The Governing Board recognizes that student involvement in community service enhances academic outcomes, helps students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become informed and responsible citizens, and aids in individual career development. The district shall offer separate community service classes and/or service learning opportunities that are integrated into other courses. Such classes and activities shall be designed to link academic content, practical skills, and meaningful service contributions to the community.
(cf. 1020 - Youth Services)
(cf. 6000 - Concepts and Roles)
(cf. 6011 - Academic Standards)
(cf. 6142.3 - Civic Education)
(cf. 6142.94 - History-Social Science Instruction)
(cf. 6178.1 - Work-Based Learning)
Service Learning
The Superintendent or designee shall integrate service learning opportunities into one or more courses at appropriate grade levels.
(cf. 6143 - Courses of Study)
The Superintendent or designee shall involve administrators, students, teachers, parents/guardians, and community members in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the district's service learning program. He/she shall also collaborate with local public agencies and nonprofit organizations to identify and develop service learning opportunities that meet educational and civic learning objectives, align with state and local academic standards, and address the needs of the community.
(cf. 1600 - Relations Between Other Governmental Agencies and the Schools)
(cf. 1700 - Relations Between Private Industry and the Schools)
When service learning activities occur off campus, the Superintendent or designee shall arrange for transportation when necessary and shall ensure that students receive appropriate guidance and supervision.
(cf. 3540 - Transportation)
The Superintendent or designee shall provide the Board with regular reports on the district's progress in meeting its goals for service learning.
(cf. 6190 - Evaluation of the Instructional Program)
(cf. 9000 - Role of the Board)
Community Service Classes
The district may offer community service classes in any of grades 7-12 and/or through the district's adult education program. Such classes shall be designed to:
1. Acquaint students with the historical basis for volunteer service, its importance and relevance, and its connection to a wide range of identified school and community needs
2. Include volunteer opportunities that support and strengthen students' understanding of the academic instruction and how it relates to their community
3. Contribute to the physical, mental, moral, economic, and/or civic development of students
4. Provide students with an awareness of potential careers
(cf. 6200 - Adult Education)
If off-campus activities are included, the Superintendent or designee shall determine how students will be transported to the off-campus location and shall ensure adequate supervision of students during the activity.
The district's community service course shall be required for high school graduation. On a case-by-case basis, the Superintendent or designee may allow students to fulfill the community service graduation requirement by performing alternative academic tasks.
(cf. 6146.1 - High School Graduation Requirements)
The Superintendent or designee shall determine criteria and methods of assessing students and awarding credits for the class.
(cf. 5121 - Grades/Evaluation of Student Achievement)
Notifications
Parents/guardians shall receive information about service learning and any community service opportunities offered by the district and the benefits of such activities to the community and the student. The district shall ask parents/guardians to acknowledge this information and provide consent before their child participates in any off-campus service activities.
(cf. 3530 - Risk Management/Insurance)
(cf. 5143 - Insurance)
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
51810-51815 Community service classes
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
Corporation for National and Community Service: http://www.nationalservice.gov
National Service Learning Clearinghouse: http://www.servicelearning.org
Policy VALLECITO UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: February 15, 2017 Avery, California