SENATE MEMORIAL 58

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2011

INTRODUCED BY

Cynthia Nava

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAMS IN THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, service learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility and strengthen communities according to the corporation for national community service; and

      WHEREAS, the benefits of service learning include an increased sense of self-efficacy as students learn that they can have a positive effect on authentic social challenges, problems and needs; and

     WHEREAS, service learning allows students to have an opportunity to use skills and knowledge acquired in a school setting in real-life situations; and

     WHEREAS, service learning can enhance problem-solving skills, the ability to work as a team member and planning and implementing activities; and

     WHEREAS, service learning provides opportunities for the community and young people to build and maintain positive relationships; and

     WHEREAS, service learning has been supported since the middle 1990s with federal grant funding secured through the public education department; and

     WHEREAS, the 2007 legislature enacted a measure requiring that service learning be offered as an elective in New Mexico public high schools; and 

     WHEREAS, more than thirty service learning programs are currently operating throughout the state;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it recognize the accomplishments and contributions of all service learning programs throughout the state; and 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the public education department for distribution to service learning programs throughout the state.

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