Malcolm Shabazz City High School
Madison, Wisconsin
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Service-Learning Curriculum
Descriptions
1997-2004
Malcolm Shabazz City High School
1601 N. Sherman Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
(608)204-2440
http://www.madison.k12.wi.us/shabazz/
SHABAZZ/COMMUNITY SERVICE-LEARNING PARTNERSHIPS |
In the spring of 1997, we initiated a pilot project entitled “Shabazz/Community Service-Learning Partnerships.” Through this collaborative effort, Shabazz students and staff work with other educators and agency representatives to identify and plan service projects in response to community-based needs. The data from the years reflects the diversity of the partnerships and the extent of their impact on the community. Here are examples of classes which involve service-learning partnerships with different schools and organizations. A number of these schools and organizations have multiple partnerships with Shabazz. |
In addition, approximately 50 Edgewood College and University of Wisconsin education students gain experience tutoring approximately 60-65 Shabazz students each year. This “reverse” service-learning program helps these education majors meet some of their academic requirements while providing a valuable service to Shabazz students who are experiencing academic frustrations.
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ART
Art as Creative Expression
These
students, with the help of Edgewood College art students, plan, develop, and
teach art projects to 30 Sherman Middle School students and two elderly,
recently deinstitutionalized, cognitively delayed adults through Elder Care.
Art: His, Her, Our Story
Students
explore the field of art appreciation and then act as “assistant docents” at
the Madison Art Center. They teach several classrooms of students about an
artist they have researched and show examples of their work which are on
exhibit.
Art Workshop
Design
and create community art such as an AIDS Network tile mosaic.
Barrio Project
Students
study Mayan Culture utilizing resources provided by the University of
Wisconsin-Madison. The students then create a walk-through “Mayan Codex” to
teach Mayan thought, cosmology, calendar, weaving, lexograph, and dress to more
than 4500 visitors to the Children’s Museum.
Commercial Art
Teaches
students how to layout and design flyers, posters, letterhead, CD covers,
public signs, and how to work in Studio MX. Using fundamental principles of
design, they learn to appreciate type and graphics as well as an art form that
inspires and communicates human thought.
Environmental Art
These students, in
collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources, design a brochure and
worksheets for children about asthma. These materials also will be translated into
Spanish and distributed to thousands of families in the Milwaukee area.
ENGLISH
A,B,C’s of Literacy/Helping Madison Read
Students
in this class work with the United Way, Schools of Hope, and VISTA to tutor
reading to 25 students in a Safe Haven after school program at Mendota
Elementary School. In addition these Shabazz students have encouraged writing
skills for 25 Leopold Elementary students through weekly pen pal letters.
Amnesty International
Students
in this class work on their grammar and style by writing letters to
governmental officials on behalf of nine “prisoners of conscience” around the
world. The students then design a card which is made available to Shabazz
students and staff to send messages of hope to these nine prisoners.
Animal and Human Relationships
Students
in this class, in collaboration with the Humane Society, the Alliance for
Animals and RAVEN, study cases of animal maltreatment. After their research,
the students decide what actions they will take to address the cruelty of
thousands of animals throughout the U.S.
Banned Books & Censorship
Students
in this class read and discuss banned books. They then create an educational
display for the Shabazz community and families concerning censorship.
College Prep English
Students
engage in a research project about a topic of interest to them. Utilizing
formal research writing skills, the students develop papers that are sent to
state officials who have the power to implement the recommended changes.
Conventional Wisdom
The
goal of this class is to help further an understanding of Service Learning to
others in the district—specifically area middle schools. Students in this
class will deepen their understanding of Service Learning in order to plan,
publicize, and facilitate a day-long Middle School Service-Learning Conference
for 70-80 middle school students and staff, where the goal is to plan and teach
the concepts of Service Learning and the steps needed to create service
learning projects.
Escape and Exile
Students
in this class interview recent Madison immigrants. Working with the United
Migrant Opportunity Service, Amnesty International, and U.S. Out Now, each
student analyzes places in the world where violence and war are causing
civilians to escape or to be exiled. They then write letters to numerous public
officials advocating for human rights and the end of violence.
GLBT History
Students
in this class study the presence of homosexuality throughout history. Service
projects will vary from organizing teacher inservices for staff development
days to creating children’s books about GLBT families to give to district
elementary schools.
Imagine
Students
work with the Rape Crisis Center of Dane County to study the issue of
sexualized violence and harassment, and learn communication tools to use in
response to these situations in their school and community. Then these students
share their information, values, and skills with all of the Sherman seventh
grade classes. They also prepare materials for Sexual Assault Awareness Month for
educating their 140 peers and staff at Shabazz.
