Van Hollen Introduces Teaching Geography is Fundamental Act

Van Hollen Introduces Teaching Geography is Fundamental Act

Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced the Teaching Geography is Fundamental Act (H.R. 1228), legislation that would help ensure that all young people acquire the vital global knowledge they need to compete in today's rapidly-changing, competitive, global economy. It would authorize federal funding to improve student achievement, increase teacher training, encourage education research, and develop effective instructional materials and strategies for geography education.

"We need to improve our children's understanding of their world both within and beyond our country's borders," said Van Hollen. "The Teaching Geography is Fundamental Act will help accomplish that goal and prepare America's students to move forward and succeed in our increasingly connected world."

The goal of this important legislation is to provide dedicated federal funding to programs that seek to improve geography education. The bulk of the funding would support the training of geography educators across the country and provide grants to promote geography research.

Van Hollen's bill would also fix a provision in the No Child Left Behind Act that leaves geography as the only required discipline that is not funded. Van Hollen was an original co-sponsor of the Teaching Geography is Fundamental Act in the U.S. House of Representatives during the 109th Congress.

Earlier today Van Hollen was named Geography Legislator of the Year by the National Geographic Education Foundation for his steadfast commitment to improving geographic literacy among young Americans.

http://vanhollen.house.gov/HoR/MD08/Newsroom/Press+Release+by+Date/2007/03-01-07+Van+Hollen+Introduces+Teaching+Geography+is+Fundamental+Act.htm