SECOND REGULAR SESSION

House Concurrent Resolution No. 19

92^ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

                                                                                                                                       2480L.01I

            Whereas, service learning promotes skills that are needed in a twenty-first century

economy, such as collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking; and

            Whereas, the Missouri Assessment Program requires students to be able to think critically to solve real-world problems, which can be a challenge to present in a typical classroom setting; and

            Whereas, students who engage in service learning show a stronger attachment to their communities, thereby strengthening the economic base, especially in rural areas that tend to lose their young people upon graduation; and

            Whereas, service learning demonstrates particular effectiveness with special education and alternative school students, giving such students a chance to succeed in and beyond the classroom; and

            Whereas, service learning supports character-building, and both the State of Missouri and the Federal Government promote character education; and

            Whereas, the President of the United States has called upon all Americans to serve their country by giving 4,000 hours of service over a lifetime; and

            Whereas, school districts sometimes are concerned that service learning is not explicitly permitted as a means of earning credit towards graduation, and having explicit permission and guidance would provide a measure of assurance for them; and

            Whereas, Iowa and other states have adopted service-learning measures. More than 60% of all public schools arrange or require community service, with the percentage of high schools rising to more than 80%; and

            Whereas, service learning is not isolated instances of volunteerism, but is instead a coordinated effort to link academic curricula and learning objectives with community service:

            Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-second General Assembly, Second Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby urge the State Board of Education to encourage the adoption of service-learning programs and projects among school districts to foster academic achievement, civic engagement, and character development; and

            Be it further resolved that the members of the General Assembly encourage the State Board of Education to provide technical assistance to school districts that implement service learning programs and projects 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; and

            Be it further resolved that the member of the General Assembly encourage local boards of education that maintain high schools to include service-learning as part of any course contributing to the satisfaction of credits necessary for high school graduation and to use service-learning as an instructional strategy at any grade level to address appropriate areas of current state educational standards for student knowledge and performance; and

            Be it further resolved that the Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives be instructed to prepare a properly inscribed copy of this resolution for the State Board of Education and the Commissioner of Education.