Resources for Community Organizations
In the State Seal of Civic Engagement Environmental Literacy Implementation Guide, learn how the lens of environmental literacy can be used to support teachers, schools, and districts in implementing California’s State Seal of Civic Engagement. Find real-world examples and links to resources for each state criteria, including: academic achievement, civics knowledge, community action projects, and self-reflection.
The Community-Based Partner Network Toolkit has been designed to help county offices of education, school districts, and community-based partners establish and maintain networks to expand environmental literacy within California’s TK–12 educational landscape. The toolkit includes sections on types of community-based partners and networks, guidance for networks at different stages, self-assessment rubrics, and more.
California’s County-Level CBP Networks Directory includes examples of existing community-based partners networks and their websites at the county level. Explore different approaches to organizing and maintaining networks and see if there are any active networks near you! If you lead a network or are launching one, please complete this form.
The CAELI Partner Portal serves as a central directory for community-based organizations who offer environmental education programs (in-classroom, field trip, overnight, etc.) throughout the state. The purpose of this directory is to increase equitable access to programs, foster collaboration, build capacity for educators, and establish consistency in programs alignment.
Environmental Literacy Curriculum Connections from the Lawrence Hall of Science identifies Next Generation Science Standards curriculum units that emphasize environmental concepts and adds outdoor learning experiences to classroom routines. This valuable tool supports remote learning and plans to return to safe in-person learning by maximizing time outdoors by helping school partners offer outdoor programming that connects to in-class science learning.
The California Environmental Literacy Initiative: Thinking Through Environmental Justice in TK–12 Education report provides key takeaways from the California Subject Matter Project and CAELI’s partnership project to develop a deeper shared understanding and knowledge of environmental justice to better equip California TK–12 educators to teach the concept in their respective subject matters. The report includes key takeaways from the project, synthesis of interviews, and proposed action plans for educators integrating environmental justice into varying subjects.
California Education Leaders: Don’t Miss These Environmental Literacy Webinars! Based on our “Call to Action” tool, these webinars will illustrate how to support teachers in delivering culturally-responsive, multi-disciplinary, standards-based curriculum through distance, in-school, and community learning. This series will give practical advice & effective strategies for education leaders to implement environmental literacy initiatives in their counties, districts, or schools. The sessions run from September 16 – December 9, 2020.
California’s Blueprint for Environmental Literacy makes the case that a healthy and safe California relies on residents making wise choices essential to our quality of life. We need the collaboration of educators and administrators from the formal education system; community organizations large and small; and parents and community members who understand the needs of their students.
Examining Equitable and Inclusive Work Environments in Environmental Education investigates how environmental education organizations think about and operationalize equity and inclusion in the work environment by gathering perspectives of environmental education leaders and educators of color. The study identifies strategies and tools that contribute to systemic organizational changes to support and retain people of color.
BEETLES is devoted to creating versatile environmental education professional learning materials, student activities for use in the field, a collaborative resource-sharing network of environmental educators, and resources for field instructors, leaders, and teachers.
The Lawrence Hall of Science offers professional development and hands-on learning experiences for schools, communities, and homes. Their programs engage across the learning continuum—from simple curiosity to deep understanding, and are effective in any environment—from informal to afterschool to formal TK–12 classrooms.
The Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) Toolkit helps community partners, parents, students, and educators who seek to improve education to participate in their local school district budget development process.
The California Regional Environmental Education Community (CREEC) Network fosters regional partnerships throughout California to promote environmental literacy by providing teachers with access to high quality professional learning opportunities and education resources.
The California Outdoor Schools Association is a statewide network of outdoor schools and faculty that are managed by local educational agencies.
The San Mateo County Office of Education has a countywide environmental literacy initiative. Their approach integrates curriculum and instruction, community programs and partnerships, and fosters a shift in institutional culture.
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is committed to supporting students, teachers, administrators, and community partners to build environmental literacy for all students in their community.
4S: San Francisco, Science, Stewardship and Sustainability is a cross-organizational partnership between the San Francisco Unified School District and informal science and environmental education organizations to support each other’s work.
Youth Outside strives to ensure that the lived experience of all youth is honored as part of the outdoor experience. They provide grantmaking, capacity building, and training to promote healthy lives and inspire future champions of the planet.
