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Living Schoolyards Act of 2023

3/14/2024, 12:01 PM

Summary of Bill S 1538

Bill 118 s 1538, also known as the Living Schoolyards Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of promoting the creation and maintenance of green spaces in schoolyards across the country. The bill seeks to provide funding and resources to schools to support the development of outdoor learning environments that incorporate elements such as gardens, playgrounds, and natural habitats.

The Living Schoolyards Act of 2023 emphasizes the importance of outdoor spaces in promoting physical activity, mental health, and environmental education among students. By encouraging schools to incorporate green spaces into their campuses, the bill aims to improve student well-being and academic performance.

Key provisions of the bill include grants for schools to design and implement green schoolyard projects, as well as funding for teacher training and curriculum development related to outdoor education. The bill also calls for the establishment of a national database to track the impact of green schoolyards on student outcomes and environmental sustainability. Overall, the Living Schoolyards Act of 2023 represents a bipartisan effort to support the creation of healthy and sustainable learning environments for students across the United States. By investing in green schoolyards, the bill aims to enhance the educational experience and well-being of students while promoting environmental stewardship.

Congressional Summary of S 1538

Living Schoolyards Act of 2023

This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to eligible entities (e.g., local educational agencies) for planning, designing, and constructing outdoor learning spaces on school grounds. Outdoor learning space refers to an outdoor physical space on school grounds that is (1) dedicated to meet or conduct curriculum-tied activities, (2) a dedicated space for outdoor classrooms that has seating and tables installed for students and teachers to meet regularly, or (3) a place that is used when the need arises to take learning outdoors.

Additionally, ED must maintain a clearinghouse that provides specified information, including links and information about state and local entities with expertise in outdoor learning spaces and environmental education.

Current Status of Bill S 1538

Bill S 1538 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 10, 2023. Bill S 1538 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on May 10, 2023.  Bill S 1538's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. as of May 10, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1538

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
20
Democrat Cosponsors
20
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1538

Primary Policy Focus

Education

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 1538

Living Schoolyards Act of 2023
Living Schoolyards Act of 2023
A bill to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants for outdoor learning spaces and to develop living schoolyards.

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