Education for Sustainability

Education for Sustainability (EfS) is a holistic framework to equip students, schools, administrators, families, and the community with the skills, knowledge, and habits of mind that will prepare them to create and contribute to a world where economic prosperity, social justice and responsible citizenship are strengthened while restoring our health and that of the living systems upon which our lives depend.

Mission

  • Integrate K-12 curriculum, instruction and assessment with Education for Sustainability (EfS) standards
  • Cultivate administrative practices and policies that support EfS throughout the District
  • Strengthen and expand school, family and community engagement so as to enrich EfS

Goal and Target

Demonstrate evidence of EfS in school curriculum, administrative practices, and family and community engagement in 100% of schools within five years.

Developing a Baseline

As the District strives to support learning for sustainability for all segments of the school community, including students, teachers, staff, administration, families and the community, it is just as important to encourage these groups to take action that furthers sustainability in ways that are relevant and appropriate to their roles.

School EfS Survey

Professional Development

This EfS focus area includes professional development opportunities for District teachers. These events are a joint effort between the District and partners, and Act 48 credits are often provided. Participants will develop a learning community that has a shared understanding of EfS and engages educators in activities that combine systems thinking and cross-curricular connections through a sustainability lens.

Eco-Schools USA

 

Eco-Schools USA is an internationally acclaimed program that provides a framework to help educators integrate sustainability principles throughout their schools and curriculum. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has partnered with with Eco-Schools USA and adopted it as the model eco program and framework to help schools move along the path to becoming a more sustainable.

The Seven Step® Eco-Schools framework provides the flexibility to determine which of the ten pathways to sustainability will best help teachers and their students meet their goals.

Eco-Action Team • Environmental Audit • Eco-Action Plan • Monitor and Evaluate • Link to Curriculum • Involve the Community • Creating Your Eco-Code