NC H335

Appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction for fiscal year 2015-2016 to support the Green Teacher Network, Inc., a nonprofit corporation.

Funds a three-year pilot program to transform two Title I schools into outdoor learning centers using a national model developed by Real Green Schools, which has demonstrated improvements in academic performance, teacher effectiveness, and student health and behavioral outcomes.

Provides extensive teacher training over three years to integrate school gardens into curriculum, support healthy eating habits through project-based learning, and transform campuses into outdoor learning centers with corporate partner support.

Directs the Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to develop supplemental assessment of the model.

Effective date is July 1, 2015.