Service Learning

Service learning education links academic learning
with student service that benefits the community.
Service learning projects must include academic preparation,
service activities, and structured reflection.

Maryland Student Service Alliance

Every student seeking a Maryland High School diploma is expected to complete 75 hours of servie learning. Special education students seeking a diploma may have accommodations identified in their Individual Education Plans. As of the fall of 1998, greater emphasis is being placed on having middle school students perform service learning, so that fewer hours will be required by high school students. Service learning will be focused on specific subjects at each grade level.

The primary model for service learning is curriculum infusion that enables all students in grades 6-12 to have a structured, comprehensive, and well documented opportunity to perform service to meet graduation requirements. Infusion of service learning links course outcomes and service. Through infusion, students apply what they have learned in service projects related to course content. Preparation, action, and reflection hours will be counted. Service learning activities can be done both on school time and on non-school time. For instance, science students may restore the environment in their school and neighborhood, health students may engage in an anti-smoking campaign, English students may tutor younger children, and social studies students may support a homeless shelter.

Independent service in the school or community, and service through school groups, community-based organizations, and faith communities are valid means of meeting the requirement. Activities must include quality service that meets
an identified need in the school or larger community. Service activities may be categorized as direct, indirect, or advocacy for a cause. The general areas of service are education, health, human needs, environment, and public safety.

Service Learning in the Baltimore City Public School System is coordinated
by the Baltimore Alliance for Student Service (BASS).
Please call 410-396-8564 with service learning questions.