Mission and Goals

Mission, Goal, Rationale & Character Connection

LBUSD Service Learning Initiative:

Beginning with the Class of 2007, all students must complete 40 hours of Service Learning/Community Service to fulfill the high school graduation requirement. There are multiple pathways. True Service Learning may be offered through some classes. Students have the choice of doing several projects over their high school tenure or they can do all 40 hours with one project. New students who enter after the freshman year will be prorated at 10 hours a year. Therefore entering sophomores will be responsible for 30 Service Learning hours, juniors will need 20 hours and seniors 10 hours.

LBUSD Mission Statement:

The mission of the LBUSD is to insure the educational success of all students by having high expectations, a commitment to excellence, and a comprehensive program, confirming the belief that all students can learn and become responsible, productive members of a competitive society.

LBUSD Goal:

All LBUSD students will demonstrate civic responsibility and enhance their awareness of career opportunities by completing Student Service Learning (SSL) as a condition of receiving a high school diploma.

Educational Rational:

School Board Policy 6000.1 (a) A Statement of Educational Philosophy states: "The major purposes of education in our society are to transmit to the individual the culture of this society, which has been enriched and diversified by its many peoples, to help the individual meet the challenges of a changing world, and to develop in each one a sense of responsibility as a member of society. "Education must help individuals to increase their knowledge, explore their interests, develop their abilities, and recognize their responsibilities as citizens."

Character Connection:

Service Learning has been found to be an excellent motivator of character development. Research shows that effective Service Learning experiences foster values and behaviors that are the goal of character education. There is evidence that service learning provides the key experiences that lead to resiliency and helps youth develop social responsibility. It provides students with the opportunity to act on and affirm the values they learn at home and in school. Volunteers often say they believe they learn more and reap greater rewards than the people they are serving.