How We Work
Using the LEADERS Model as a Guide
To help determine how service-learning can meet your needs, we initiate a series of assessment, strategy, and review meetings. These meetings are based on a model developed by our staff, with valuable input from leaders in the service-learning field, which we call the LEADERS model of service-learning. We help you use the seven steps of this model as a guide for successful implementation of a service-learning initiative:
- Listen to the ideas and concerns of youth, staff, and community members and look at local needs and opportunities.
- Examine issues and existing policies; research potential problems.
- Agree on an approach, by means of an inclusive, democratic process.
- Develop a plan that defines roles, benchmarks, and a successful outcome.
- Execute the plan.
- Review the outcomes by testing them against expectations and making adjustments if necessary.
- Showcase the results and discuss what you’ve learned.
A value-added process
Working with SLT is free for our subgrantees — schools and districts that have been awarded grants through our office such as the Learn and Serve America grant. We also provide free technical assistance to help individuals and organizations learn about service-learning and how it can help meet their needs. While we do charge a standard daily rate to other campuses, districts, and organizations for teacher training, it is highly cost-effective in terms of value received — for the schools, the students, and the greater community. We encourage you to find out more about the educational, personal, and social benefits of service-learning.
