On the recordMarch 2, 2011
today I am introducing the Teaching Geography is Fundamental Act. I am pleased to be joined as a cosponsor by my friend, the distinguished Senator from Maryland, Ms. Mikulski. The purpose of this bill is to improve geographic literacy among K through 12 students by supporting professional development programs for their teachers that are administered in institutions of higher learning. The bill also assists States in measuring the impact of education in geography. Ensuring geographic literacy prepares students to be good citizens of both our Nation and the world. John Fahey, who is Chairman and CEO of the National Geographic Society, once stated that, "Geographic illiteracy impacts our economic well-being, our relationships with other nations and the environment, and isolates us from the world." When students understand their own environment, they can better understand the differences in other places, and the people who live in them. Knowledge of the diverse cultures, environment, and distances between states and countries helps our students to understand national and international policies, economies, societies and political structures on a global scale. To expect that Americans will be able to work successfully with other people around the world, we need to be able to communicate and understand each other. It is a fact that we have a global marketplace, and we need to be preparing our younger generation for competition in the international economy.
