REACHING UP, REACHING OUT WITH SERVICE LEARNING

TML offers teaching, tutoring, and childcare to students in a "no-fee" after-school care program. They are hindered by lack of knowledge of the reading levels of the students with whom they work. Dr. Maria Stallions teaches students how to administer and interpret reading diagnostic testing. Teacher candidates then gain practical experience in their use as they test the inner-city students.

This partnership is extremely positive for the preservice teachers, who gain "hands-on" experience in test administration, analysis and curriculum development, and the after-school care students, who are taught and tutored at appropriate instructional levels.

Dr. Stallions prepared a power point presentation for students that describe both the service-learning components and academic strengths of the activity. A copy of the presentation is attached as well as pictures and information on other service-learning projects.

Responses of college students included their ideas to enhance the experience, including:

· Desire to include in each testing session an opportunity for all students to feel comfortable and secure

· Awareness of the relationship between the learning experience and the service offered to the community

· Appreciation for the critical reflective activities included in the project

· Request for additional information on how to develop service-learning activities for elementary students

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Saturday Enrichment Educational Center (SEEC)