Data Sets Overview
MAIN DATA FOCUS AREAS
Scale of CA's TK-12 Education System
Understanding the size and structure of California’s TK-12 education system at all different scales - state, region, county, district, school site, and classroom (teachers and students) - is critical for planning strategies and partnerships that will catalyze and accelerate environmental and climate action across school communities. This data focus area seeks to answer the following question: How is California’s TK-12 Education System organized at all different scales - region, county, district, school - and what role might enrollment size and geographic distribution play in how a school district organizes its system of support?
--> To explore the data visit the Scale of California's TK-12 Education System page
Identifying school districts that face the highest levels of inequity in terms of both traditional formal education equity indicators (socioeconomics, English language learners, racial demographics, special education, etc.) and environmental justice indicators is crucial for targeting interventions effectively with an equity informed approach. This data focus area seeks to answer the following question: Which school districts are experiencing the highest inequities as it relates to student equity data and environmental pollution?
--> To explore the data visit the Statewide Equity Analysis page
District Indicators for Environmental and Climate Action
The purpose of this data set is to identify to what extent each school district in California has taken environmental and climate action based on common indicators that demonstrate some level of investment and action (i.e. Green Ribbon, investment in environmental staff, district-wide environmental initiative, board policies, etc.). This data set is seeks to answer the following questions: To what extent has each school district in California advanced forward environmental and climate action within their schools and overall district?
--> To explore data organized in different segments visit the District Indicators for Action
Broader Situational Context Analysis
While it is not necessary for success, environmental/climate literacy and action initiatives can often move faster when they are in a supportive context of local public agencies and non-governmental organizations making commitments and taking action for the environment. This data focus area examines the following factors and seeks to answer the following questions:
County Level Investments in Environmental and Climate Action: Which county and municipal jurisdictions are making investments in environmental and climate action, and which are not, AND how might these investments (broader context factors) serve as barriers or opportunities for schools within these jurisdictions to take environmental and climate action in their school communities?
Climate Impacts: What are the impacts of climate change that have the greatest threat to the core functions of TK-12 schools? And how will these impacts affect school infrastructure and resources, the physical and mental health of students and employees, and the ability to learn and play safely and without ongoing climate related disruptions?
Community Based Partners Providing Environmental Education: A number of key questions and themes are explored in this data project including gathering an understanding the scope and scale of employment in nonformal and informal environmental education, and understanding who these community based partners (CBPs) are serving across the state.
--> To explore the data visit the Broader Context Factors page
ADDITIONAL DATA FOCUS AREAS
Detailed Indicator Data Set: California Green Ribbon Analysis
The Green Ribbon Schools program is the only federally and state-recognized program that provides criteria for what qualifies as a “green” school - or a school that has committed to taking environmental and climate action. Recognition in this program means that a school or district has completed a baseline assessment of current environmental literacy and sustainability efforts and has made progress towards using a whole systems approach (campus, curriculum, and community and culture) for environmental and climate action. This data initiative includes an in-depth analysis of California Green Ribbon since 2014.
--> To explore the data visit the CA Green Ribbon Analysis Page