THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2295
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020		S.D. 2
STATE OF HAWAII		H.D. 1

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO SERVICE-LEARNING.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that learning through community service volunteering activities, known as service‑learning, is a powerful instructional strategy for improving the educational performance of students. Students who participate in service‑learning experience numerous positive outcomes, including a positive development of character, values, self‑esteem, civic responsibility, and knowledge of local community issues and concerns; higher academic achievement; higher attendance rates; a greater sense of civic responsibility; greater acceptance of cultural diversity; increased awareness of cultural difference; positive attitudes toward helping others; greater social competency; lower dropout rates; lower disciplinary rates; and lower rates of engagement in behaviors that lead to arrest or pregnancy. Community leaders report that service-learning partnerships help to build positive community attitudes toward youths. In addition, schools that support service-learning are more likely to have positive relationships within their communities.

The purpose of this Act is to require public schools to implement a service-learning curriculum.

SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II, subpart B, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§302A-    Service-learning curriculum. (a) No later than the 2023-2024 school year, the department shall implement a service-learning curriculum for students in grades nine through twelve. The service-learning curriculum shall be approved by the board. The purpose of the curriculum shall be to develop character, values, self-esteem, civic responsibility, and knowledge of local community issues and concerns through community service volunteer work. Completion of the service‑learning curriculum shall be a requirement for graduation.

(b) The service-learning curriculum shall be posted on the department's website. The website shall also encourage private schools and charter schools to follow the service-learning curriculum."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2051.

Report Title:

DOE; Service-learning; Curriculum; Community Service Volunteer Work

Description:

Requires the department of education to implement a service‑learning curriculum to develop student character, values, self‑esteem, civic responsibility, and knowledge of local community issues and concerns though community service volunteer work. Effective 7/1/2051. (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.