Overview
The program for student service-learning will be infused into the
curriculum in grades 6, 7, 8 and 9 and will provide multiple
opportunities for student participation. In grades 6-8, thematic units
developed by grade level teams (language arts, science, social studies
and mathematics) or special subject teams (music, band, physical
education, consumer science, art, foreign language, and tech ed) will be
implemented each school year.
These units will be enhanced with activities conducted by teachers in
other subject areas. In the required ninth grade social studies course,
formal service learning will continue through units of instruction that
include planning, action, and reflection integrated into the government
curriculum. This instruction will be supported by interdisciplinary
planning with other ninth grade teachers.
Program Requirements
Each year by the end of September, middle school instructional teams will submit to their principal a student service plan that:
- Identifies a theme and a schedule of service activities;
- Provides opportunities for students to plan, participate and reflect on service activities;
- Is integrated into the existing curriculum;
- Includes a variety of projects spaced throughout the year which involve service to the school and/or community; and
- Is based on curricular outcomes.
Each year in May, middle school instructional teams will evaluate
their service-learning projects. High school students will prepare and
implement two individual service projects through their government
course.
Role for Special Education Students
Students who receive special education services in Worcester County
are scheduled in regular classes and participate in the same curriculum
offered to all students. Students in grades 6, 7, 8, and 9 who receive
special education services will be directly involved in the
service-learning program. This will be noted in their IEPs as needed.
Severely and profoundly disabled students attend Cedar Chapel Special
School and receive certificates of attendance. Service activities have
traditionally been a part of the curriculum of the school and receive
full support of community-based organizations.
Tracking
Infusion into the curriculum over a four-year period provides
multiple opportunities for students to plan, participate, and reflect on
service-learning. Successful completion (passing grades) of each middle
and high school component of the service-learning program will be
recorded each year in the student's electronic record. The state
service-learning requirement will be fulfilled when the student
successfully completes all four years of the service-learning program or
its equivalent. High school guidance departments will record the
fulfillment of the state service-learning requirement on the student?s
permanent transcript.
Provision for Transfer Students
Students who transfer to Worcester County Public Schools after grade
6, but before grade 12, who, after an evaluation of their official
record, have not completed the state service-learning requirement will
be need to:
- Enroll in and successfully complete the Government course, or a service-learning elective, and /or
- Document 25 hours of volunteer time in approved school and/or community service for each year enrolled.
Reference
Service Learning Implementation Plan (2012)
If you have any questions, please contact Jess McInerny, by calling 410-632-5043, or by emailing [email protected].