Wednesday, September 29, 2010

U.S. Education Secretary Endorses EE

During the Sustainability Education Summit, September 20-21 in Washington D.C., the secretary of the U.S. Department of Education unveiled a new, coordinated effort to include environmental education in public schools.

The goal of the summit, which was hosted by the U.S. Department of Education in conjunction with other federal agencies, was to create action steps for education, business and industry, government, and the environmental community to promote the transition to a sustainable, green economy.

Selected remarks from Secretary Arne Duncan's speech:


"It's been clear for a decade or more that education plays a vital role in the sustainability movement."

"This week's sustainability summit represents the first time that the Department is taking a taking a leadership role in the work of educating the next generation of green citizens and preparing them to contribute to the workforce through green jobs."

"Educators have a central role in this. A well educated citizen knows that we must not act in this generation in ways that endanger the next."

"Historically, the Department of Education hasn't been doing enough in the sustainability movement. Today, I promise you that we will be a committed partner in the national effort to build a more environmentally literate and responsible society."

"For the first time ever, the Department of Education will be supporting locally developed models that teach environmental science."

"Right now, in the second decade of the 21st century, preparing our students to be good environmental citizens is some of the most important work any of us can do. It is for our children, and our children's children, and generations yet to come."
 
 
 

No comments:

Post a Comment