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Three Phases of Student Service Learning (SSL)

	In quality service-learning activities, students have been PREPARED to make meaningful contributions in response to recognized community needs.
	They have ACTED with existing nonprofit organizations to make contributions and develop responsibility.
	Finally they have REFLECTED on the service they provided and considered what character traits they strengthened, what skills they gained, what careers they explored and what sense of community they developed.

If you have Flash, you can also learn about the three phases in What is SSL? A Student's Guide.

1. Preparation

In this phase the aspects of serving and learning begins.

Students research information regarding the need and/or the teacher supervisor shares factual information about the need. Connections to the curriculum are identified.

> The target population or need in the greater community is identified.

> Facts about the population and/or need are shared.

Expectations regarding student involvement are stated.

Performance tips and required skills are relayed.

All aspects of the nonprofit organization are shared, as well as who from the sponsoring organization will train, supervise, and guide the student through the service-learning activity.

2. Action

The action phase follows the preparation.

Students may be involved in Direct Action that includes activities such as tutoring, visiting patients in hospitals, serving food at food kitchens, or visiting residents at homeless shelters.

Students may be involved in Indirect Action that includes activities such as collecting food, clothing, or toiletry items, organizing charitable fundraisers or community clean-ups.

Students may also be involved in Advocacy Action that includes activities such as lobbying the legislature, speaking out about public issues, participating in community events.

3. Reflection

In this phase the student revisits all aspects of the service-learning experience.

The student contemplates the impact of his/her service on the recognized need, who benefited from the service, and what was learned.

Reflections may be oral and written.

> MCPS Form 560-51 Student Service Learning Activity Verification must be completed and turned into the SSL coordinator by the last Friday in September for any summer service or by the Friday before semester exams begin to document service performed during each semester.

All service for which SSL hours are desired must be performed with organizations and opportunities that are pre-approved. A list of pre-approved SSL organizations and opportunities is found at the website www.mcpsssl.org. MCPS Form 560-50, Request for SSL Pre approval must be approved in advance by the school-based SSL coordinator for service with organizations and opportunities not tagged as 'SSL MCPS Approved'.