Sprouting Change: How California is Cultivating Environmental Literacy

Kids are naturally curious; about bugs, trees, animals, and all the weird and wonderful things in nature. In a world facing growing environmental challenges; from climate change to dwindling natural resources, it's more important than ever to teach the next generation to care for our planet. That’s why environmental literacy in elementary schools is so vital. By introducing young learners to the wonders of nature and the impact of human actions, we’re not just teaching science, we’re nurturing curiosity, responsibility, and a lifelong commitment to protecting the world around them.

How It Started
Back in 2003, California established the Education and Environment Initiative (EEI), and by 2004, the State Board of Education approved the Environmental Principles and Concepts that were to be developed, mandating their inclusion in textbook criteria for subjects like science, history, and English language arts. The concepts were developed, and the final EEI curriculum was approved by the Board in 2010. In 2018 Senate Bill 720 was passed, ensuring environmental literacy remains a long-term priority for California schools. 

How It’s Going
The California Environmental Literacy Initiative (CAELI) is a statewide effort that’s leading the charge to integrate environmental education into K–12 classrooms. CAELI works with school districts, educators, and community partners to make environmental literacy a core part of the educational experience. Their mission is to ensure that every student, regardless of background, has access to meaningful, standards-based environmental learning. To date, fewer than 20% of schools have fully integrated environmental literacy into their curriculum, but we’re positive we’re on the right track.

“The new California Environmental Literacy Landscape Analysis report reveals encouraging progress in promoting environmental literacy in California, but it also highlights the need for further support to ensure all students have access to environment-based experiences,” shared Ten Strands CEO Karen Cowe. Ten Strands is an organization based in California that acts as a collaborative glue, bringing organizations and agencies together to provide more access to teachers so they can give students engaging environment-based educational experiences.

Ahead of the Curve
Ground Education has been bringing outdoor learning directly to schools for more than 9 years. We do this by transforming schoolyards into living classrooms, providing hands-on environmental science experiences where students can explore plant life, soil, ecosystems, and sustainability, right on their own campus. It not only eliminates any barriers to transportation, but also removes any economic constraints because it’s part of the regular school day, rather than an extra-curricular, out-of-school program. We meet with organizations like Ten Strands and their cohorts to remain connected to developments in campus efforts throughout California to ensure we’re using best practices for students to stay engaged in nature.

By aligning with CAELI’s and EEI’s goals, Ground Education helps bridge the gap between policy and practice. Our goals are to enrich science, math, and literacy curriculum while connecting students to nature in a way that’s accessible and relevant. It’s so rewarding to know we are already supporting statewide initiatives to make environmental literacy a reality for all students.

Environmental education is not just about teaching facts; it’s about shaping future problem-solvers and environmental stewards. Thanks to efforts like CAELI, California is paving the way for a more sustainable and informed generation.