No Child Left Inside
What is the No Child Left Behind Act of 2007?
The No Child Left Inside Act of 2007 (H.R. 3036 and S. 1981) is a bill aimed at increasing the awareness and funding for environmental education. The bill, introduced by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD), would provide much needed funding for states to train teachers in environmental concepts and issues, offer environmental education curriculum and field trips for students, and build capacity within states for increases in both quality and quantity of environmental education curriculums.
In a letter Congressman Sarbanes (co-sponsor of the bill) states that by “working with a national coalition of environmental educators, we are pushing for changes to No Child Left Behind that would increase funding for environmental education to create appropriate standards and teacher training and give states the incentive to establish plans to ensure that students are environmentally literate.”
It is important to note, the No Child Left Inside Act would provide new resources and incentives to states to enhance environmental education. It would not add any new tests or requirements to schools.
What does the No Child Left Inside Act mean for Nebraska?
The No Child Left Inside Act of 2007 has a potential to bring not only financial support, but also awareness, training and structure for environmental education in Nebraska. The Act would require all states to create an Environmental Education Literacy Plan. This Plan, much like the essential learning standards for music, visual and performing art, and foreign languages, would provide a framework for educators to follow to ensure students are both knowledgeable in environmental issues and able to solve environmental problems. Once Nebraska has an Environmental Literacy Plan in place, we would be eligible for federal grant monies to provide our teachers with additional trainings on environmental topics and skills. In addition, we would be eligible for monies to increase opportunities for our students in the field of environmental education. The No Child Left Inside Act has the potential to provide much needed support to Nebraska’s teachers and ensure Nebraska’s students learn about Nebraska’s natural resources.
- For more information on the No Child Left Inside Act of 2007, go here.
- For the latest info on the bill's status, go here (House of Representatives) and here (Senate).
What can you do?
Write a letter to Nebraska’s representatives encouraging them to co-sponsor the No Child Left Inside Act of 2007.
- Sample Letter (PDF)
- Addresses of Nebraska’s Representatives (PDF)
Talk with your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers about the No Child Left Inside Act of 2007. Encourage them to write a letter.