Critical Service Learning Toolkit

Features

• Presents the information and tools needed to implement Critical Service Learning in elementary and high schools in an easy-to-follow step-by-step format.
• Provides hands-on guidance for each phase of a CSL project: development, implementation, evaluation, and completion.
• Includes background information on theory and research.
• Shares tips and guidance on getting started and designing one's own project.
• Features implementation strategies and techniques for successful and sustainable engagement.
• Includes appendices to provide useful tools for collecting and analyzing outcomes and hands on activities for student/youth engagement & empowerment.

About the Author(s)

Annette Johnson, MSW, MA, is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her research focuses on social and emotional learning and critical service learning. Having served as director of social work for Chicago Public schools for fourteen years, Ms. Johnson has a keen interest in developing strength-based practices in schools. She has also trained school social workers and school districts around the nation on the utilization of innovative approaches in school social work practice.

Cassandra McKay-Jackson, PhD, MSSW, is Associate Professor and MSW Program Director at the Erikson Institute in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. McKay-Jackson has worked in the field as a clinical practitioner with youth, adults and families. Dr. McKay-Jackson earned her PhD from the University of Illinois at Chicago in the College of Education (Curriculum and Instruction). Her research interests include critical service-learning, youth activism, and its influence on social emotional development.

Giesela Grumbach, PhD, MSW, is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Governors State University. Dr Grumbach's research focuses on social work practice in communities and schools as well as the issues that affect direct practice.

Reviews

"The Critical Service Learning Toolkit is much, much more than an outstanding, practical, hands-on guide to engaging young people in critical service learning projects. By synthesizing cutting-edge knowledge and research the authors have provided both a theoretical framework and a road-map for advancing the fields of service learning, education, and social work in incredibly important, timely, and relevant ways. Their approach combines the best of what we know about participatory practices that put youth voice at the center of their own development and that engage ALL young people as meaningful partners and agents of change in their own families, schools, and communities. This text represents both a call to action AND a toolkit for action during these turbulent times. As such, it gives not only hope for, but also a practical way into creating a better, more equitable, and more just future." -Stacey S. Horn, University of Illinois at Chicago

This Toolkit offers an innovative, strength-based vision and set of effective educational strategies for at-promise youth. The authors clearly and compellingly share approaches that will guide all practitioners to implement learning opportunities that empower students to be leaders, problem solvers, collaborators, and engaged citizens. Roger P. Weissberg, PhD, UIC/LAS Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Education/NoVo Foundation Endowed Chair in Social and Emotional Learning, University of Illinois at Chicago