International Poetry Guild
This is a web-based language-arts program that develops
students’ writing abilities while encouraging them to become critical,
appreciative readers of poetry. Students work in partnership with nine other
schools across the globe to produce 10 journals of original poetry. The schools
are in daily contact with one another, posting their poetry in the web-based
computer conference to which all schools have access, and read and comment on
the work of others. The goal of each editorial staff is to produce and publish
a journal in keeping with their artistic concept. Copies of the finished
journals are then exchanged among each school and a poetry CD is produced. At
the end of the semester, the class hosts a public poetry reading to raise funds
for a cause decided upon by the class.
Journalism
Students
in this class take a critical look at the media in an attempt to discern the
“truth.” They then publish their own political journal, Baggage, for the entire
Shabazz community. Later they will work with Wisconsin Public Radio, WORT, and
the Independent Media Center to record, edit, and air a radio documentary for
the wider Madison community.
Male Identity
Students
explore the broad spectrum of male identity. In these explorations, they are
sure to face “issues” that are specific to men, and these “issues” are
generated by the class. The focus of this class is on building community,
relationships, sexuality, violence, and the contributions made to others and
our community. Also, we will create a real labyrinth for the school.
Media Literacy: Reading the World
Students
take a close look at the media around them. What are they being sold, or asked
to believe? How and why are they targeted by different forms of media? What
kinds of thoughts lead to the advertisements they see? What would they change
if they could? Students complete two small projects and one large one that
deals with media that they would like to see.
New Visions/C.L.A.S.S.
Students
in this class study the philosophy of alternative education. They develop a
strong student voice by strengthening their leadership skills. These students
take responsibility for orienting the new students to the Shabazz Policies,
organizing all-school meetings and “Days Away.” They also host visiting
students and discuss Shabazz with educators from local, state, and national
programs.
Ready for Reading and Willing to Write
Students
explore their own progression of literacy and learning specific techniques for
teaching literacy. They head out into a local elementary school and work one on
one with a student on his/her reading and writing skills.
Shabazz Experience
Required
for all new students, this class helps curb harassment by teaching the “Shabazz
Non-Harassment Policy” to approximately 150 Sherman Middle School students each
year. In addition, these Shabazz students also teach these sixth graders about
the life and work of Malcolm Shabazz.
Shabazz Video Project
Students
learn the elements of composition, lighting, audio, camera movement and story
telling. They then produce a video about Shabazz that will be seen as part of
the orientation class, which will be viewed by approximately 120 new students
each year.
Social Justice
Students
in this class study the culture and rights of people with disabilities with a
staff member from the Family Support Network and numerous community residents.
They then do a service project with the Wheelchair Recycling Project, which
serves hundreds of people with disabilities within local, state, national, and
international communities.
State Street Initiative
Students
in this class conduct interviews of the Mayor’s staff, the Madison Urban
Planning and Police Departments, and local business owners. Then they develop surveys
and interviews to capture a “youth voice” from 500 high school students
regarding their views of State Street. This data is presented to the Mayor’s
staff and members of the Police Department and integrated into their planning
of a State Street renovation.
Study of Death & Dying
Students
in this class look at death and loss from a sociological point of view. Then
the students visit Hospice, meet with a patient there, and raise money to buy
items for the Hospice Wish List.
30th Anniversary Celebration (Part I)
Students
research major events, music, and images of the past 30 years. This information
creates the context for a multimedia production that is shown to hundreds of
participants at the Shabazz 30th Anniversary Celebration.
What’s for Lunch? A Course in College Prep Radio Journalism
Ever
wonder how the school district can qualify a pretzel, cheese sauce, raisins,
and cookie dough as a nutritional lunch? Well, this class gives students the
chance to use their skills in English to address a vital issue to their health
and education. Students integrate research, writing, and speaking to produce a
high quality radio documentary to be aired on WORT.
Women’s Issues in Our Society/Patchwork: Women’s
Voices
This
course focuses on topics concerning women in our society. Topics include how
the media portrays women, body image and eating disorders, self-esteem and
personal control issues, violence against women, how to create healthy
relationships, sexuality, women’s health, and the celebration of women’s
community and creativity. Students develop and find a place for their views
within their personal and extended communities. They network with staff from
the Rap Crisis Center, Chimera Self-Defense Program, the Oasis Project, Men
Stopping Rape, and the UW Women’s Studies Department to increase their
awareness and advocacy skills. In addition to mentoring 15-20 Sherman Middle
School girls, these Shabazz students develop an educational campaign for Sexual
Assault Awareness Week.
Writing and Illustrating Books for Children
To
encourage literacy among young children, English and Art students in this class
collaborate to create individualized books for approximately 50 students in K-1
classes at Lakeview and Lincoln Elementary Schools.
