MN SF553

Adds a new graduation requirement of at least 75 hours of student service credit that includes preparation, action, and reflection components for students beginning 9th grade in the 2009-2010 school year and later.

Allows service hours to be completed through curriculum-based courses with service learning outcomes, school-sponsored cocurricular activities, commissioner-approved organizations offering service learning, and out-of-school community organization activities.

Permits service learning programs to be locally designed and approved by the commissioner, and allows students to begin earning hours during middle grades at the discretion of their local school district or charter school.

Requires students proposing non-standard service learning activities to submit written proposals to the chief school administrator or school service learning committee for approval before proceeding.

Mandates that each school district and charter school establish a verification process to confirm student service hours completed through cocurricular activities, community organizations, and special activities.