Outdoor Learning Programs at State and County
Education Departments Across the USA
EXAMPLES WRITTEN AND Recorded BY OUR INITIATIVE
The National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative has been collaborating with state and county level PK-12 educational institutions to help them consider how they can support the schools and districts they serve in moving their classes and programs outdoors during the pandemic and beyond. The case studies below document their work using two different formats: 1) Case study articles that include photographs, videos, and links to resources these institutions used to get their programs up and running, and 2) Recorded presentations, given by state and county education leaders about their planning processes, programs, and insights about outdoor learning. These recordings are made on a bi-weekly basis during our Community of Practice meetings. They are posted below and also appear on our YouTube channel.
The state and county departments of education profiled below demonstrate leadership, provide guidance, and explain the ways that their institutions are supporting outdoor learning during and beyond the pandemic. Many of these institutions encourage their schools and districts to use their outdoor spaces year-round, in a wide variety of weather conditions and temperatures, with PK-12 students of all ages. They are supporting outdoor learning environments and school meals, and are improving well-being for students and teachers through the positive experiences outside.
We hope you enjoy reading the case studies, watching the videos, using the resources our colleagues have shared—and that you smile as you look through all of the photos of happy, healthy children engaged in outdoor programming at school!
California —
Outdoor Education in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz Outdoor Science School created an innovative program for the children of public school teachers so they could return to work before their own kids were in school. Case study by Lawrence Hall of Science.
© San Mateo County Office of Education
California —
San Mateo County Office of Education
San Mateo County Office of Education is collaborating with 12 local school districts to put plans in place for outdoor learning as a component of their COVID-19 recovery plans.
District of Columbia —
DC Coalition for Equitable Outdoor Educ.
This recorded presentation was given by the Vice President / Ward 1 Representative for the DC State Board of Education and a Community Advocate from Friends of Oxon Run Park. See also a case study about Oxon Run Park’s outdoor programming.
District of Columbia —
Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)
This recorded presentation was given by the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education’s School Garden Specialist and Environmental Literacy Coordinator.
© Whatcom Coalition for Environmental Education
Washington —
Outdoor Learning in Whatcom County
The Whatcom Coalition for Environmental Education is partnering with school districts and community-based organizations in Whatcom County to provide outdoor enrichment and support during the pandemic.
© Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Wisconsin —
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Building on a long history of outdoor, place-based education in Wisconsin, the Department of Public Instruction created an outdoor learning toolkit to help schools/districts learn outside during the pandemic and beyond.
National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative
The National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative supports schools and districts around the country in their efforts to safely and equitably remain open during the pandemic by using outdoor spaces as strategic, cost-effective solutions to provide access to abundant fresh air. We are helping educational institutions respond to the COVID-crisis while also making long-term investments in outdoor learning and schoolyard greening that can be used improve learning, mental and physical health, and happiness for children and adults for years to come.
