SENATE RESOLUTION

                             8759

Senators McAuliffe, Jacobsen, Eide and Sheldon, B.

     WHEREAS, National research has demonstrated that students learn more effectively when environmental knowledge and skills are integrated into K-12 education than with traditional classroom based teaching; and

     WHEREAS, Standardized measures for reading, writing, math, science, and social studies prove that when teaching occurs at natural sites, students learn more effectively than in traditional classroom settings; and

     WHEREAS, The use of the environment as an integrating concept to teach reading, writing, science, and math results in the development of higher level critical thinking skills, and increased engagement and enthusiasm in learning by students; and

     WHEREAS, The Governor's Council on Environmental Education has fostered improved school teaching and learning about agriculture, forestry, fish and wildlife, drinking water, litter control, waste reduction, air quality, and energy conservation, and their importance to communities; and

     WHEREAS, Environmental education has increased student, school, community, and business partnerships, and fostered young citizens' participation in civic activities in dozens of Washington communities;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate of the state of Washington recognize the value environmental education brings to our students and communities by developing citizens who can compete in our global economy, improve our quality of life, and protect human health.

I, Tony M. Cook, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution-8759,

adopted by the Senate February 21, 2002.

TONY M. COOK

Secretary of the Senate