SECOND REGULAR SESSION
92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES MOORE (Sponsor), REINHART, FARES, BIVINS, RUESTMAN, COOPER (120), CUNNINGHAM (86), BOUGH AND BRUNS (Co-sponsors).
Pre-filed December 30, 2003, and copies ordered printed.
STEPHEN S. DAVIS, Chief Clerk
AN ACT
To amend chapter 170, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to student volunteer opportunities.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:
Section A. Chapter 170, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 170.037, to read as follows:
170.037. 1. The state board of education shall encourage the adoption of service-learning programs and projects among school districts. As used in this section, the term "service-learning programs and projects" means an experimental, student-centered, research-based method of teaching and learning which engages students of all ages in solving problems and addressing issues in their school or greater community as part of the academic curriculum. As a result, service-learning fosters academic achievement, civic engagement, and character development.
2. Upon request of any school district that elects to implement service-learning programs or projects, the state board of education shall provide technical assistance and shall provide assistance to districts in locating, leveraging, and utilizing alternative financial resources that will assist teachers desiring to receive training in developing and administering service-learning programs or projects.
3. Any local board of education that maintains a high school may include service-learning as part of any course contributing to the satisfaction of credits necessary for high school graduation and provide support for the use of service-learning as an instructional strategy at any grade level to address appropriate areas of current state educational standards for student knowledge and performance.