Service Learning for Urban Youth: Joining Classroom and Community.

Argues that there is a "volatile mismatch" between the organization and curriculum of middle grade schools and the intellectual and emotional needs of young adolescents. Suggests that service learning particularly addresses the needs of young urban adolescents by providing them with an opportunity to take on meaningful and contributing roles in their communities. Lists critical elements of a quality service-learning program and the 12 steps to establishing the "Helper Program," a mode for service-learning in middle schools that is the action arm of the National Center for Service-Learning in Early Adolescence, and includes ideas for curriculum integration in language arts and social studies courses. (AR)