MAKE IT LAST FOREVER: THE ... - National Service Resource Center

SCHOOL
DISTRICT
STATE
FUNCTION 1: POWER
BUILDING
PERSONNEL:
There may not be any policy
supporting service learning,
although the interest may exist.
The practice is not yet pervasive
enough for this to occur.
District policies speak broadly
about school/community
partnerships and sharing
resources, perhaps mentioning
service learning within this
context. Service learning is often
a separate class at the secondary
level.
State policies reflect interest in
school/community partnerships
and sharing resources, but not
specifically through service
learning. Legislation is explored
that requires service without
infrastructure/funding to support
the mandate.
CAPACITY-
BUILDING
Policies exist which either
encourage or require service
learning, though some of the
policies may deal with community
service and not service learning.
The principal may or may not
enforce the policies.
District policies allow servicelearning
or community service for
credit, usually as a total number of
hours and/or with a special
population. Some schools link
service to curricula. Policies also
support service as a means of
developing citizenship, character,
and community awareness.
State policies endorse service
learning as a way to meet standards,
and teach values, skills, and
community awareness. Legislation
is passed that reinforces the
importance of service learning by
providing infrastructure and
funding.
STAGES OF INSTITUTIONALIZATION
WIDESPREAD USE
& SUPPORT
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Policies exist which support service
learning and its integration into all
subjects and educational initiatives for
students of all ages and abilities. The
principal supports the policies through
personal involvement and promotion.
District policies encourage or require the
use of service learning in all schools at
all grade levels and in all subjects.
Service is encouraged during school
hours, and is connected to achieving
district educational goals. Service
learning is connected to numerous other
initiatives.
State policies link service learning to
academic achievement, career readiness,
character development, prevention, and
mentoring. Legislative or board policies
demand that local plans be drafted and
implemented for the inclusion of service
learning in all schools.
SYSTEMIC
INTEGRATION