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION/HEALTH
B + B
Students learn basketball and bowling skills. Then two days
a week, these students attempt to teach these skills to 10-15 students from
Sherman Middle School, who have various cognitive, emotional, and physical
disabilities.
Health
Students
in this class plan and organize the Day of Alternatives for the entire Shabazz
community. In addition, they participate in Red Cross First Aid training. After
the students have mastered those skills, they teach Red Cross safety units to
25 students from Mendota or Lakeview Elementary School through age-appropriate
discussions and art activities.
Stress Challenge
Students
teach community-building skills to approximately 50 Hawthorne and Mendota
Elementary School students through cooperative games, stress challenge
activities, and cave exploration.
SCIENCE
Aquatic Biology
Students
in this class clean the lakeshore and gather data concerning pollutants in the
water. This information is compared to similar data being collected by a high
school student in Minnesota. Another quarter these students engage in a letter
writing campaign against the Crandon Mine in northern Wisconsin.
Botany
These
students work with staff of the Arboretum to collect and sort prairie seeds as
well as prepare trails. These projects benefit tens of thousands of youth and
adults who use the area for education and recreation.
Earth Science
Study
the impact of Hurricane Mitch and then, working with the Wisconsin Coordinating
Committee on Nicaragua, collect donations for the thousands Nicaraguan Fund for
Victims of Hurricane Mitch.
Environmental Science
Students
study strategies for managing natural resources and minimizing the impact of
human activities on the environment. Then they work at St. Benedict’s Retreat
Center maintaining the prairie, gardens, and woodlands that are visited by
450-500 visitors per year.
SOCIAL STUDIES
African American History
Students
study the history, culture, and struggles of African Americans, then interview
8-10 elders from the community, creating oral histories and portraits for each
of them.
Aldo Leopold Education Project
In
this class, students work on the Aldo Leopold Education Project, in cooperation
with the Aldo Leopold Center. The purposes of the project are to: 1) instill in
students, through direct experience, an appreciation and respect of the natural
world so that they may develop a positive relationship with the land, 2) advance
students’ scientific understanding of the land community’s natural processes so
that they may make informed decision about conservation/land issues, 3) advance
students’ creative thinking skills through the hands-on/minds-on activities
found in the guide, and 4) introduce students to literary works of writers in
the conservation community to create an interest for further exploration and
demonstrate the melding of science and literature.
In
addition to studying Leopold’s land ethic, students create a community garden
to grow fresh produce for hundreds of residents of local homeless shelters.
Later this same group will apply Leopold’s philosophy as they travel to the
Grand Tetons.
Ancient Technology
In
this course, students learn some ancient techniques that early humans developed
in their technological evolution. From cord making to fire starting, shelter
construction to Woodlands Indians gardening techniques, students will be
expected to apply this knowledge and these skills to their own experiences on
the Isles Royale class trip, where they experience communal living and document
their experiences through the design of a web page. In addition, these students
plant a garden that they maintain over the summer, with all produce grown being
donated to the Battered Women’s Shelter.
Barrios Dilemma
Students
in this class work with the University of Wisconsin to study issues related to
Central and South America and then prepare social studies lessons for 40
Sherman Middle School students. Working with the North Side Neighborhood
Center, they also act as mentors and teachers at a Peace Event for 200 Elementary
and Middle School students.
Be A Friend
Students
collaborate with Big Brothers/Big Sisters to plan and implement several major
social events to “befriend” 30 EEN students and “Little Brothers and Sisters”
from Sherman Middle School.
Campaign Headquarters
Students
explore a variety of political structures from democracy to totalitarianism.
This service learning course provides students with the skills of knowledge to
participate in, or create their own political campaign. Activities include
guest speakers from a variety of political campaigns and organizations. In
addition, students hold a mock campaign and participate in voter registration
canvassing.
Eyes on the Prize
Students
study the Civil Rights Movement through videos and discussions with staff from
MMSD’s Equity and Diversity Department. They then create a dramatic
presentation about the Movement for other classes and represent Shabazz at the
University of Wisconsin’s “Andrew Goodman Memorial” presentation.
From Woody Guthrie to Andy Warhol
This course analyzes
history as a function of cultural expression. Students search for meaning,
identity, and historical insight by examining auditory, visual, and literary
art. Students must be prepared to participate in class discussions as well as
produce and present their own cultural expressions.
Leadership
Students
interested in an independent service-learning credit team with the principal to
organize “All School Meetings,” “Days Away,” and prospective student visits.
