Service Learning

Merry Stanford

Hi, Jeff. This is a quick note. I just wanted to let you know that, as
a parent of a Scattergood student, I think the new approach at
Scattergood to service learning is really important. I am an educator,
and I know that the educational research shows again and again that
service learning is the single most effective curricular component in
influencing students to become responsible young adults who can make
life affirming choices to be involved members of their communities and
to avoid alcohol, early sexual initiation, and other risk behaviors.
Feeling emotionally connected to the school community is another
exceptionally important factor -- definitely a strong point at
Scattergood. Service learning is also being shown to be an important
part of helping academic learning connect to the real world, outside of
the classroom -- which helps students both be motivated to learn deeply
and retain what they learn.

The things that especially seem to give service learning a boost are the
involvement of the students in choosing, planning and implementing their
service learning projects; having time built into their schedule to
reflect together on their experiences; and integrating the service
learning projects with their academics. I know of schools where service
learning is part of every curriculum component, from math to science to
English to social studies. One school has initiated a prairie
reclamation project (in the city!), tutored younger children in the
elementary schools, developed a photo history of their school, started a
community garden (again, enlisting the aid of younger children), and
been involved in scores of other projects. The school contact with the
state Department of Natural Resources for the prairie reclamation
project is a student.

I know of another school which is helping non-profit community agencies
develop their budgets and audit their own financial records. Others are
leading efforts to reclaim rivers or are active in facilitating
community workshops on conflict resolution. These are just examples.
What great experiences for young people, and what a great way to learn
the value of our Quaker testimonies on service, environment, peace,
etc. I'm really pleased with the effect these service opportunities are
having on my son, and excited about the potential the program has for
the school in the future.

Merry Stanford
(Red Cedar Friends Meeting/ Lake Erie Yearly Meeting)