Maryland is the first state to require every student to perform service as a condition of receiving a high school diploma. In Baltimore, once electives became mandatory, a new coordinator for service learning was appointed, a service-learning program--the Baltimore Alliance for Student Service--was established, and a revised five-year…

Educators should be aware of the Education Commission of the States' influence on state policy making as it pertains to the local education scene. This article explores the history and current activities of the Commission. (Editor)