Maryland to Require Environmental Literacy for Graduation

On June 21, Maryland became the first state to require high school students to learn about the environment in order to graduate. Now, U.S. senators are trying to get a similar measure passed nationally.

The bill has the support of more than 1,900 organizations, including businesses, nonprofits, and environmental groups. The No Child Left Inside Coalition says environmental education "promotes higher order thinking skills" and is correlated with higher test scores.

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley said in a statement that the new law is a "defining moment for education in Maryland." The law requires each school to implement a multi-disciplinary environmental education program, with a specific focus on the state's natural resources. Every high school student will be required to participate in the program in order to graduate.

"The Board of Education is ensuring that our young people graduate with a keen understanding of and connection to the natural world," O'Malley said in a statement. "Only through exposure to nature and education about our fragile ecosystem can we create the next generation of stewards."

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/maryland-require-environmental-literacy-graduation-144753377.html

that is trying to destroy the earth or indeed could do so, its the old rich people who need a kick square in the nuts to stop the destruction.

but how about having to pass the same test when renewing driver's licenses?

maybe not every time you renew but once every 10 years or so should be good.

Allowing teachers to teach is also correlated with higher test scores.

-Hoot