MN HF3566

Establishes a 13-member advisory group to develop recommendations for designing and implementing a statewide outdoor place-based education plan for prekindergarten through grade 12 students.

Advisory group membership includes commissioners from the Department of Education and Department of Natural Resources, plus 11 public members appointed by various education associations, legislative leaders, and the governor.

Advisory group must report proposed recommendations to legislative education committees by January 15, 2017, addressing integration strategies, optimal grade levels, assessment instruments, and resource requirements.

Appropriates $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2017 to Wilderness Inquiry to conduct a literature review, select at least 30 participating schools across urban, suburban, and rural regions, and evaluate program impact during 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 school years.

Advisory group appropriation of $20,000 in fiscal year 2017 is a one-time allocation; program appropriation available until June 30, 2019 with base of $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2018 and zero for fiscal year 2020 and later.