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CREEC Network

California Regional Environmental Education Community

Legislation

NCLI:

Support the No Child Left Inside Legislation

Summer Congressional Recess:  Both chambers of Congress will be in recess until after Labor Day. This break provides a terrific opportunity for you to meet with your Representatives to tell them why you support NCLI. Members of Congress need to hear from YOU, the folks in their home states and districts who support the inclusion of NCLI in the reauthorized Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Here are some things you can do bolster support for NCLI during August.

  • Call the offices of your own members of Congress to schedule a face-to-face meeting. During the meeting, explain why you are a member of the NCLI Coalition and urge your delegates to co-sponsor and support NCLI. You can download a legislative fact sheet to leave behind.
  • If your representative already co-sponsors NCLI, send an email or letter to express your thanks for their support and ask that they continue to make this issue a priority. For a list of current co-sponsors from California, see NCLI Coalition Members in California.
  • Invite your representatives to visit model programs that highlight the tremendous benefits of high quality environmental and outdoor education.
  • Attend any public appearances that your representative may be making and use the opportunity to talk about the importance of the NCLI Act to improving PreK-12 education and environmental stewardship.

The U.S. Department of Education is working on the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (aka No Child Left Behind).  There are efforts underway to 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.

NCLI formed in 2006 and has come along way in just a few years. However, the real work in support of environmental and outdoor education is still ahead.  We want to ensure that all of our nation's students graduate from high school as environmentally literate students who are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century but it is going to take each and every one of us. 

Additional information:
  • Join the hundreds of organizations and agencies who have signed on as Coalition members.   See current list of California Coalition Members and Congressional Support:   NCLI Coalition Members in California.  Updated 8/17/10
Visit the No Child Left Inside website for further updates and information.

Hundreds of national organizations, including NAAEE, Audubon, Project Learning Tree, National Wildlife Federation, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, are working together to support the inclusion of the NCLI language into the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Act (known to many as No Child Left Behind).  If you are interested in reviewing the comments stating why environmental education is important, to read the summary or amendments to the legislation, or for information to contact Committee members to support the proposed amendments visit http://www.eeNCLB.org.

The NCLI legislation would support the development of Environmental Literacy Plans in all states.  The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) has prepared Guidelines for the development of these plans.  Click here to read:  NAAEE State Environmental Literacy Plan Guidelines.    


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A Blueprint for Reform:  The Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act

The United States Department of Education issued A Blueprint for Reform in March 2010.  It outlines President Obama's vision for a world-class education.  The very exciting news for EE professionals is that Environmental Education has been included in the blueprint.  Please refer to pages 25 and 28 to see environmental education listed as a content area necessary in order to provide students with A Complete and Well-Rounded Education.

Our collective voice is being heard across the country and I encourage you to continue your support of environmental education for all students. 


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