EEA ISSUES
Georgia Outdoor Learning Demonstration (GOLD) Grants Funded
Spring 2022
EEA is grateful for another step taken in the direction of providing outdoor learning experiences for all Georgia children. Funds for Georgia Outdoor Learning Demonstration (GOLD) Grants were appropriated for FY 2023. Establishment of this program was a significant step toward the goal of ensuring that every Georgia child experiences outdoor learning at school. Kudos to Sen. Sheikh Rahman, the Senate Study Committee on Outdoor Learning, and a large bipartisan group of legislators who made this grant program possible. EEA also is thankful for the many agencies and organizations that wrote letters of support for outdoor learning grants, including member organizations and educators in the EEA network, outdoor learning providers, the Georgia Science Supervisors Association, Georgia Science Teachers Association, Children & Nature Network, Captain Planet Foundation, and Trust for Public Land.
Next Steps
1. A $75,000 appropriation for GOLD Grants was provided to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) in 2022. GaDOE met with and asked EEA to administer the grants this fall. Grant criteria and an application form will be linked on this web page, as soon as the state school board has approved the arrangement and forms are finalized. EEA hopes to evaluate the success of grant-funded projects and advocate for expanded, multi-year funding of the GOLD Grants in future years, with the goal of providing every Georgia child with the opportunity to learn outside.
During Georgia's previous outdoor classroom grant program from 1993-2003, EEA administered 1,000 grants over a 10-year period at the request of GaDOE. Lessons learned from evaluation of the original grant program, such as the importance of professional development, provided insight into effectiveness and sustainability that shaped this new grant program.
2. EEA will support its allies in efforts to get the Outdoor Learning Spaces Pilot Project and Office of the Outdoors reconsidered in the next legislative session.
3. EEA will continue to provide outdoor learning resources to amplify the impact of GOLD grants, including:
4. EEA is in the process of launching several new initiatives in support of outdoor learning, including:
Next Steps
1. A $75,000 appropriation for GOLD Grants was provided to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) in 2022. GaDOE met with and asked EEA to administer the grants this fall. Grant criteria and an application form will be linked on this web page, as soon as the state school board has approved the arrangement and forms are finalized. EEA hopes to evaluate the success of grant-funded projects and advocate for expanded, multi-year funding of the GOLD Grants in future years, with the goal of providing every Georgia child with the opportunity to learn outside.
During Georgia's previous outdoor classroom grant program from 1993-2003, EEA administered 1,000 grants over a 10-year period at the request of GaDOE. Lessons learned from evaluation of the original grant program, such as the importance of professional development, provided insight into effectiveness and sustainability that shaped this new grant program.
2. EEA will support its allies in efforts to get the Outdoor Learning Spaces Pilot Project and Office of the Outdoors reconsidered in the next legislative session.
3. EEA will continue to provide outdoor learning resources to amplify the impact of GOLD grants, including:
- Professional development workshops and the online, self-paced eeCredential courses
- ATEEG: a nationally-accredited certification program for teachers and non-formal educators
- Curated collections of free teaching materials and new eco-engineering challenges for outdoor learning
- Technical assistance, including consultations; the CoOL Outdoor Learning Toolkit; and resources for the design, installation, and maintenance of effective outdoor learning spaces
- Events, such as the Outdoor Learning Symposium
- Certification of schoolyard pollinator habitats
4. EEA is in the process of launching several new initiatives in support of outdoor learning, including:
- A national community engagement process to identify best practices in outdoor learning, in conjunction with the National Project for Excellence in EE and Outdoor Learning and NAAEE
- A statewide program to certify CoOL Schoolyards that exemplify best practices in outdoor learning
- A dashboard that schools and outdoor learning providers can use to demonstrate collective impact
- A capacity-building program for outdoor learning providers resulting in various levels of recognition for best practices
- A convening of schools, nature centers, and other outdoor learning providers to consider the results of the Georgia EE Landscape Analysis, identify the gaps, and plan action to improve and expand outdoor learning in our state
Outdoor Learning in the Georgia Legislature: The Outcomes
Winter 2021-22
EEA thanks Sen. Sheikh Rahman, who spearheaded this effort, as well as the bipartisan sponsors of the bills introduced during the legislative session and the appropriations committee. We are grateful to our network of member organizations, partners, educators, and allies who provided information to legislators about the value of outdoor learning, hosted legislators who wanted to see outdoor learning in action, organized Q&A sessions with Sen. Rahman, and signed letters of support to the bipartisan group of Georgia senators and representatives who championed this cause.
EEA thanks Sen. Sheikh Rahman, who spearheaded this effort, as well as the bipartisan sponsors of the bills introduced during the legislative session and the appropriations committee. We are grateful to our network of member organizations, partners, educators, and allies who provided information to legislators about the value of outdoor learning, hosted legislators who wanted to see outdoor learning in action, organized Q&A sessions with Sen. Rahman, and signed letters of support to the bipartisan group of Georgia senators and representatives who championed this cause.
Georgia Outdoor Learning Demonstration (GOLD) Grants Funded!
The legislative intent was, "to create a grant program that can be used by schools to provide educator training and supplies to increase outdoor teaching capacity, improve outdoor learning spaces at schoolyards, and fund visits to nature centers. According to a study of outdoor learning in 55 Georgia counties, schools with these elements were found to have greater sustained success and improved student outcomes."
