Environmental Literacy Plan

Environmental literacy in Idaho took a great leap forward on September 27, 2011 when nearly 30 individuals representing business, government, nonprofits, city/ state/ federal agencies, formal and non-formal educators and more met in Boise for the inaugural meeting of the Idaho Environmental Literacy "coalition."

The meeting, co-hosted by the Idaho Environmental Education Association (IdEEA) and the Idaho Council on Industry and the Environment, was ably facilitated by Laurel York Odell. Participants engaged in many vigorous and informative discussions, including possible names for the group. Several terms were identified that could be used as part of the group's name but, until a final name is chosen, “coalition” will be used.

The list of coalition members was expanded to include not only those attending the meeting but also others who were unable to attend, bringing the total to about 50 participants. The meeting began with a presentation on the history of the development of the Proposed Idaho Environmental Literacy Plan (ELP) and review of the plan elements by IdEEA director Kristin Fletcher. Click here to read the plan.

Participants then discussed why a statewide group is needed. Three primary purposes emerged: to build a/be a part of a community of learning which advances and implements the Idaho Environmental Literacy Plan. A subgroup will revise and refine the coalition's purpose statement.

Laurel then invited each participant to share activities he/she are currently engaged in that support a specific element and strategy within the Proposed ELP. Here's just a sampling from this exciting discussion.

The group agreed that the next meeting be held in conjunction with the Idaho Environmental Education Association Conference (March 2-3, 2012) for ease of coordination and recruitment of additional participants.

Thanks to the Idaho State Department of Education for graciously donating use of the conference room at the Hall of Mirrors and to the Idaho Council of Industry and the Environment, Idaho Environmental Education Association and Julie Scanlin for financial support enabling us to hire our excellent facilitator. More thanks to Michelle Youngquist, Pat Barclay, and Julie Scanlin for beverages and nibbles. This and all other help is greatly appreciated. .

Environmental Literacy for Idaho - A Proven Strategy for the Future

The Environment…It’s Where We Live
     As Idahoans, we know our state is a special place, home to a multitude of lakes, rivers, forests, deserts, and rangeland. Our environment supports vibrant communities, farms and ranches, and beckons with recreational opportunities. Whether a rancher or city dweller, newcomer or from pioneer stock, Idahoans understand that the health and well being of their community, local economy, and nearby environment are woven together into a single cloth.
     Addressing today’s complex environmental issues requires strong leaders and a knowledgeable citizenry who can make responsible decisions and develop innovative solutions. However, many Idaho students lack even a basic understanding of Idaho’s natural and cultural heritage and environmental systems and processes. Without this environmental background, they will not be prepared to fulfill 21st century jobs or care for our vital natural resources.
Call for Action
The facts are alarming. U.S. students finished 15th in reading, 19th in math, and 14th in science in the ranking of 31 countries. Yet, of the 20 fastest growing occupations projected for 2014, 15 require significant math or science preparation to successfully compete for the job. In addition, today’s wired children get outside less: 8 to 18 year-olds use electronic devices - TV, computers, video games, cell phones and movies - an average of 7.5 hours in a typical day. A 2008-2009 BMI assessment of Idaho students in all odd grades 1 through 11 found that overall, 30.5% of the Idaho school children in the sample were classified as overweight or obese.
A National Response
Government officials, medical and educational professionals and others have responded to the crisis by launching a host of initiatives, including:

Birth of the Environmental Literacy Movement
     In 2005 journalist and child advocate Richard Louv described the staggering divide between children and the out of doors in his groundbreaking work Last Child in the Woods. He directly linked the absence of nature in the lives of today’s generation to disturbing childhood trends: the rise in obesity, attention disorders, and depression. This new understanding plus ongoing concerns about student education precipitated national interest in fostering environmental literacy (EL) among our students. EL is a balanced, science-based, interdisciplinary approach, ensuring students appreciate America’s diverse natural and cultural heritage, understand the interactions of living and non-living systems, and are able to enjoy and think critically and imaginatively about water, air, land and wildlife.
     Research has shown that math, science, social studies and language arts linked to the natural world can be effective conduits for student achievement and environmentally literacy. In one national study of 40 schools, 92% of students taught this way “academically outperformed peers in traditional programs.” Other heartening results include reduced childhood obesity, and childhood stress and attentional disorders. In addition, teachers report reduced discipline and classroom management problems and increased engagement and enthusiasm for learning.

Idaho’s Opportunity, Idaho’s Response
     Idahoans are lucky to have ready access to rich learning environments where students can learn locally, including forests, rivers and streams, wetlands, deserts, ranches, farms, cities, parks, zoos, and nature centers. Education about Idaho’s Great Outdoors can take place anywhere students and teachers observe and investigate the world around them. To help facilitate the student/environment connection, a variety of agencies and institutions have developed high quality educational programs to teach students about Idaho’s environment, many correlated to the Idaho State Achievement Test (ISAT). However, because these efforts arose independently, they lack statewide coordination and the necessary support from the Idaho Department of Education to make a long term impact on student achievement.
     In response, the Idaho Environmental Education Association (IdEEA), with funding from the Environmental Protection Agency, is spearheading development of an environmental literacy plan (ELP) tailored to meet Idaho’s educational needs. Established in 1982, IdEEA is dedicated to the advancement of environmental education in Idaho and uses a cooperative, non-confrontational, and nonpartisan approach. An “Idaho Plan” tailored to meet Idaho’s educational needs will offer coordinated, hands-on, locally oriented activities that weave real world experience into classrooms.
Idaho joins over 45 other states in developing ELPs for their state. Following guidelines established by the North American Environmental Education Association, each state’s ELP must address five key elements: 1) content standards and curriculum; 2) high school graduation requirements; 3) professional development; 4) how to measure the environmental literacy of students and 5) implementation and funding.
    Once approved, the Idaho Environmental Literacy Plan would…

Ensure environmental education (EE) activities are fully, efficiently and appropriately integrated into formal education systems, aligned with student graduation requirements and help achieve state education goals.

Align teacher professional development opportunities in EE with student achievement goals in environmental literacy.

Ensure balance, consistency, accuracy, and excellence in environmental content knowledge.

Engage underserved communities inclusively so all stakeholders are beneficiaries of EE in schools.

Foster a coalition of partners and stakeholders working together towards the goal of environmental literacy.

Increase public awareness, particularly among parents, teachers and youth mentors, about the importance and value of time spent outdoors in nature by children, playing, exploring, discovering and learning.

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