Administrators
This site is no longer updated - it has moved to https://environmentalliteracy.santacruzcoe.org/home
What is Environmental Literacy and how can it support other core content area instruction?
See our Tools for Green Schools page for our GREEN SCHOOLS WORKING GROUP resources, toolkits, family resources, research on the benefits of Green Schoolyards and more.
Climate Education is a key component of NGSS
An environmental literacy lens can support curriculum and instruction, facilities management, and student engagement and health. See the links below for select resources that can help schools leverage environmental education opportunities.
PRACTICAL RESOURCES FOR TAKING SCHOOL OUTSIDE DURING THE PANDEMIC AND BEYOND. Outdoor learning spaces are a cost-effective way to increase instructional space while providing fresh air, hands-on learning opportunities, and the mental and physical health benefits associated with increased access to natural spaces.
This website houses a free online resource library, designed to help schools and districts move their classes and programs outside not only as a way to address the COVID-19 pandemic — but also as an investment in the future of a richer educational environment for children of all ages.
Research shows academic and other benefits for students who participate in environmental education programs, whether on the school grounds or off-site with community partners.
The study provides a summary of improved academic performance resulting from environmental education. Studies included these findings:
• Students performed better on standardized mathematics assessments
• Schools with environmental education consistently outperformed other schools on state standardized tests in math, reading, writing, and listening
• Students performed better, on average, on the state science assessment
• Students scored significantly higher on measures of critical thinking skills
• In a two year garden-based program, the number of failing students decreased substantially, and the dropout rate was reduced from an initial 30 percent to zero in some years
Experts at Stanford University systematically analyzed the academic literature and 119 peer-reviewed studies published over a 20-year period that measured the impacts of environmental education for K-12 students. The review found clear evidence that environmental education programs provide a variety of benefits.
• Knowledge gains across multiple disciplines, including environmental issues, science, mathematics, and more
• Emotional and social skills, such as self-esteem, character development, team work, and leadership skills
• Environmentally friendly behavior, such as reducing water use, increasing recycling, and participating in community cleanups
• Academic skills (21ST Century skills), such as critical thinking, oral communication, analytical skills, problem solving, and higher-order thinking
• Motivation to learn, including enthusiasm for and interest in school
• Civic interest and engagement, including feelings of civic responsibility, feelings of empowerment, and ability to take action
Schools with outdoor learning spaces, gardens and natural areas provide more equitable access to environmental education and build students' connection to nature and sense of place.
The Center for Green Schools: Green schools strive to achieve success in three pillars. They teach students how to lead a changing world, and they support student understanding by modeling sustainable behavior through green operations and building practices.
Templates and model resolutions for school boards and student councils provided by Schools for Climate Action
Green Ribbon Schools and CA Green Ribbon Schools awards recognize schools for success in three pillars: reducing environmental impact and costs; improving health and wellness of students and staff; and providing effective environmental and sustainability education
See our Community Partners page for a searchable database of environmental programs to support your district and school goals.
Wondering how a school district can include environmental goals in District goals?
Check out Encinitas School Board's approach: http://www.eusd.net/green-initiatives/
ESSA Funding and EE
The Every Student Succeeds Act includes language making environmental education and environmental literacy programs explicitly eligible for federal education funds for the very first time.
The key language is found in Title IV of the bill:
Environmental education is called out as eligible for funding under a $1.6B “well-rounded education” grants program
Environmental literacy programs are eligible for funding as part of the $1B 21st Century Community Learning Centers program.
The prioritization of STEM activities including “hands-on learning” and “field-based or service learning” to enhance understanding of STEM subjects may provide additional opportunities for environmental science education programs.