Mirrors of Discrimination
This
class explores the issues of racism, sexism, and homophobia. The students
design anti-discrimination lessons for approximately 100 students at Hawthorne
Elementary School and write nearly 100 anti-discrimination advocacy letters to
local, state, or national officials or institutions.
Mississippi Connection
Students
study the history, culture, and geography of the Mississippi Delta. Networking
with numerous educators, civic leaders, and organizations from the Delta, they
spend 10 days living with families, collecting oral histories, and doing
service projects which are identified by local residents and officials.
Afterwards, they prepare an educational slide show about what they have learned
during this “cultural immersion” for 500 MMSD students across the district.
This slide show eventually becomes the content of a cable television show.
Political Participation
Students
study the process of “Democracy in Action.” They then become involved in local
issues of interest to them and work with local advocacy groups. In addition,
they plan and host the “Annual Shabazz Service-Learning Open House” which
involves networking with hundreds of educators, elected officials, and
community residents.
Poverty in America
Students
study the root causes of poverty, hunger, and homelessness, then spend several
hours a week doing child care, cleaning, stocking food pantries, and sorting
clothes at Atwood Community Center, the Salvation Army, Community Action
Coalition, and Port St Vincent for hundreds of recipients of those services.
Presidential Politics
Students
focus on the upcoming presidential election, keeping abreast of the realities
and the rhetoric as offered by the news, both from the left and from the right.
Students will also organize to run voter registration days at the four larger
high schools to inform and ensure that those students within the district who
can vote, will be given every opportunity to do so.
Rock the Vote
Students
study the Civil Rights movement and the Women’s Suffrage movement. They then work
8-10 hours in the political campaign of their choice. Afterward they create a
political forum in order to inform the Shabazz student body about the
candidates and the major issues in the 2000 campaign.
Sin Fronteras (“without boundaries”)
One
hundred forty students from Shabazz and 75 students from the Latino Youth
Alternative High School exchanged visits and shared cultural events as part of
this class. One day was spent together in Chicago for “Cinco de Mayo,” and
another day was spent at Shabazz.
Social and Political Activism
The
United States is a society that has evolved through social and political
activism. Some of the most significant periods of social change that have taken
place in American society are periods built on a foundation of important
achievements made by everyday people and influenced by courageous leaders.
Students in this class analyze the modern day Civil Rights Movement and the
Vietnam Anti-War movement in order to better understand this turbulent period
of social and political activism and change. Students will develop
presentations, which are given to middle school students.
30th Anniversary Celebration (Part II)
Students
work with alumni, news media, and the Madison community to publicize, plan, and
organize this major event of the year. These students also promote and
fund-raise for our newly formed Service-Learning Endowment Fund. In addition,
they are responsible for integrating our Annual Service-Learning Open House
into this celebration which is attended by hundreds of students, staff,
parents, alumni, and community members.
What’s Love Got To Do With It?
Students
explore the skills for building healthy loving relationships in collaboration
with a professor from Madison Area Technical College. Afterward class participants
develop two lesson plans for 20 Sherman Middle School students concerning
positive decision making with attraction and dating issues.
TECHNOLOGY
Animation/Multimedia
Students
learn how to make their own web animations using Macromedia Flash. Along with
learning Flash, they learn Macromedia Director, which allows them to create
media presentations such as CDs, games, and web design. Using the skills
learned, they partake in a Service Learning project to benefit Shabazz.
Equity in Computer Access
Various
local businesses donate outdated and broken computers, which are then rebuilt
by these students. These rebuilt computers have been given to over 125
individuals, families, and organizations who cannot afford a computer.
Reunion Multimedia
Students
use information from the students in “30th Anniversary Celebration”
class to create a multimedia presentation using animations, Internet research,
digital video, etc. for our 30th year reunion.
Shabazz CD
Working
with the UW Distance Learning and Multimedia Center, DaneNet, Minnesota School
of Arts, Madison Area Technical College, etc. students learn animation, sound,
graphics, and video techniques in order to create a service-learning CD-ROM.
This will be viewed by thousands of educators, students, and administrators
locally, nationally, and internationally.
Student Technology Leadership Program
These
participants provide technological assistance to 60 staff members from Shabazz,
Emerson Elementary, Sherman Middle Schools, and countless Shabazz students. Working
with DaneNet, these students establish a computer lab at the Atwood Community
Center; with the University of Wisconsin, Hamline University, DaneNet, the
Madison PC Users Group, and the Topola Cultural Center they create a Web Page
link with Nambian students.
Web Page Design
Students learn the skills
to create and maintain a Shabazz website for networking with enumerable schools
and individuals across the United States.
Youth Enterprise Projects
Students
in this class create Web pages for outside community groups and help with some
system administrative tasks for a nonprofit organization in Madison. Thousands
of people will benefit from this service.