The Clarity Series: Community-Based Learning

List of Figures and Tables Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors 1. An Introduction to Community-Based Learning Increase student engagement Make the curriculum relevant and experiential Strengthen the connection between the community and schools The foundation for community-based learning The levels of community-based learning Changing the work 2. The Foundation for Community-Based Learning Learning theory Learning processes The social nature of instruction A vital connection A new solution to a new problem 3. A Framework for Community-Based Learning The CBL framework 4. Case Study: Community-Based Learning School The beginning of community-based learning school Making progress Challenges arise Creating a curriculum Setback Exceeding expectations 5. Essential Practices in Community-Based Learning Drinking the good wine first Get the right people on the bus Source your champions Increase intentionality Seek transfer Customization and individualization Evaluate current partnerships 6. Professional Development for Community-Based Learning Establish student learning goals Determine the best practices to achieve those goals Identify the necessary resources Decide what teachers need to know and be able to do Gain the knowledge and skills CBL needs development 7. Leading Community-Based Learning Responding to the need for high quality A tolerance for risk Situational leadership Distributive leadership Mindful leadership Systems implementation 8. Overcoming Barriers Time Large-scale tests Risk aversion Partnership peril Waiting for the right time Toxic leaders Facing down detractors Good to great Existing structures Wants over needs 9. Starting Community-Based Learning-Today For teachers For principals For superintendents For boards of education For everyone Appendix: Sample community-based learning unit References Index

"Community-based learning, as described in this series, just might be the missing piece we are looking for on our competency-based, personalized learning quest for our students. If we can bring this work together-if we can connect them to their passion (personalize), move them along when they are ready (competency-based) and ground them in real life experience (community-based), perhaps we can truly give them the roots and the wings we have only been theorizing about for fifty years. " -- Dr. Sandra Dop, Education Program Consultant