Service Learning

A Service Learning Process in honor of the accomplishments of President John F. Kennedy

We are proud to join the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library Foundation and Bingham McCutchen LLP in JFK50: JUSTICE FOR ALL.

This program is designed to enable students to meet the LAUSD Service Learning requirement.

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 experience. 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 Common Core 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, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library Foundation, Bingham McCutchen LLP, 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 experiences that may also engage their peers.
• Implementing their service in a meaningful and collaborative way.
• Conducting social analysis to recognize the connections between their academic learning and the ‘real world’ service learning experience.
• 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 scheduled by the MOT.

The experience includes:

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

Assistance will be provided to make curriculum connections and to complete assessment tools by national service learning experts, 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 to commit to the following:

• Organize a team of students from your school site who will be known as the team
• Integrate service learning 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 September 20, 2012. Free tickets are available on a limited basis.
  Contact MOT Group Reservations at (310) 772-7639
• Plan a school event to present to your peers

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

The Schedule:

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