[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 105 (Thursday, July 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1321]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              INTRODUCTION OF THE NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN P. SARBANES

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2011

  Mr. SARBANES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the No Child 
Left Inside, NCLI, Act. This legislation, which successfully passed the 
House of Representatives in 2008, seeks to address some of the most 
pressing issues of our time: our children's health, education, and 
future jobs. By creating an environmental education grant program and 
providing teacher training for environmental education across the 
curriculum, we can prepare our children for science, technology, 
engineering, and mathematics jobs that will be the cornerstone of the 
United States' 21st century economy. Riding the wave of interest across 
the country that has brought together an NCLI Coalition with over 2,000 
organizations representing over 50 million Americans, this legislation 
is a down payment to grow the next generation of scientists, promote 
environmental stewardship, and encourage Americans to live healthier 
lifestyles. In addition, research shows that hands-on, outdoor 
environmental education has a measurably positive impact not only on 
student achievement in science, but also in reading, math, and social 
studies.
  Despite these important benefits, environmental education is facing a 
national crisis. Many schools are being forced to scale back or 
eliminate environmental education programs. The No Child Left Inside 
Act seeks to give schools and teachers the resources and flexibility to 
spark the imagination of our nation's children and I urge my colleagues 
to join me in supporting this important bill.

                          ____________________