Sarbanes Reintroduces No Child Left Inside Act
July 16, 2013
Sarbanes Reintroduces No Child Left Inside Act
Legislation would bolster environmental education in America's schools
WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today reintroduced the No Child Left Inside Act (NCLI), a bipartisan measure that would expand environmental education in schools across the country. The legislation has been cosponsored by U.S. Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (R. Pa.) and reintroduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.).
The legislation would create new federal grant opportunities for teacher professional development and the creation of pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade curricula that includes environmental education. The changes would ensure high school graduates are environmentally literate.
"Environmental education must be a national priority," said Congressman Sarbanes, who authored the bill. "Hands-on, outdoor interaction with the environment enhances student achievement – not only in science, but also in reading, math, and social studies. By investing in education that will grow the next generation of innovators, scientists and environmental stewards, we will prepare our workforce of the future to meet the many economic, environmental, and energy-related challenges our country is facing."
The legislation would encourage partnerships between school districts, colleges, parks, and non-profit and other community-based organizations to implement the improved curricula and provide professional development for teachers on the use of field-based, service, and experiential learning.
Additionally, the bill will add environmental education as an authorized activity under other traditional federal grant programs and require cooperation, joint planning, and reporting by federal agencies involved in environmental education.
NCLI is supported by over 50 million citizens from 2,200 local, regional, and national organizations in the No Child Left Inside Coalition, including the League of Conservation Voters, National Education Association, National Science Teachers Association, National Wildlife Federation, and the Outdoor Industry Association, as well as hundreds of colleges, universities, businesses, and health care organizations.
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