Service-Learning in Dorchester County

Sections:

2. Fact Sheet

3. Fellows

Contact the designated MSSA Regional Coordinator with questions, or to update information on this page.

1. Service-Learning Contact Information

2. Service-Learning Fact Sheet

Service-learning is infused in the Social Studies curriculum by unit in grades kindergarten through 9th grade. Students participate in one advocacy project per year, designed for each grade. 97% completion by end of 9th grade.

Breakdown: Project requirements are met at 10% per year (10 projects, 1 per year = 100% of district's requirement).

Reporting: Upon completion of the service-learning program, documentation will be placed on the student's transcript and high school records.

Transfer Policy: Transfer students are offered three options for completing service-learning hours:
1. Students who transfer after the 9th grade can complete a prorated hourly program, based on 75 hours.
2. Students complete the number of hours needed to accumulate 75 hours of student service in combination with hours verified from a previous school system's plan.
3. Students complete a one semester Experience Based Career Education program in service-learning.

3. Teacher Fellows (see overview)

The student service-learning project at 7th grade is peer mediation. Each year we train about 250 students to become mediators in the school building. All 7th grade students also do a service-learning project in their social studies class each year. The projects vary from year to year based on community needs.

Regina Teat, 1995, retired

Last year, children designed "Winter Holiday" cards which were sold to family and friends. Profits from the boxes sold went to two local churches. This class project involved cooperative learning groups - each group was responsible for designing one card. The activity integrated math, writing, language and social studies. This year we will be doing an interdisciplinary project with the Humane Society dealing with the care and protection of animals.