NCLI is One of Four "Key Pieces of Legislation"
Word continues to spread through the country...and through Congress. The No Child Left Inside Act is now listed as one of four key pieces of legislation in the reauthorization of ESEA on the Ed & Labor Committee Web Site. Check out the website that they have created just for the NCLI Act - http://edlabor.house.gov/education/k-12/
Former Secretary of Education Riley Supports NCLI
Former Secretary of Education, Richard W. Riley, issued a letter of support for the No Child Left Inside Act. Below is an excerpt from that letter.
"If we want to have a green-jobs economy, we need to give our young people the skills to get the good-paying jobs that will become more and more available and attractive in the coming decade. Indeed, environmental literacy and education are at the very foundation of a sustainable green-jobs economy. We cannot have one without the other."
The full letter is available in an Adobe pdf file - click here.
Environmental Literacy Included in Obama's New Education Budget: Historic First
Together with their legislative sponsors, the No Child Left Inside® Coalition today cheered President Obama's budget as a historic moment, noting that environmental literacy has been included in the U.S. Department of Education budget for the very first time.
"This budget takes an important step toward boosting environmental education in the classroom and giving more kids the opportunity to get out and learn about the natural world around them," said Senator Jack Reed (RI). "Environmental education can help raise student achievement in other core subjects like math and science. This is a smart investment in our children's future and the future of our planet." Click here to read the full press release.
Tell the Dept. of Educ. That You Support NCLI
The U.S. Department of Education is working on the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA, aka No Child Left Behind), and there are critical actions that must be taken now. Ensure that the bill includes provisions for pre-K through grade 12 environmental and outdoor education as outlined in the No Child Left Inside Act, sponsored by Senator Reed and Congressman Sarbanes.
The Department of Education is requesting comments on ESEA as they begin drafting new language for the bill. DOE officials have advised us that the comments they receive are being reviewed and carefully considered.
It is essential that DOE hear from every one of us about the value of environmental and outdoor education to student success and teacher quality. Write to ESEA.comments@ed.gov This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and let Secretary Duncan and the Obama Administration know that you support the inclusion of NCLI in the reauthorized ESEA.
Jason Mraz Joins Sesame Street to Get Kids Outside
The No Child Left Inside® Coalition is composed of environmental, educational, and public health organizations, businesses, civic organizations and other public enterprises, all dedicated to ensuring a comprehensive education for all.