Eco-Schools, the largest sustainable schools program in the world, was established by the Foundation for Environmental Education in 1992. It is an international environmental management, certification, and sustainable development education program for schools. Its holistic, participatory approach and combination of education and action provide an ideal system for schools to embark on a meaningful path for improving the environment in both the school and local community.
The Eco-Schools program involves a Seven Step Process that any school can adopt. Steps include establishing an Eco-Schools Committee to manage the program; an environmental review to determine the school’s action plan; providing environmental curriculum to students which includes hands-on opportunities for students to improve and empower the school and community; and developing an eco-code which outlines the school’s values and objectives alongside student goals. The process involves teachers and administrators, but it is the students who are empowered to play the most important role by experiencing the benefits of active citizenship in their schools.
This video highlights the Eco-School program of Perez Elementary School of Austin, Texas, where the focus in on learning outside in nature.
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