Sec. 701. National Park Service interpretation and education
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Title 54, United States Code, is amended by inserting the following after chapter 1007: Sec. 100801. Purposes. 100802. Definitions. 100803. Interpretation and education authority. 100804. Interpretation and education evaluation and quality improvement. 100805. Improved utilization of partners and volunteers in interpretation and education. The purposes of this chapter are— to more effectively achieve the mission of the Service by providing clear authority and direction for interpretation and education programs that are carried out by the Service under separate authorities; to ensure that the public encounters a variety of interpretive and educational opportunities and services in their visits to our System units; to recognize the Service provides lifelong learning opportunities and contributes to interdisciplinary learning in traditional and nontraditional educational settings; and to provide opportunities for all people to find relevance in the System and to strengthen public understanding of our natural and cultural heritage.
As used in this chapter: The term interpretation means providing opportunities for people to form intellectual and emotional connections to gain awareness, appreciation, and understanding of the resources of the System. Interpretation may also refer to the professional career field of Service employees, volunteers, and partners who interpret the resources of the System. The term education means enhancing public awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the resources of the System through learner-centered, place-based materials, programs, and activities that achieve specific learning objectives as identified in a curriculum.
The term related areas means: national wild and scenic rivers and national trails; national heritage areas; and affiliated areas administered in connection with the System. The Secretary shall ensure that management of System units and related areas is enhanced by the availability and utilization of a broad program of the highest quality interpretation and education. The Secretary may undertake a program of regular evaluation of interpretation and education programs to ensure that they— adjust to how people learn and engage with the natural world and shared heritage as embodied in the System; reflect different cultural backgrounds, ages, education, gender, abilities, ethnicity, and needs; demonstrate innovative approaches to management and appropriately incorporate emerging learning and communications technology; and reflect current scientific and academic research, content, methods, and audience analysis.
The Secretary may— coordinate with park partners and volunteers in the delivery of quality programs and services to supplement those provided by the Service as part of a park’s Long Range Interpretive Plan; support interpretive partners by providing opportunities to participate in interpretive training; and collaborate with other Federal and non-Federal public or private agencies, organizations, or institutions for the purposes of developing, promoting, and making available educational opportunities related to resources of the System and programs. .
Title 54, United States Code, is further amended in the matter before subtitle I by inserting the following between chapter 1007 and chapter 1009: 1008. Education and interpretation 100801 .