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Living Schoolyards Act of 2023
3/14/2024, 12:01 PM
Summary of Bill S 1538
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.





