Blake School District
Board Policy

  BP 6142.4 
Instruction

 Service Learning/Community Service Classes

The Governing Board recognizes that service learning can enhance academic outcomes, help students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become informed and responsible citizens, and aid in individual career development.  Service learning experiences may also motivate students by providing them the opportunity to apply their studies to school and community needs and showing them that they can make a contribution to their community through involved citizenship.

(cf. 1020 - Youth Services)
(cf. 6000 - Concepts and Roles)
(cf. 6011 - Academic Standards)
(cf. 6030 - Integrated Academic and Vocational Instruction)
(cf. 6142.3 - Civic Education)

Service Learning

The Board supports service learning instructional strategies as integral components of the district's curriculum.  The Board encourages staff to collaborate with local public and nonprofit agencies in order to develop service learning activities that meet educational objectives, align with state and local academic standards, and address current community needs.   

(cf. 1600 - Relations Between other Governmental Agencies and the Schools)
(cf. 1700 - Relations Between Private Industry and the Schools)

The Superintendent/Principal/Teacher or designee shall develop a service learning plan which:

1.	Integrates service learning into one or more of the core academic areas of science, English, social science, or mathematics at each grade span (K-5, 6-8, and 9-12) and includes instructional formats planned by teachers and students

2.	Ensures that the service learning opportunities offered by the district help meet identified community needs and include a balance of on-campus and off-campus activities

3.	Involves administrators, students, teachers, parents/guardians, and community members in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the district's plan, including a determination as to how projects will be evaluated as well as how supervision and transportation issues will be addressed

(cf. 6143 - Courses of Study)

The Superintendent/Principal/Teacher or designee shall provide the Board with regular reports on the implementation of the plan and its effectiveness in meeting the district's goals for service learning. 

(cf. 6190 - Evaluation of the Instructional Program) 
(cf. 9000 - Role of the Board)

Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
233.5 Teaching of principles
35160  Authority of governing boards
35160.1  Broad authority of school districts
37220.6  Cesar Chavez Day of Service and Learning
51210  Areas of study, grades 1-6
51220  Areas of study, grades 7-12
51745  Independent study
UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 42
12501-12682 National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993
COURT DECISIONS
Steirer et al v. Bethlehem School District, (1993) 987 F.2d 989

Management Resources:
WEB SITES
CSBA:  http://www.csba.org
California Department of Education, Service Learning: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/sl
Learn and Serve America:  http://www.learnandserve.org
National Service Learning Clearinghouse: http://www.servicelearning.org
Youth Service California: http://www.yscal.org

(12/89  2/95)  3/07

Adopted:   January 2008