation for the future.

Does it require time? Yes. For most teachers it is a new way of approaching learning.

Is it an add-on? No, to implement a successful service-learning program, the process is gradually integrated into the curriculum to become an accepted pedagogy across all levels of education. Individual teachers make the decision to incorporate service learning into their teaching.

Is service learning mandatory service?
No, that is a concept that should be left to local school districts and colleges.

Is service learning a part of teacher education?
We have a good start in Illinois. Of the 19 education deans who responded to the survey, 15 reported that they have service learning as a course or part of a course.

Where do we go from here?

The two most common remarks in the survey were that too few people know about service learning and that there was no support at the top. If we are to promote service learning as a statewide initiative, we need to get information out, include service learning in professional development, and recruit champions for a bully pulpit.

Steps for Promoting Service Learning in Illinois:

1. Implement a P-16 publicity campaign on service learning.
2. Develop a communication system that links experts with those interested in trying it. 3. Promote professional development on P-16 service learning
4. Increase teacher educator awareness of service learning.
5. Make resources available through clearinghouses and on the Internet.
6. Identify organizational models for service learning.
7. Tell the stories. 8. Make available evaluation instruments.