Service-Learning Strategies: Idaho's Practical Guide to Service-Learning

This is a guide for school district administrators and teachers as they create or improve their service-learning program, regardless of their previous experience in service-learning. Students make a tremendous difference in their schools and communities when they are given the opportunity to use their enthusiasm, energy and ideas to solve problems and contribute to the common good. The Idaho State Department of Education affirms research studies that link service-learning with better academic outcomes, student retention, career exploration, and the development of skills related to social and civic responsibility. Learn & Serve Idaho recognizes service-learning has positive effects that contribute to healthy and productive schools and communities. It is the hope of the authors that this manual will be used to strengthen district-level infrastructure in order to support quality service-learning experiences for our learners. One of their goals is to develop appropriate models of service-learning for schools that are aligned with state-mandated educational standards and benchmarks. (authors)