Service-Learning
Excellence Awards
1999-2000 Award Winners
Baltimore County - Evaluation
School visits with virtually every high school and middle school were conducted to assess how service-learning was being implemented and provide feedback on how programs could be strengthened and enhanced. The liaison provided feedback to schools using Maryland's Seven Best Practices for Service-Learning. Additionally, Baltimore County conducts an annual survey on projects that had been carried out during the year. A self-evaluation has been their practice for the last several years.Carroll County - Public Support and Involvement
Carroll County publicized service-learning opportunities in a volunteer guide that was created through a partnership between Carroll County Public Schools, Western Maryland College, and Carroll Community College. They worked with the Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism and the local non-profit organizations on the potential development of a Carroll County volunteer center - to increase opportunities for independent student service opportunities. New service-learning opportunities garnered local media that educated the community about the district's program, including an Empty Bowls Banquet for the Homeless, and a service-learning summer camp.Dorchester County - Curriculum
Dorchester County's unique service-learning program is implemented system-wide, beginning in kindergarten and continuing every year through the ninth grade. This curricular-infusion plan introduces students to service-learning through K-9 social studies classes, each espousing a service theme which is aligned with academic objectives. They also do service projects that specifically focus on direct, indirect, and advocacy experiences, depending on the focus of that grade's social studies curriculum. Dorchester's curriculum design also supports the goals of Core Knowledge and allows each student to participate in real-life situations that benefit the Dorchester community.St. Mary's County - Communication
One of St. Mary's chief successes this year was in the amount of coverage of service-learning by the local media. St. Mary's County made a conscious and concerted effort to get positive press-reporting on all the contributions youth are making to their community. They recognized the power of the media to form perceptions of youth. They worked with the media to highlight student successes, thereby positively redefining what students are contributing to their community.. St. Mary's residents now know that 5000 students serve annually through the Christmas in April housing program, a Red Cross blood drive, environmental projects, preserving historic sites, and reading to youth.
1998-1999 Award Winners
Allegany County - Funding & Other ResourcesFrederick County - Public Support & Involvement
Prince George's County - Recognition
Wicomico County - Community Partnerships/ Professional Development & Training
1997-1998 Award Winners
St. Mary's County - EvaluationHarford County - Training & Professional Development
Talbot County - Community Partnerships
Baltimore County - Instructional Design
1996-1997 Award Winners
Calvert County - Assessment (now Evaluation)Cecil County - Curriculum
Queen Anne's County - Student Participation (now Student Leadership)
Washington County - Program Design (now Instructional Design)
Maryland Student Service Alliance
Maryland State Department of Education
200 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
Call 410-767-0358 or send e-mail to our staff