NCoC: Peter Levine on Mandatory Service-learning

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Peter Levine on Mandatory Service-learning

December 3, 2008

: Peter Levine

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Peter LevinePeter Levine is Director of CIRCLE, The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, which is part of Tufts University’s Jonathan Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service.

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Service-learning is tremendously valuable. When done well, it transforms students' lives, helping them to become active citizens, to succeed in school, and to develop skills for the workplace. But I think the idea of a requirement is premature, or maybe even a permanent mistake. The quality of service-learning varies a lot. The best programs involve strong partnerships between schools and community agencies, skilled and enthusiastic teachers, and ample classroom time. The worst programs are demeaning and counterproductive. With a mandate, we would have to provide literally millions of kids with programs right away. At best, this effort would absorb massive resources that might be better spent on a /range/ of approaches to education and to civic engagement--not all focused on service, and some aimed at older Americans. At worst, a mandate would generate poor programs that would actually make students and teachers feel less empowered. I would like to see service-learning grow and improve in quality, while reaching more of the kids who would benefit most. (Unfortunately, privileged kids and successful students are the most likely to experience it today.) I'm not convinced that a mandate is the way to go--although I welcome the question and the discussion.

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