Bill > S291

This bill makes several changes related to geography education, including moving the observance of Geography Awareness Week from the second week of November to the first week of April, and adding a representative from the Massachusetts Geographic Alliance to a committee on education. Crucially, it establishes a commission on geography education composed of various appointed members, including representatives from the education sector, labor and workforce development, the alternative energy industry, geotechnology, public universities, teacher organizations, and the Massachusetts Geographic Alliance. This commission is tasked with studying and assessing the current state of geography education from kindergarten through 12th grade, investigating programs that promote geography, examining best practices and national standards, and recommending ways to improve teacher training and curriculum integration, with a deadline to report its findings and any proposed legislation by December 31, 2015. The commission is to be convened by its chair within 90 days of the bill's effective date.