We can't ignore it. If we believe in the value of outdoor education to unite and educate us, then this is a very important week indeed.
Amid the background noise of the revving up presidential contest, the fate of No Child Left Inside will likely be decided for the forseeable future. The US House of Representatives will vote on the 9th on whether to support environmental education in the schools...through teachers, curriculum support and funding. And in so doing, provide a nod or a nay to something virtually wiped out by the teach-for-the-test approach of NCLB.
Think of it. With glaciers melt rapidly in Alaska, polar bears swimming for their lives, high water lapping further up Pacific Island coastlines...we're having to battle to give kids the chance to learn about environmental education in US schools. Amazing right? Especially in that EE education provides many of the tools they will need to participate in and help solve one of the greatest planetary issues of the next century. Climate change anyone?
Environmental Education is a great unifier. Of ideas, disciplines and teaching. Its study draws in social science, physical and natural science, current events, geography and practically everything else.We support increased teaching of EE, and the goals of No Child Left Inside. Go to nclicoalition.org and send a message to your congressperson.
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