Due to the heavy focus on math and reading testing in our nation’s schools as a result of the No Child Left Behind law, many students are no longer being taught basic environmental education. Teachers, who previously taught students the importance of clean air and water and the threat of global warming, are now focusing their efforts strictly on issues that will be tested, and the environment isn’t on the list.
The “teaching to the test” requirements have also excluded the need for field trips to nature centers or other outdoor activities, which have the potential of opening young minds and eyes. U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and U.S. Representative John Sarbanes (D-MD) want to re-energize environmental education in our schools.
They have introduced the No Child Left Inside Act in the House and Senate, which would provide new federal funding for environmental education and give states incentives to improve environmental instruction. The No Child Left Behind law is due to be reauthorized in Congress this year and Sen. Reed and Rep. Sarbanes are working to have the provisions of the No Child Left Inside Act incorporated into that legislation.
Provisions of the No Child Left Inside Act of 2007 include:
- The requirement that states seeking environmental education funding under No Child Left Behind to develop and submit a K-12 plan to ensure that high school graduates are environmentally literate. States receiving such funds would submit status reports on how those plans are being implemented.
- The provision for new funding for states to develop, improve and advance environmental education standards.
- New funding to train qualified teachers to teach environmental education courses and programs.
“At a time when major environmental challenges face the nation and the world, it is crucial that our next generation of students receive the education and tools they need to face these challenges head on,” said (Organization Director). “Many of us can remember our first school field trip to a nature center and how those experiences shaped who we are today; it’s essential that we share these values with our children.”
Also of tremendous concern are the overwhelming statistics of childhood obesity in the U.S., and it should be no surprise to parents and teachers that reduced activity and exercise, as well as eating a healthy diet are to blame. The Get ‘Em Outside, No Child Left Inside Act will help deal with the problems of obesity in children, and help educate our kids in a way that helps develop and maintain their interest in learning.
More than two dozen groups are strongly supporting the No Child Left Inside Act, including the Sierra Club, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Audubon and Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The National Education Association is also standing behind the bill.
Both the House and Senate are expected to move forward with re-authorization of the No Child Left Behind law in September. To show your support for environmental education and the inclusion of the No Child Left Inside Act, contact your Congressperson and the Chairs of the House Education and Labor Committee and Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
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12 responses so far ↓
1 Melissa, Multitasking Mama (1 comments.) // Aug 18, 2008 at 5:51 am
I went to private school and they placed a huge emphasis on environmental ed, especially because we lived near the Chesapeake Bay and we were taught ways (hands on) to protect the bay from pollution, etc. Our kids certainly don’t get enough of this and I am excited that Washington is taking notice!
2 Lin (1019 comments.) // Aug 18, 2008 at 7:55 am
Melissa, I’m very hopeful for this program’s success in bringing greater awareness and education about environmental issues, but also the positive effects of getting kids moving and active while learning at the same time.
3 Tip Dad (3 comments.) // Aug 18, 2008 at 12:15 pm
It’s an interesting idea. Similar to the lack of financial education in schools, I wish educators could be allowed to focus more on real-world problems such as environmental concerns, citizenship, personal finance, etc. There is still a place for algebra and literature, but I think more and more kids are graduating so lacking in basic skills and common sense that it actually makes things harder for them down the road.
4 Lin (1019 comments.) // Aug 18, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Jason, I agree wholeheartedly about the need for educating kids about basic life skills, personal finance etc.
I remember there being courses in high school when I attended about Life Management stuff that taught high school kids basic finance (how to balance a checkbook etc), how to prepare basic meals, creating a budget etc. I don’t know if those courses are still available or taught anymore, but if they’re not it’s a real shame.
5 display booths (61 comments.) // Sep 1, 2008 at 8:49 am
hi Lin,
I saw this post title (No Child Left Inside) a few days ago and promised myself I would read it. Anyway, now I have. Great article. I fully support the legislation, and hope it is successful. Schools should be able to teach more than one thing at a time (sort of like people should be able to walk and chew gum at the same time).
Anway, now I’m going to practice what you preach, and get my “inner-child” outside for a little while.
~ Steve (aka “display booths”)
6 Lin (1019 comments.) // Sep 1, 2008 at 9:24 am
Steve, it’s alarming that so much federal funding is cut when it comes to educating our kids, and I really hope this legislation passes and children get the most of their education humanly possible.
I also hope it helps in reducing the number of drop-out’s, since so many teens are dropping out of school. I think it’s atrocious that there is actually a legal age that allows teens to drop-out of school even without a parent’s consent. Ridiculous!
7 display booths (61 comments.) // Sep 1, 2008 at 11:32 am
hi Lin,
This reminds me that my family went to Nebraska and Kansas this summer for a family reunion (right after the tornadoes and flooding, but that’s another story…). We got out to my mother-in-law’s farm for two days with our kids. They got to see ride tractors, see cows, and go fishing for catfish. It was a great (learning) experience. I wish all kids could get a chance to spend a week on a farm, and maybe work while they are there, milking the cows and pulling weeds. It’s good to see the real world and know where our food comes from…
~ Steve (aka Mr Display Booths)
8 Lin (1019 comments.) // Sep 1, 2008 at 11:48 am
Steve, you make an excellent point. Kids need to have opportunities made available to them to determine what their own interests are, which helps kids and teens get a wide birth of ideas of “what I wanna be when I grow up”. How can kids or teens have any ideas of what THEY want to be, what career choice they will make for their future, if they’re not provided all the opportunities to explore and learn, whether in school or out of school.
Even though I grew up a city girl, we had ample opportunities to spend time on a farm while we were growing up. Ever had a “tomato fight” on a farm? Loads of fun! But being around the various animals on a farm, and being up close to see and touch and learn about all kinds of animals taught me more than the teachers did! First hand experience is an excellent teaching tool, it’s disheartening to see so many kids simply parked in a classroom each and every day, even on very good weather days.
9 display booths (61 comments.) // Sep 1, 2008 at 12:06 pm
hi Lin,
I’m a huge tomato fan, so it’s hard for me to visualize a tomato fight and all the wasted tomatoes without a tear coming to my eye…
Just kidding - on the second part, not the first. I am a huge tomato fan, but that’s another story.
First hand experience always beats being told about something in a class room. Good point.
~ Steve (self-admitted tomato lover)
10 Lin (1019 comments.) // Sep 1, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Yeah me too, I love tomatoes too. I eat them like an apple! The tomatoes used in the tomato fights were always the ones that were not picked (harvested?) to be sent for packaging etc. They were the ‘maters that were um… over-ripe and very squishy. Great for a good ol’ mater fight.
11 Tammie @ GardenGirl (1 comments.) // Oct 3, 2008 at 5:17 am
A tomato fight … how fun! Except for the loser. I grew up on a farm and one thing is for sure … there was no danger of not getting enough exercise! Our schools are not the only ones to blame for children not getting enough exercise OR wrestling with their weight. Families these days don’t spend time out doors. They watch TV, play video games, and surf the net when they are home … and when they DO get outside, it is to GO somewhere it is for entertainment rather than a learning experience to. So they ride in their automobile, eat fast food, and sit while they watch the entertainment. It seems that parents have all but forgotten that THEY also have a responsibility toward the health and education of their children.
12 Lin (1019 comments.) // Oct 3, 2008 at 10:14 am
Hi Tammie, we see stories on the news on a regular basis of children and families living a sedentary lifestyle, and it goes without saying that not getting enough exercise and eating a healthy diet (including how much is eaten/portion size) has created an epidemic of obesity in children.
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