A Foundational Resource
Ontario's Ministry of Education (2009) produced this policy framework to promote a multi-tiered approach to environmental education engaging all levels of education, including Ministry, board, and school. Three (3) goals are identified in the framework:
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"By the end of Grade 12, students will acquire knowledge, skills, and perspectives that foster understanding of their fundamental connections to each other, to the world around them, and to all living things," (p. 11).
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"​Increase student engagement by fostering active participation in environmental projects and building links between schools and communities," (p. 14).
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"Increase the capacity of system leaders to implement evidence-based environmental education programming, practices, and operations," (p. 18).
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This foundational resource is focused on environmental education but also social justice and activism. The framework gives license to teachers to reach beyond the school to the wider community to engage parents, and community partners to develop environmental learning opportunities and empowers students to become active participants in exploring and implementing environmental solutions to problems relating to sustainability, biodiversity, and others. There are many opportunities for a class to inspire action, and assignments encouraging reflection.​​​​
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Ontario. Ministry of Education. (2009). Acting today, shaping tomorrow : a policy framework for environmental education in Ontario schools. Ontario Ministry of Education.
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