This question has been posed by several students, parents and faculty and in this blog, I'll give my attempt at a succinct response.
Cathryn Berger Kaye offers a definition of service learning in her book, A Complete Guide to Service Learning: Proven, Practical Ways to Engage Students in Civic Responsibility, Academic Curriculum, and Social Action. "...service learning can be defined as a research-based teaching method where guided or classroom learning is applied through action that addresses an authentic community need in a process that allows for youth initiative and provides structured time for reflection on the service experience and demonstration of acquired skills and knowledge." Service learning - for the NEW Saline Alternative, will combine classroom learning with authentic application that meets a need within the community.
That said, service learning differs from volunteer work in that the advancement of academic skills is at its core. Students learn that their academic skills can be applied in community settings. They cement fledgling skills in an environment that is outside the walls of a school building. Students apply academic and personal skills to improve the community. The result is that both students and communities benefit.
To begin the 2010-2011 school year, staff members will guide students through the process of defining "community" and "service learning" and what that means for each student. For some, "community" may mean the school campus or the greater school student population. For others, "community" may mean the greater Saline area including local businesses, parks and agencies. And for a few, "community" is defined globally and may include connecting with a political campaign, national disaster, international charity organizations such as UNICEF, or The American Red Cross. Service Learning is individualized, and what that means for for each student at the NEW Saline Alternative will have more clarity as the year progresses.
Service Learning is a critical component of the instructional programming at the NEW Saline Alternative High School. The aim is to give students a renewed interest in school and a true sense of purpose.
The opportunities are boundless. With a dedicated staff and a redefined structure and format, the NEW Saline Alternative High School is poised to provide programming for students that will ensure academic rigor and transitional success through service learning.
Great explanation of what service learning will look like for the Saline Alt HS this year.
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