eeGuidance for Schools

eeGuidance: Growing Healthy Schools through Outdoor and Environmental Learning- A National Advocacy Campaign

The outdoors are a resource for learning, engagement, and health, and it should be available to all, not just a privileged few.  Community-based environmental and outdoor education programs offer some solutions to challenges schools face now and in the future.

Download the eeGuidance for Schools

Download eeGuidance:  A Roadmap for Using ESSER Funds

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About the eeGuidance

As with any strategy, these recommendations will not fully address all of the challenges facing schools. But environmental and outdoor education programs present promising tools for schools and districts and are essential partners in creating a more just and sustainable future for all.  

eeGuidance for Reopening Schools

NAAEE, the Affiliate Network, and CAEE convened over 65 community feedback calls with hundreds of environmental and outdoors learning providers from around the country during the spring of 2020 that supported the creation of eeGuidance for Reopening Schools.  This guidance outlines several specific areas where environmental and outdoor education programs can help schools, students, teachers and families. The following areas are expanded upon in the eeGuidance:

  • Extending and Expanding Learning Spaces into the Community
  • Using the School Grounds for Learning
  • Supporting Teaching and Learning
  • Creating Healthier Learning Environments
  • Virtual Teaching and Learning 
  • Supporting At-Home Learning

Read the eeGuidance   Read the Press Release

eeGuidance:  A Roadmap for the Use of ESSER Funds

 

Over $1.6 Billion dollars has been distributed to School Districts across Colorado as part of recovery act funds to help support maintaining a safe learning environment, recovery from learning loss, and more over the next three years. Environmental and outdoor learning is an allowable use of funds. In fact, school districts are required to dedicate a portion of funding to summer enrichment activities and after school programs. NAAEE and the affiliate network has been working to create resources to help YOUR program advocate for funding with the school districts you work with. These resources provide the evidence base for outdoor and environmental learning and can be modified and adapted to incorporate your specific program and how the school district can implement it. Contact Katie Navin at CAEE for support in your outreach efforts or to obtain editable copies of the guidance.

 

Read eeGuidance:  A Roadmap for Use of ESSER Funds

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Other Helpful Guidance Documents:

Share the eeGuidance

Do you support safe, equitable environmental and outdoor learning as a solution to the many challenges facing schools as they reopen? Use this sample template to send a letter with the eeGuidance to your local school district or this sample Press Release to alert your local media.

Funding Opportunities

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Find eeResources

Are you a teacher trying to put online resources together? Are you a parent suddenly homeschooling your kids? NAAEE has compiled a list of resources designed to keep learners of all ages interested and engaged during the crisis, from hands-on activities and lesson plans to websites, virtual tours, and more. 

Elementary Student Outside

eeVirtual Learning

In partnership with the eMovement and Thorne Nature Experience, we developed a searchable online database of free eeVirtual Content for grades K-8 that can be used during the school day or during at-home learning to engage students in environmental and outdoor learning.

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