No Child Left Inside

Why are fewer students learning about the natural world today than in 2001? Congress is mulling over that very question, and Representative John Sarbanes (D-Md) has an answer. According to Sarbanes's proposed "No Child Left Inside" bill, "fewer students are becoming involved in important environmental education, courses, classwork, and field investigations as an unintended consequence of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001."

Apparently, schools focused on producing test-savvy pupils are forced to neglect projects and field trips that would put kids outdoors. The No Child Left Inside bill proposes regulations and grant programs that would "ensure that elementary and secondary school students are environmentally literate." The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the bill this week.

Are you a supporter of outdoor academia? Read Sierra magazine's "Cool Schools" issue or get involved with the Sierra Club's Building Bridges to the Outdoors program.

What do you think is causing the drop in environmental education? Tell us what you think!

Update: The Sierra Club supports the No Child Left Inside bill. Find out more here.