Service Learning

A Service Learning Process

In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Cesar E. Chavez,
this program is designed to enable students to meet the LAUSD Service Learning requirement.

How Can I Apply?

• Use this link to apply online.
• Deadline for application for Fall is October 9, 2009 and the deadline for Spring is January 15, 2010.
• If you would like to apply for both the Fall and the Spring Sessions, you will need to submit two seperate applications.

About the Program:

The Museum of Tolerance (MOT) is interested in advancing civic engagement, values of respect and responsibility, and meaningful service to the LA community by offering LAUSD high schools a holistic Service Learning Process. School representatives are invited to apply with a team of students who will participate in leadership and service learning training at the MOT and plan and implement a service learning project. Using the powerful anti-bias perspectives and content offered through the MOT, this step by-step program is designed to:

• engender in students the values and benefits of authentic, relevant learning and service,
• develop leadership skills for service learning in both faculty and students,
• improve academic achievement through standards aligned content,
• instill in the participants a sense of purpose and connection to their communities, and
• provide students with a successful experience in civics through service

This program uses the unique resources available only at the MOT with the support of Service Learning national experts and the Los Angeles Unified School District.

The process is designed to be student driven through a myriad of opportunities for youth to express their ideas and make choices and decisions. The student objectives include:

• Identifying areas of need in their schools and communities, researching the need,and planning viable projects that may also engage their peers.
• Implementing their projects in a meaningful and collaborative way.
• Conducting social analysis to recognize the connections between their academic learning and the ‘real world’ service learning project.
• Reflecting on their learning, service and process.
• Presenting the results and impact of their service learning to peers, teachers and the community at a gathering held at the MOT.

The experience includes:

• Specialized literature-based workshops aligned to California academic standards.
• Tours of the Museum of Tolerance exhibits.
• Inspirational examples of service learning projects and activities, presentations from heroes, special speakers and live dramatic presentations.
• Technical support and assistance in designing and implementing a Service Learning project.

Assistance will be provided to make curriculum connections and to complete assessment tools by the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation, LAUSD and the MOT. Lunches, resource materials and supplies will be provided by the MOT.

Buses and sub-days are available to LAUSD teachers on a limited basis, if needed. Information and instructions will be provided to the schools we select for participation in the program. We ask participating teachers commit to the following:

• Organize a team of students from your school site who will be known as the project team
• Integrate the service projects into classroom curriculum
• Coordinate the transportation of students to and from the Museum
• Communicate with MOT staff between events by filling out short progress report forms that identify the curriculum connections and share student assessments
• Tour the MOT with your classes by December 31, 2009. Free tickets are available on a limited basis.
  Contact MOT Group Reservations at (310) 772-7639

We will limit the number of participating teams to ten schools in the Fall and the Spring. Immediately following the deadline and after reviewing your application, we will contact the teams we have selected to confirm participation.

Please note: Due to the schedule, this opportunity is open to traditional calendar schools or schools that have the same teachers and students on track attending either the Fall or the Spring program.

The Schedule:

Partners for this project include the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation and LAUSD.

If you have questions please contact:
Museum of Tolerance
Telephone: 310.772.7620
Email: toolsfortolerance@museumoftolerance.com