Maine's experiential education bill deserves funding

LD 1682, the Maine Experiential Education Program Creation Act, passed unanimously. If funded, this bill would bring experiential learning to schools, transform the lives of students, and foster change to create health and wellness in schools and society.

Everything from anxiety and depression to ADHD and executive function issues are associated with nature deficit disorder. Spending time in the school garden calms the nervous system and reminds us of our interdependence with the Earth. Students who receive a true environmental education will grow up with a deep concern and understanding of our environment, leading to lifelong sustainable habits, climate change mitigation, and food justice.

School is not just a place to learn reading, writing and arithmetic. Schools are the heart of our communities. For many, school is a safe place where students are fed, watched, and cared for. Teachers across Maine are confronting the daily challenges that exist within their schools. We understand the value of experiential learning for our students, but we can't do it alone. This bill would provide schools with one-time funding to create and maintain horticulture teacher positions within Maine schools, allowing school districts to pay these costs over several years rather than all at once. This can be incorporated into the budget in stages. Having someone to manage and integrate an active garden will reduce behavioral problems in school, improve test scores, and increase community involvement.

Governor Mills and members of the Appropriations Committee, such as Senators Rotondo, Sachs, and Ankeles, should ensure that this unanimously supported bill ensures that students receive the funding they deserve.

elizabeth jarvis
woolwich

” previous

Next ”