Can we reduce the drop-out rate, and increase character while reducing the risky behaviors of teens, one service learning project at a time? I think we can.
Our nation is facing unparalleled problems that are deeper and more intractable than at anytime in my adult life. Fortunately, we are in the midst of a renaissance beginning next week with the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States. My wife Chris, son Zack, and I are heading to Washington D.C. to celebrate Zack’s 27th birthday on Jan. 20, and to witness the historic moment when Barack Obama takes the Presidential oath of office.
One day prior to the inauguration, A National Day of Service is scheduled. It is also a day when we commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Michelle Obama has said, “it will take ordinary citizens working together with a common purpose to get this country back on track.” I could not agree more with the soon-to-be First Lady. As an educator and School Board member, I posit that we can begin to get our country and our valley back on track with a dedicated effort to develop community projects for which each middle school and high school student in Santa Clara County can be positively engaged.
Just think of the possibilities to unleash the boundless talent and energy of nearly 125,000 secondary students in Santa Clara County on projects that will make our valley stronger, cleaner, and safer. I am talking about the real education that takes place beyond the classroom walls.
Quality Service-Learning projects are known to build good personal and social skills. Studies demonstrate that service-learning has positive effects on character development, reduces risk behaviors while increasing student engagement. When student engagement is increased, graduation rates go up. Through service-learning experiences students often discover nuances about adult careers they might not know existed and the pathways to getting there.
Even the obstinate problems we are experiencing as a valley and country can be mitigated if we empower all our secondary students to be involved in these projects. The list of appropriate projects, by grade level, can be generated by a community dialogue.
I believe the Santa Clara County Office of Education can help with a community discussion. There is no better time than now, with the dawning of the new administration, to have this discussion. All Santa Clara County secondary students invested in at least one service learning project per semester can make a tremendous contribution to the health and vitality of the Valley of Hearts Delight.
What do you think about the role of service projects in the total education of our youth?
Joseph,
I’d agree – although books and classrooms are the centerpiece of education, experience is a necessary and positive adjunct.
The role of service projects are great ways to help the young improve themselves. The missing piece is the parents. If the parents themselves don’t have a strong work ethic wether it be school or career then it’s all for naught. My prime example is my Latina girlfriend’s family don’t have that urge to get an education to get a career. They’re just interested in all of their kids to get a McJobs immediately to help pay for bills. What social services will improve PARENTAL skills? Which will in turn help the youngsters have a better mindset for further life/community improvement.
High quality service learning experiences add value to instruction. They can engage “the disengaged” by enabling the student to transfer the knowledge and skills they acquire into real life settiongs. Additionally, president-elect Obama has repeatedly called for a value system of responsibility to country and civic engagement. Getting students involved in solving the problems of our communities and our country makes sense. It can strengthen youth’s sense of connection to school, family and community—all good things.
I couldn’t agree with you more! A balanced curriculum must address/value service and citizenship! It’s long been missing with our emphasis, and money, focusing primarily/solely on reading, writing & numbers!