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In the Zone This Month:
April 2009
The P.O. Zone Archives >
Ohio Governor Strickland’s biennial budget bill, Sub. HB 1, includes several changes related to the state’s assessment system. The proposed new system requires a service-learning project and senior year capstone project. (For more on Sub. HB 1, see Political Landscape.) This month’s theme for the Principal’s Office is Civic Engagement and Service-Learning.
By its very definition, civic responsibility means taking a healthy role in the life of one’s community. That means that classroom lessons should be complemented by work outside the classroom. Service-learning does just that, tying community service to learning.
John Glenn, first American to orbit Earth and former Ohio senator
In addition to the featured articles, the Professional Readings, Develop Your Staff, and Toolbox pages offer more information on the theme.
Theme
Service-learning is one of the components of the 21st-century skills in Governor Strickland’s Education Plan, (January 30, 2009). If adopted, the plan would require 21st-century skills taught through innovative teaching formats such as interdisciplinary instruction, project-based real-world learning, and service-learning in all subjects. 21st-century skills are defined as
- creativity and innovation
- entrepreneurship
- wellness literacy
- global awareness
- critical thinking and problem solving
- communication and collaboration
- information and media literacy
- courses on life and career readiness that are periodically updated to ensure students are prepared for their future
According to a report by the Interprofessional Commission of Ohio (IPO), “Teachers confirmed that service-learning and civic engagement are interchangeable terms and generally the terms are not a differentiated; however, they also emphasized the importance of distinguishing these concepts.” IPO convened a panel in order to conduct an in-depth investigation of the gaps in citizenship education and the needs that exist related to promoting active citizenship among youth and young adults. Read Pathways to Civic Action (PDF) >
Resources for civic engagement and service-learning
See the Toolbox >
Civic Education in ohio
Featured Articles
Civic Education on the Bench Outside the Principal’s Office
In its first year, the Annenberg Civic Education Initiative was funded at three sites. In years two and three, only Columbus, Ohio, continued to be funded. What made that happen was, in no small part, due to the principals. Read more >
It's All about the Hyphen
The connection between community service and learning is essential if students are to develop integrative thinking and problem-solving skills. Read more >
Education for Citizenship
Society is in need of a connected citizenry, of engaged citizenship. There has never been a better time for service-learning focused on citizenship. Read more >
Political Landscape
The Political Landscape section contains a collection of news items and essays on policy issues, state and federal legislation, academic standards, testing issues, the politics of funding, etc.
This month in the Political Landscape, the League of Women Voters’ Joan Platz provides updates on Sub. HB1 (the biennial state budget), recent actions of the 128th General Assembly Actions, other state government news, and state and national education news.
Contributors of the Month
Golden Jackson, Program Director, Service-Learning Initiative
Nancy Nestor-Baker, Director, P-12 Project, The Ohio State University
Christine Pankey, education consultant; retired central office administrator, middle school principal, and elementary school principal
Doreen Uhas Sauer, Project Director, “History Speaks: Not Just Words on Paper,” a Teaching American History grant partnership in Columbus City Schools with Ohio Historical Society Archives and Ashland University
