NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

1969 SESSION

CHAPTER 1103

HOUSE BILL 118

AN ACT DIRECTING THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO CONDUCT A STUDY AS TO THE FEASIBILITY OF INTRODUCING INTO THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM CURRICULUM INSTRUCTION IN THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR SAID STUDY.

WHEREAS, there is growing recognition that we are approaching an environmental crisis of global proportions; and

WHEREAS, this crisis is the result of long-standing and increasing abuse of the environment brought about by the heightened demands of an ever-increasing population; and

WHEREAS, if the long-range hopes of the future are to be served, a healthy environment must be maintained not only for ourselves, but for generations yet to come; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina is blessed with many natural resources which have not been spoiled by the abuses of reckless exploitation; and

WHEREAS, an understanding of the principles of conservation and ecology is essential to maintaining both the amenities and the necessities of a healthy environment; and

WHEREAS, the students in the Public School System of North Carolina represent a vital part of our State's investment in the future; and

WHEREAS, the students in the Public School System will one day be the custodians of all the State's resources, and the quality of such custody will depend upon their making decisions to preserve the permanent resources of our State;

NOW, THEREFORE,

The General Assembly of North Carolina do enact:

Section 1.  The State Board of Education is directed to study the need for and to formulate proposals relating to the introduction into the curriculum in the Public School System of North Carolina of a study of Environment and Natural Resources through the addition of a course or courses of study, or through the inclusion of a study thereof in any other course or courses.

Said Board shall:

a.   Make an investigation concerning the value of such a course of study,

b.   Make inquiry concerning the degree to which various aspects of the Environment and Natural Resources are covered in the existing curriculum,

c.   Examine available textbooks in the subject area and evaluate courses which are being taught elsewhere, and

d.   Examine the development of curriculum guides and instructional materials relating to the Environment and Natural Resources.

e.   Examine the needs for in-service training for teachers in the subject area of the Environment and Natural Resources.

Sec. 2.  It is the explicit intent of this Act that the Board shall work closely with the Superintendent of Public Instruction and shall hold Public Hearings in order that the widest public participation can be achieved in establishing this new direction for our educational enterprise.

Sec. 3.  There is hereby appropriated to the State Board of Education, out of the General Fund, the sum of Five thousand dollars for the biennium beginning July 1, 1969, to defray the expenses of said study.

Sec. 4.  The State Board of Education shall, on or before October 1, 1970, publish the results of said study and the recommendations of said Board and shall make said report available to the news media and members of the 1971 Session of the General Assembly.

Sec. 5.  All laws and clauses of laws in conflict with this Act are hereby repealed.

Sec. 6.  This Act shall be in full force and effect from and after July 1, 1969.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified, this the 30th day of June, 1969.