44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

REQUESTING THAT THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF INCORPORATING SERVICE LEARNING INTO THE REGULAR CURRICULUM AND ENCOURAGE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO RECOGNIZE STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY SERVICE.

WHEREAS, service learning is a method whereby students learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service that is coordinated with schools and community service programs and meets the needs of communities; and

WHEREAS, service learning expands opportunities for young people to serve their communities while enhancing their education; and

WHEREAS, service learning can be done by a student of any age and ability in any district in New Mexico and projects can focus on one academic subject or be interdisciplinary; and

WHEREAS, service learning provides training in youth leadership and community development by fostering civic responsibility; and

WHEREAS, service learning should be integrated into the students' curricula to provide structured time for students to reflect on their service activity; and

WHEREAS, service learning helps make curricula relevant to today's world and provides students with projects that enhance critical thinking and problem solving skills; and

WHEREAS, research has shown that schools that provide service learning opportunities have reduced dropout rates and enhanced academic achievement; and

WHEREAS, service learning supports the state board of education's content standards and benchmarks;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state department of public education examine the feasibility of incorporating service learning into the regular curriculum and encourage school districts to record on students' transcripts or high school graduation diplomas their participation in community-based or service learning; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state department of public education report its findings and recommendations to the legislative education study committee no later than October 29, 1999; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the director of the legislative education study committee and the superintendent of public instruction for appropriate distribution.