August 15, 2024 Newsletter
Welcome to the opening edition of the 2024–25 CAELI season! In this newsletter, we’re excited to share key updates and initiatives that will shape the year ahead. CAELI project director Andra Yeghoian reflects on the successes of the June CAELI Leadership Retreat, where leaders gathered to set priorities and build on the momentum from last season.
After months of collaboration, we are excited to introduce the yearlong report, “Peaks and Valleys: A Landscape Study of Environmental Literacy Implementation in and out of California’s TK–12 Classrooms,” which provides critical insights into the state of environmental literacy across California. This season promises to be filled with innovation, collaboration, and continued progress in advancing environmental literacy for all California students.
🌸 What to expect this month:
- Reflections from the CAELI Leadership Retreat
- Peaks and Valleys School Site Survey Report
- ICYMI: CAELI Resources and Reminders
June Retreat Reflections: Momentum Continues with the Opening of the CAELI 2024–25 Season
As the 2024–25 CAELI season kicks off, the leadership team is eager to build on the successes of the past year while introducing fresh ideas, members, and projects. The CAELI Leadership Retreat in June, supported by Ten Strands, set the stage for this new season. Facilitated by co-chairs Estrella Risinger and Juanita Chan, the retreat brought together new and returning leaders of CAELI Innovation Hubs and CAELI-Wide Initiatives to reflect on the past year and plan for the future.
This retreat not only strengthened connections among CAELI leaders but also helped establish key priorities for the upcoming year. Notable achievements from the 2023–24 season, such as the District Innovation Hub’s successful webinars and the expansion of the CAELI Partner Portal, will continue to be focal points. Additionally, the launch of the “Call to Action: Educating for a Green Economy” and the completion of the “Peaks and Valleys” report have set a strong foundation for further advancements in environmental literacy.
With a renewed sense of purpose and a clear roadmap, the CAELI community is poised to make significant strides in the 2024–25 season, continuing its collective mission to advance environmental literacy for all TK–12 students in California.
Announcing the Release of Peaks and Valleys
We are delighted to share that earlier this month, California Environmental Literacy Initiative (CAELI), Ten Strands, and The Lawrence Hall of Science released Peaks and Valleys: A Landscape Study of Environmental Literacy Implementation in and out of California’s TK–12 Classrooms — a yearlong landscape study focused the current state of environmental education in California.
Recruitment for participation in this landscape analysis occurred from October 2023 through January 2024, and leveraged CAELI’s extensive statewide networks.
Key Findings:
- Strong Desire for Integration: Over eighty percent of surveyed educators and administrators want more environmental education in their districts, classrooms, and outdoor spaces.
- Need for Support: Educators seek additional curricular materials and professional development to enhance their environmental education efforts.
- Focus on Inclusivity: There is a call for more learning materials that address the intersections of race, culture, and environmental literacy, and for partnerships with Native communities to incorporate traditional indigenous ecological knowledge.
Environmental literacy equips students with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions that contribute to sustainable and equitable communities. The findings from this study are a call to action for providing the necessary support to educators to achieve this goal.
Read the full report here and the joint press release here.
Voices from the Study:
“I hope our findings position CA educators to get what they need so that every student in the state has access to environmental literacy instruction across subjects and grades. I also hope this study is the first of many—I would love for us to continue this work in other states across the country,” said Melissa A. Collins, PhD, senior research lead at The Lawrence.
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It): CAELI Resources and Reminders
- It’s that time of year again—the Green Ribbon Schools Award Program applications for the 2024–2025 year are now available! This prestigious program recognizes schools and districts for their excellence in resource efficiency, health and wellness, and environmental and sustainability education. We encourage all schools and districts to apply and showcase their commitment to a greener future. The application deadline is November 4, so don’t miss this opportunity to gain well-deserved recognition for your hard work and dedication. Apply here.
- The recently released Call to Action: Educating for a Green Economy report advocates for a statewide strategic plan to ensure equitable access to green careers for TK–16 students. This plan aims to create a diverse pipeline of sustainability professionals to meet California’s sustainability, equity, and economic goals, while directing millions in funding to strengthen the state’s leadership in the green economy. Download the report or executive summary here.
