This study reports on the value of community-based learning for the preparation of EdD graduates as practitioner researchers. To provide insights about the conditions that facilitated or constrained the development of inquiry abilities, the study applied a qualitative research approach examining the perceptions of 14 doctoral students who…

This research studies a justice-based program that was originally developed from an initiation by a community agency seeking a collaboration with a postsecondary program. For this article, service-learning is defined as an experience in which students are provided an opportunity to participate in an organized activity in the community that serves…

The purpose of this article is to contribute to the growing body of research that focuses on best practices for environmental sustainability education in K-12 classrooms. A review of related literature included emerging trends, commitment by business leaders to engage in CSR activities in the community, and opportunities for education at the K-12…

Very large numbers of students for whom English is not their native language attend public school classrooms in the USA every year. It is estimated that there are currently about 5.3 million English learners in K-12 grades (National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition 2011). While teacher preparation programmes are required to prepare…

When done well, service-learning has strong value for all of its participants. But doing service-learning well is not easy since it relies on research from multiple domains, including: how people learn, how people develop social-emotional skills, and how people become civically engaged. This article discusses how to do service-learning well, as…

This article describes a service-learning intervention, the CivicConnections Program, as implemented by 96 teachers in 32 site-based teams in 21 states during 2004-2005. Each of the 32 teams was responsible for multiple service-based, social studies classrooms serving a total of more than 2500 students in grades 3-12. The individual…

Service learning has been defined as the integration of service with academic growth. It is a method through which young people learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service experiences. Service learning programs are individualized and unique, and to duplicate one program or to expect the same effects from one…

Outlines the response of public agencies to the Asian immigrant community in Dallas, Texas, and problems that exist for these immigrants. Relates the story of the creation of the "Blue Dragons" Explorer Post that provides social support and service opportunities for Asian-American teens. Includes suggestions for educators from "Blue…

In reaffirming "The Declaration of Principles" from a 1995 meeting, the Corporation for National Service and the U.S. Department of Education have pledged their commitment to service as a means of improving schools, enhancing student achievement, and meeting citizenship challenges. Programs exemplifying six service-learning principles…

The superintendent of the Hudson Public Schools in Massachusetts describes educators' challenges to educate disaffected and disaffiliated youth. Recent research shows that prosocial behavior is stimulated by unity of one's sense of self and one's morality, sense of connectedness to others, and sense of meaning arising from contributing to…

This issue paper describes the reasons service-learning is used in preservice teacher education, examines challenges to its use and strategies for success, and presents examples of successful programs. The paper offers suggestions and resources to assist P-12 school systems and education leaders in making policy decisions that will maximize…

Service-learning projects combine community service with student learning in a practical way that enhances academic knowledge and improves community environments and fellowship. This compilation is designed to show the service-learning process in action. The collection presents outstanding examples of successful service-learning projects as…

Describes the American Youth Foundation's role in enhancing school-community collaborations in the St. Louis area through service learning. As a "critical friend," AYF introduced new resources ($1.5 million and AmeriCorps assistance), developed a service-learning demonstration program, and helped build capacity to sustain changes by…

This theme issue explores the connection between service learning and standards-based education. In the lead article, "Service Learning and Standards: Are They Compatible?" (Brian Loney), an educator applies his extensive experience with Active Citizenship Today, a successful social studies service-learning program, to a representative set of…

This issue of "Service-Learning Network" looks at the ways that service learning can transform local government into a learning laboratory for civic education. The first article, "Creating the Missing Link: Local Government, Service Learning, and Civic Education" (Todd Clark), introduces the issue. "Service Learning and Local Government" (Ann…