What does the development of a young person's political agency look like, and what role can schools play in this process? The authors profile Blackstone Academy, where administrators integrate social activism, community service, and other service-learning projects into the curriculum to help students develop leadership skills and confidence. The…

Educators from a rural school describe the alternative program their school developed to help students who were seriously isolated, anxious, and disengaged--some of whom were falling through the cracks. These students are placed in smaller ELA, math, and science classes (usually with two teachers) so they receive more attention. They also enjoy…

If students from all backgrounds and advantages were given equal opportunity to succeed, how would this change our schools? Anindya Kundu examines two New York City schools--Medgar Evers College Prep and The James Baldwin School--and how their energized school culture contributes to the success of all students. By leading with consistency,…

While the purpose of K-12 education is largely to train students for college and career, free education in a democratic society has another purpose: to prepare citizens to rule themselves. In this article, Anderson and Gurnee explain how place-based learning equips students to be active citizens in their communities. In this model, school localize…

Imagine a school with no principal and with a leadership structure that holds teachers accountable for the learning of all students. About 50 such teacher-led schools currently operate across the United States, and this article tells the story of one of them. The Mathematics and Science Leadership Academy (MSLA) in Denver, Colorado, serves about…

Graduates of the John Stanford Public Service and Political Science Academy at Franklin High School in Seattle, Washington, leave school with self-confidence and a fiery sense of civic duty, giving back to their communities in crucial ways. Students tackle civic and ethical issues daily in the classroom, and the service-learning projects they…

In an education environment focused on high-stakes testing in reading and math, service learning may seem like an unnecessary frill. But well-planned service learning projects can enhance student engagement in school and give students opportunities to use academic skills and knowledge to make a difference in their communities. This article gives…

The authors describe a program implemented in Red Bank Middle School in New Jersey to help at-risk, minority middle school girls realize their leadership potential. The GLO (Girls Leading Outward) program was developed by the Developing Safe and Civil Schools Project at Rutgers University and is facilitated by university students. Selected middle…

Typically embodied in classroom-based projects, service learning aims to link community service with the school curriculum to enhance both character development and academic skills. Service learning can also go beyond these goals to prepare students to become engaged citizens, by expanding their understanding of social problems and the role of…

In 2003, 3.5 million U.S. young people ages 16-25 did not have high school diplomas and were not enrolled in school. Youth who lack a high school diploma are much more likely to be unemployed, go to jail, or require government assistance. Any instructional strategy that holds promise for stemming the tide of high school dropouts deserves…

Describes the aims, benefits, and challenges of service-learning programs in public schools. (PKP)

At their weekly school meeting, all members of a Massachusetts elementary school come together to build community and to celebrate one another. Each week, 20 to 40 parents show up, often with toddlers, sometimes with grandparents. Participants pledge the flag, sing songs, recognize students' birthdays, make announcements, and enjoy student…

By building a memorial to Edwin Pratt, a slain civil rights leader, Seattle sixth-graders learned valuable lessons in grantsmanship, public speaking, and public art. They also grew to understand the meaning of civil rights, commemoration, and community giving. Next year's class will work with the Shoreline Historical Museum to create an exhibit on…

Responding to articles in the February 1997 "Educational Leadership" on "Rethinking the Purpose of Education," this article deplores worsening social inequalities and upholds the importance of the third sector and service learning in societal transformation. A simple checklist (the PECTS system) shows how politics, the economy,…

To nurture the spirit, young people have to participate in activities that help them make meaningful connections. They must be guided in real-life situations to develop a moral code and sense of civic pride. Service learning is a spiritual, esteem-enhancing affair that often blurs lines between giver and receiver. Compassion is learned by hands-on…