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GOP proposal would promote service learning

JEFFERSON CITY - Missouri students would find out just how easily their classroom studies can be applied to the outside world if one GOP lawmaker has her way.

A proposal sponsored by Rep. Emmy McClelland, R-St. Louis County, would require the Education Department to promote service learning in schools. McClelland said service learning allows students to apply their normal curriculum to solve problems in the community.

"It's enhancing the students' learning," she said at a hearing of the House Education Committee Tuesday.

In addition to requiring promotion of service learning by the Education Department, the bill would establish a grant program for interested teachers. McClelland is a member of the Missouri Community Service Commission, and she said the group was the real impetus behind the bill.

Someone who knows the benefits of service learning is Robin Behen, who testified at the hearing and is a teacher in Jefferson City. She has used service learning to allow students to apply her curriculum to outside projects. One example she used was the recycling program her students began when they were studying the environment.

McClelland said it's in this sort of atmosphere that students learn the most.

"It's one thing to talk about recycling," she said. "It's another to start a program for recycling."

Behen said that students really get excited about helping others, and that everyone becomes more involved.

"I've never had a student not want to participate," she told the committee.

The proposal is being sponsored by a Republican, and McClelland said that shows that her party cares as much about others as anyone else.

"Republicans have been just as interested in volunteerism as Democrats," she said. "Don't forget about George Bush."

McClelland voiced optimism about her bill's chances, saying the only potential hangup would be if it gets mired in some sort of unavoidable wrangling.

"It might get caught up in political fighting," she said.