SJM 51
Page 1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
A JOINT MEMORIAL
REQUESTING THE PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE CHILDREN,
YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT TO STUDY THE BENEFITS OF
IMPLEMENTING A SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAM WITH ACADEMIC CREDIT.
WHEREAS, service learning has been defined as an
instructional method that lends relevance to academic content
by engaging students in meaningful service that is linked to
curriculum; and
WHEREAS, the benefits of service learning include a
positive impact on the personal development of public school
students, reduced risk of potentially negative behavior,
enhanced civic responsibility and citizenship skills, better
attendance and increased engagement in academic studies; and
WHEREAS, service learning activities may occur during or
after school, and there may be benefits to allowing students
in the eighth grade to begin service learning before their
freshman year; and
WHEREAS, New Mexico and New Mexico high school students
might realize some of the benefits of service learning
through the introduction of a structured service learning
program with academic credit;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE
STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the public education department and
the children, youth and families department be requested to
pg_0002
SJM 51
Page 2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
study the benefits of implementing a service learning program
that grants academic credit to high school students and
students in the eighth grade entering high school; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the departments be requested
to report their findings and recommendations, if any, to the
legislative education study committee prior to the second
session of the forty-eighth legislature; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copies of this memorial be
transmitted to the secretaries of public education and
children, youth and families and the director of the
legislative education study committee.