Community Based Learning: Engaging Students for Success and Citizenship by the Coalition for Community Schools highlights how involving students in real-world learning would make a tremendous difference in school outcomes. For example:
-Ninety-five percent of students (ages thirteen to nineteen) said opportunities
for more real world learning would improve their school. Seventy-one percent said that it would improve their school a great deal.
-Ninety-two percent of adults (including teachers) favored emphasizing real world learning in schools including work study, community service, and vocational courses. Sixty-four percent of adults strongly advocated emphasizing real world learning.
-Seventy percent of teachers strongly advocated emphasizing real world learning.
See page 2 of the report for references on these assertions. The report provides the theoretical basis of its community based learning theme, examples of programs, the desirable outcomes of such programs, policies and strategies, and lists of organizations supportive and active in this field. A very significant report for school transformation!