Service Learning in Social Studies classes provides the opportunity for students to see the relevance of learning the principles and process of our Constitutional democracy. Students learn the knowledge, skills and values of responsible citizenship in the context of analyzing and solving real school and community problems. Students will be challenged to apply national civic values to the process of resolving these issues. To become part of a student's enduring character, these skills and values also must be reinforced in other courses, in school discipline and politics, and by parents and the community. The more students get this guidance, the more empowered they will be to visualize a positive future, achieve their goals and make meaningful contributions to society.
Education is the key to honoring America s promise.
By solving real-life problems, students engaged in service learning are challenged to exercise leadership and responsibility. The time has come to identify active citizenship education as an essential part of the core curriculum for social studies, K-12. Teachers must be trained and given support to guide students to understand the principles and process of American democracy and to guide students to practice those skills and apply those civic values to real problems in their class, school, community and beyond. This project won an award from the American Planning Association. A proposal for a propane bus system, bringing tourists to Yosemite National Park and reducing environmental damage from cars, presented to a regional transportation planning group.