The logic model, a tool that has been around since the 1970s, was defined by Bickman (1987) in the late 1980s and became popularized in the 1990s. Bickman saw the logic model as a presentation of how the program will work to solve identified problems under certain conditions. Basically, a logic model shows a graphic depiction of a program, its goals, and underlying assumptions and a plan of action and outcomes. This model is helpful for the school- based practitioner to clearly articulate critical service learning (CSL) goals to school administrators. According to the Kellogg Foundation, a logic model provides a visual way to present a program in a systematic fashion (Kellogg, 2004). In this instance, it is a visual map of the CSL project depicting the project’s goals. This includes articulating the understanding of CSL and why it is believed it will work; providing a concise format to share with others; and conveying the relationships among the resources available to operate the program, the activities planned, and the desired changes or results. In sum, the logic model represents a graphic depiction of CSL and its benefits. One benefit of using the logic model is that it helps the school- based practitioner think through the CSL project- planning process in its entirety as youth develop and plan activities, identify needed resources, and anticipate what is needed to evaluate it. Practitioners may use the logic model in a couple of ways: (a) The logic model can demonstrate the benefits of the CSL project to administration to gain buy- in; and (b) once the program is launched, the logic model may be used to incorporate what the youth envision. The school- based practitioner must remain true to the CSL tenets of allowing youth to plan and design the project. Perhaps one of the nicest benefits of a logic model is that it creatively illustrates the CSL program’s components to stakeholders in a succinct way. A completed logic model allows stakeholders to quickly review the program’s goals, activities, and projected outcomes; furthermore, it presents a summary of complex theory as understandable units.
