Outcome Area Page
Welcome to this Outcome Area Page where you can get a summary of the outcome area and link to best practices associated with the outcome area.
Summary
The Effective Environmental and Sustainability Education Outcome Area considers the educational dimension and opportunities of green schools. While standard on-site or off-site environmental education can earn recognition in this outcome area, there is a great opportunity to integrate environmental and sustainability education with the implementation of best practices in other outcome areas. The district and school buildings and grounds are real-world examples of how human-engineered and natural systems interact. Engaging youth in improving those interactions can leverage the advantages of project-based and experiential learning and can build environmental and STEM career skills and interests. The value goes the other direction also; youth can be inspiring and effective agents of change in their districts and schools and can gain strong leadership skills by seeing real-world impacts of their work. This outcome area also recognizes the value in engaging student learning with the surrounding community - whether students are creating a community service project, or members of the community are contributing and collaborating in school learning activities. Community connections like these can also help toward building a more resilient district, school, and community. Best Practice "3.3 Teacher Training" recognizes that these learning models may require additional training.
Effective Environmental and Sustainability Education Best Practices:
Click on each Best Practice to learn more, including Best Practice Actions. [Unlinked or starred Best Practices are under development.]
3.1 Integrated Environmental Education: Environmental education is integrated throughout the curriculum.*
3.2 Outdoor Learning: Outdoor learning experiences are provided .
3.3 Teacher Training: Environmental education training is offered to teachers.*
3.4. Environmental Career Preparation: The curriculum connects to environmental career readiness.*
3.5 Community Projects: Students conduct environmental community engagement projects .
3.6 Community Partnerships: The district/school partners with community organizations to advance green school achievement.*