New NSLC Library Items - September 30, 2008

General/Cross-Sector

Stiefvater, Erich. "Youth Impact." Youth Impact, 2, 2008, 1-19.
Abstract: Most adults over the age of 30 are finally comfortable with using computers to send e-mail, surf the Internet, and create documents and spreadsheets - although sometimes with a greater investment of time and effort than the under-30s require. But even relatively tech-savvy volunteers and program managers can feel left behind with the new generation of applications and Web sites popular with many young people. These so-called "Web 2.0" tools - and youth's enthusiasm for them - have both implications and opportunities for adults who manage and volunteer for youth-serving programs. This edition of Youth Impact seeks to demystify many of the most common tools and show you how to put them to work for you. (author)
http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/index.php?library_id=8048

CBO

Wimer, Christopher, Suzanne Bouffard, Priscilla M.D. Little, and Claire Brown Goss
Measurement Tools for Evaluating Out-of-School Time Programs: An Evaluation Resource.
Cambridge, MA: Harvard, 2008.
Abstract: Harvard Family Research Project's (HFRP) series of Out-of-School Time Evaluation Snapshots distills the wealth of information compiled in their Out-of-School Time (OST) Program Research and Evaluation Database into a single report. Each Snapshot examines a specific aspect of out-of-school time (OST) evaluation. This Snapshot describes instruments used by current OST programs to evaluate their implementation and outcomes. (authors)
http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/index.php?library_id=8033

HE

Bringle, Robert G. and Kathryn S. Steinberg. Designing Research on Service-Learning. Indianapolis, IN: IUPUI, 2007.
Abstract: This Powerpoint presentation discusses information about designing research in the field of service-learning. Includes details on various types of research, service-learning outcomes, and unanswered questions that remain in service-learning.
http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/index.php?library_id=8088

California State University. Community Service Learning: Tenth Anniversary Edition, 2006-2007. Long Beach, CA: CSU, 2007.
Abstract: Beginning in the 1990s, the CSU started to recognize the power of service learning as a vehicle that would meet the state's changing educational needs while also imparting vital civic skills and knowledge. In the past decade, service learning has become a widely accepted and effective way of enhancing the in-class academic experiences of students with the real-world, out-of-class benefits of serving the community. (author)
http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/index.php?library_id=8049

Steinberg, Kathy. Research Design for Service-Learning Scholars. Indianapolis, IN: IUPUI, 2007.
Abstract: Developed for the IUPUI Boyers Scholar orientation, this Powerpoint presentation examines the research cycle, including types of research questions, ethical concerns, and various types of research. Also includes information on service-learning student outcomes, potential research methods, and use of multiple indicators and methods in research design.
http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/index.php?library_id=8090

Student Horizons. Colleges of Distinction: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Communities, Successful Outcomes. Bethesda, MD: Student Horizons, 2008.
Abstract: Colleges of Distinction owes its origin to parents who accompanied their children through the college search process, who were surprised at the difficulties they encountered trying to get beyond the "brand-name" institutions to find the colleges that offered the best undergraduate educations, and then-- through the next four years and beyond-- were pleased to see the growth their children experienced at the "hidden-gem colleges" they had discovered. In collaboration with academic professionals, these parents have created Colleges of Distinction as a way to help students and parents find colleges they might not have otherwise considered, but which might be exactly the right college for them. (author)
http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/index.php?library_id=8052

K-12

Kielsmeier, James C. and Jim Scheibel. "Service Learning: An On-Ramp to National Service." Education Week, 28(3), Fall 2008.
Abstract: This article examines the combination of academics and service that comprise service-learning, and its connections to high levels of civic engagement and leadership skills. The ServiceNation initiative, which supports the belief that service should be an even more integral part of who we are as a nation, is also highlighted. The authors, president and board chairman of the National Youth Leadership Council, present information about ServiceNation, including the following on its aims to increase K-12 service learning: 1) through the Learn and Serve Engaged Schools initiative, challenging school-community partnerships to develop and actively disseminate the most innovative ways to engage students in service-learning; 2) through Youth Engagement Zones, funding consortia in high-risk communities to address the dropout crisis by engaging young people in tackling problems; and 3) through A Summer of Service, offering young people the chance to spend a summer serving together with a diverse group of peers in their communities as a "rite of passage." (authors)
http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/index.php?library_id=8071

Mesa Public Schools Service Learning and Learn and Serve Arizona. Quick Guide to Service Learning for Elementary Schools, (A). Phoenix, AZ: Arizona Department of Education, 2008.
Abstract: This guide was written by busy elementary teachers for busy elementary teachers who want to incorporate service-learning into their classroom and school. The ideas in this book are simple and do-able. Teacher that pick up this guide can read the general materials and head straight to ideas for their grade level (K-6) and subject curriculum. This guide includes information on Arizona Department of Education Service-Learning Competencies and Indicators, as well as project planning worksheets and other resources. (author)
http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/index.php?library_id=8094

Powell, Alma J. "Education Through Service". Washington Times, Fall 2008.
Abstract: Every child, regardless of age, race, or socio-economic level, needs certain basic resources as a foundation for success: caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, an effective education, and opportunities to help others. The America's Promise Alliance defines these resources as the Five Promises, and when young people receive them, research shows they are much more likely to succeed. With their partners in the lead, the Alliance is working hard to deliver these Promises to the nation's young people. Through their 200 partner organizations, America's Promise Alliance is expanding efforts to offer the country's youth meaningful, community-based service-learning opportunities, and improve their chances of completing their education. Their "Ready for the Real World" initiative targets the vulnerable middle school population-- many students who ultimately drop out of school say they became disengaged during their middle school years. (author) This Washington Times op-ed piece by America's Promise chair Alma J. Powell explores the role that service and service-learning play in the continuing engagement and success of America's youth.
http://www.servicelearning.org/library/lib_cat/index.php?library_id=8070