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Service Learning is a teaching and learning methodology that connects classroom curriculum with identified community issues and needs. Service Learning engages students in projects that serve the community and build their social and academic capacities. Service Learning, as an educational strategy, is designed to enhance social and academic learning while developing character and citizenship skills.
Each Service Learning project has three components: Preparation, Action and Reflection. Students complete Service Learning projects in one of three ways: classroom-based projects, after-school projects or individual projects.
Each school has at least one trained Service Learning Coach whose responsibility it is to develop project opportunities for and with students. Teachers also play an important role in developing classroom-based service experiences that are linked to CPS curriculum. More than 200 Chicago-area community organizations provide service opportunities for students (see link below). Parents can encourage and motivate their children to participate in high quality service and can also help teachers implement projects. Principals and other administrators help to promote Service Learning by guaranteeing high quality service opportunities and academic rigor.
Service Learning Graduation Requirements:
- Students must complete a minimum of 40 hours of service during grades 9-12
- Beginning with the 2004-05 academic year, all sophomores must complete a minimum of 20 hours of service in order to be promoted to junior status.
- Students spend time preparing for and reflecting upon the Service Learning experience
For more information:
- Visit www.servicelearning.cps.k12.il.us
- Contact the Service Learning Coach or school principal in your neighborhood
- Contact Jon Schmidt, Manager of Service Learning at 773-553-3425 or
