What do you get when you combine intentional content teaching, experiential learning and authentic service to your community?
Real Life Service Learning is an empowering curriculum application that educates, strengthens community and increases student achievement.
The National Dropout Prevention Network considers Service Learning to be an effective dropout and achievement gap strategy that builds resiliency in all students. Research experts in the fields of Cognitive Psychology, Neuroscience, Social Psychology, Socio-Cultural Theory, and Multicultural Education agree that the following components are critical for student success: Relevancy, authentic application, experiential learning and leadership are key factors in engaging students in the process of learning. It empowers all students, including those considered at-risk by providing academic relevancy, which leads to greater student engagement, a sense of responsibility for education and their community.
Dr. Verna Price Ph.D., lead Instructor and Facilitator at the College of St. Catherine and Founder/President/ Principal Consultant for J. Cameron & Associates,
Incorporating key principles, Dr. Verna Price, seeks to empower students through greater student engagement. Dr. Price's key principles include: creating academic relevancy, integrating multiple intelligences, using project-based learning, exercising experiential education, and increasing internal locus of control. These principles, built on the foundations of research-based best practices, empower students by increasing academic engagement.
The mission of the Anoka-Hennepin School District is to effectively educate each of our students for success. As educators we are aware that traditional approaches to education may not be equitable for all of our students. As educators we are also aware that to narrow the racial, cultural, and economic achievement gaps requires nontraditional, research-based approaches to teaching and learning. Service Learning provides authentic opportunities for all students to be actively engaged in the learning process where their experiences with race, language or income can be assets not deficits.
The Service Learning Initiative provides grant opportunities for teachers who are willing to implement it into their curriculum. Teachers are required to attend a service-learning training prior to applying for an implementation grant.
Criteria for participation, teachers in K-12 are encouraged to participate in the Service-learning initiative. A Service Learning District committee reviews and approves grant applications and selects teachers from a variety of content areas.
Participating teachers are required to complete a two days Service Learning workshop prior to implementing the program. Teachers are also required to work with a coach from Dr. Price's organization who provides ongoing techniques and strategies for effectively infusing service-learning into their curriculum.
When you combine intentional content teaching, experiential learning and community strength building you get, Service Learning. Service Learning is an empowering curriculum application that educates, strengthens community and increases student achievement.
Tags: service learning j. cameron and associates anoka county school district community
