Re: Liability

Mark,

I searched the the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse for some
materials and came up with the following. I hope they help!   Ann

Addressing School Board and Administrative Concerns about Service Learning.

Author(s): Carolyn S. Anderson; Judith T. Witmer 
Abstract:
It is noted that school board members and administrators have particular
concerns about service learning. The authors use a question and answer
format to address the ten concerns, which are the following: What does
service learning have to do with K-12 education?; We don't need another
course or program added to the curriculum; Why should we give credit for
volunteerism?; We don't believe in requiring students to do volunteer work;
Will we have to hire someone to run this program?; We can't afford to offer
this program; Can students at this age handle this responsibility?; How
will we find enough placements for all of the students?; Will you place
students in politically controversial settings?; Won't this program raise
our liability and therefore our insurance costs? (SH) 
Where to Obtain this Resource: 
http://www.quest.edu/slarticle15.htm
*(I know this is not higher ed, but you may be able to glean some
suggestions from the K12 world.)

Administrator's Guide to Service Learning. 
Author(s): Jan Wright 
Date Published: 1997 
Number of Pages: 20 
Abstract:
The book is part of the series Linking Learning With Life and concretely
explains how service learning is an educational methodology. Wright
explains how administrators may deal with scheduling, transportation,
funding, and liability administrative issues; professional development,
curricular integrity, student assessment, and program evaluation
educational issues; and building an infrastructure, public relations, and
community support and involvement as support issues. (SH) 
Where to Obtain this Resource: 
National Dropout Prevention Center 
Clemson University 
205 Martin St 
Box 345111 
Clemson SC 29634-5111
PHONE: 864-656-2599 
FAX: 864-656-0136 
URL: http://www.dropoutprevention.org/ 

Big Dummy's Guide to Service Learning: 27 Simple Answers to Good Questions
on : Faculty, Programmatic, Student, Administrative, and Nonprofit Issues. 
Author(s):Mark Copper 
Date Published:1997 
Notes:
Abstract:
Cooper presents 27 simple answers to questions on faculty, programming,
student, administrative, and non-profit issues that relate to service
learning. Topics include service learning and liability, how to get faculty
more involved, mandatory service learning, and recruiting and keeping
volunteers. (SH)
Where to Obtain this Resource:
http://www.fiu.edu/~time4chg/library/bigdummy.html

Legal Issues for Service Learning Programs. 

Author(s):
Anna Seidman; Charles Tremper 
Date Published: 1994 
Number of Pages: 27 
Abstract:
Reviews legal issues that service learning administrators should understand
including: liability, types of negligence, legally required or prohibited
practices, risk management procedures, and insurance coverage. Alerts
administrators to potential problems and guides users in developing
solutions that are tailored to their program and situation. A checklist of
items to review with a risk manager or legal counsel is provided. 
Where to Obtain this Resource: 
Nonprofit Risk Management Center 
NRMC Publications 
1001 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 900 
Washington DC 20036 
PHONE: 202-785-3891 
FAX: 202-833-5747 
EMAIL: info@nonprofitrisk.org 
URL: http://www.nonprofitrisk.org/ 

Youth Service: a Guidebook for Developing and Operating Effective Programs.

Author(s): Dan Hedin 
Date Published: 1987 
Abstract:
This guidebook was developed to provide assistance to persons wishing to
begin, expand, or promote programs of youth community service. It features
examples of what young people already are doing and practical,
down-to-earth ideas for designing, organizing, running, promoting, and
supporting youth service programs. Special attention is given to
school-based programs because that is where most of the young people are
and where there are often the most difficult structural barriers to
involvement. The first section, "What Youth Can Do," illustrates a number
of ways in which youth can and do help in working with a variety of
problems and populations. Next is a section entitled, "Program Models,"
outlining the ways in which community service can be integrated into the
organizational structure of youth agencies and schools. The next five
sections ("Setting up the Projects," "Developing Your Own Projects,"
"Recruitment," "Liability," and "Transportation") deal with the
nuts-and-bolts issues of starting a program and keeping it running
smoothly. The next section, on "Learning from Service," offers practical
suggestions for helping young people maximize the learning opportunities in
their service experiences. The final two sections, "Rationale" and "Closing
Note," summarize the key reasons to be involved with community service. The
document contains some suggested exercises for teachers and others working
in this field, and sample administrative forms, a short bibliography, and a
listing of youth service resources are included as appendixes. (ERIC:KC) 
Where to Obtain this Resource: 
Independent Sector 
Publications Center
PO Box 343
Waldorf MD 20604-0343
PHONE: 888-810-8118
FAX: 301-843-0159
EMAIL: info@indepsec.org 
URL: http://www.indepsec.org/ 


Ann Treacy, Librarian
Learn and Serve America
National Service-Learning Clearinghouse
http://umn.edu/~serve 

----------
> From: Mark Doorley <mark.doorley@villanova.edu>
> To: SERVICE LEARNING NETWORK <Service-Learning@csf.colorado.edu>
> Subject: Liability
> Date: Wednesday, May 24, 2000 1:55 PM
> 
> Hello, everyone.
> 
> I am very involved in service-learning here at Villanova.  I am learning
> as I go, which seems to be the way.  The question of liability came up
> recently.
> 
> How do you deal with liability issues with your college students at
> community sites?
> 
> Thanks for any feedback.
> 
> Mark
> --
> Mark J. Doorley, Ph.D.
> Catherine of Sienna Ethics Teaching Fellow
> Ethics Program
> Villanova University
> 800 Lancaster Ave.
> Villanova, PA 19085
> 610-519-4736
> mark.doorley@villanova.edu
>