An appropriation of $250,000 was requested for FY 2023. At the end of the legislative session, the budget passed with $75,000 in this line item for the Georgia Department of Education.
An appropriation of $250,000 was requested for FY 2023. At the end of the legislative session, the budget passed with $75,000 in this line item for the Georgia Department of Education.
Outdoor Learning Spaces Pilot Project (SB 603) and Office of the Outdoors (SB 619)
Both bills made progress, but did not pass during the 2022 legislative session.
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SB 603: Outdoor Learning Spaces Pilot Project
(not passed) |
SB 619: Office of the Outdoors including grants
(not passed) |
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The proposed Outdoor Learning Spaces Pilot Project would
provide for community engagement, design, and capital construction of outdoor learning spaces that school boards and schools agree to incorporate into their existing curriculum for three years, to be evaluated thereafter. Sponsors: Sen. Sheikh Rahman [D], Sen. Bo Hatchett [R], Rep. Matt Dubnik [R] Status at end of session: Passed Senate 48-2-3-3; House committee favorably reported on substitute. |
The proposed Office of the Outdoors would support nad promote outdoor experiences for Georgians and includes an outdoor education grant program in section 10.
Sponsors: Sen. Sheikh Rahman [D] Sen. Randy Robertson [R] Sen. Jeff Mullis [R] Sen. Gloria Butler [D] Sen. Sally Harrell [D] Sen. Ed Harbison [D] Sen. Jennifer Jordan [D] Sen. Billy Hickman [R]
Sen. Valencia Seay [D] Sen. Nikki Merritt [D] Sen. Kim Jackson [D]Sen. Emanuel Jones [D] Sen. Matt Brass [R]Sen. Michael Dugan [R] Sen. Michael Rhett [D] Sen. Lester Jackson [D] Sen. Horacena Tate [D] Sen. Michelle Au [D] Sen. Gail Davenport [D] Sen. Freddie Sims [D] Sen. Donzella James [D] Sen. David Lucas [D] Sen. Sonya Halpern [D] Sen. Elena Parent [D] Sen. Tonya Anderson [D] Sen. Harold Jones [D] Sen. Nan Orrock [D] Sen. Sheila McNeill [R] Status at end of session: Passed first reading (25%). |
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Recommendations of the Georgia Senate Study Committee
Winter 2021
Following a series of hearings and field visits, the Senate Study Committee on Outdoor Learning issued its final report. The recommendations are listed here. The full report can be read or downloaded below. The Study Committee encourages:
Following a series of hearings and field visits, the Senate Study Committee on Outdoor Learning issued its final report. The recommendations are listed here. The full report can be read or downloaded below. The Study Committee encourages:
1. An explicit focus on outdoor learning in teaching programs, the creation of rewards for educators choosing to utilize outdoor learning, and the implementation of greater support and interconnectedness between private
organizations working towards these goals.
2. The creation of an “Office of the Outdoors” in order to optimize outdoor learning, engagement, and recreation efforts across state government departments and with non-state partners.
3. Funding or other support to ensure that each Georgia child participates in regular, meaningful outdoor learning
experiences on campus as well as field trips to natural areas, outdoor learning facilities, and/or residential environmental education centers.
4. The support of green schoolground pilots around the state to evaluate what success looks like in a state wide implementation.
5. The creation of a grant program available to both schools and non-profit providers of outdoor learning and environmental education that would:
7. The inclusion of an ongoing program similar to “The MLK Jr. Outdoor Learning Trail,” in Columbus, Georgia,
in student’s curriculum statewide. Students should have the opportunity to engage in nature, civics, and gardening as a result.
organizations working towards these goals.
2. The creation of an “Office of the Outdoors” in order to optimize outdoor learning, engagement, and recreation efforts across state government departments and with non-state partners.
3. Funding or other support to ensure that each Georgia child participates in regular, meaningful outdoor learning
experiences on campus as well as field trips to natural areas, outdoor learning facilities, and/or residential environmental education centers.
4. The support of green schoolground pilots around the state to evaluate what success looks like in a state wide implementation.
5. The creation of a grant program available to both schools and non-profit providers of outdoor learning and environmental education that would:
- increase educator capacity through educator training and teaching supplies,
- improve learning spaces at schoolyards and nature centers, and
- fund travel to and costs of visiting nature centers or hosting nature-related programs at school.
7. The inclusion of an ongoing program similar to “The MLK Jr. Outdoor Learning Trail,” in Columbus, Georgia,
in student’s curriculum statewide. Students should have the opportunity to engage in nature, civics, and gardening as a result.
Senators Investigate Outdoor Learning
Fall 2021
Many thanks to all who provided testimony, hosted site visits, and organized question and answer sessions with Sen. Sheikh Rahman, including EEA Board members, Georgia Science Teachers Association, Georgia Science Supervisors Association, West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, Greening Youth Foundation, Captain Planet Foundation, Children and Nature Network, and many other educators and outdoor learning advocates. Thanks to Sen. Rahman for leading all of these efforts and for serving as keynote speaker at EEA's CoOL Outdoor Learning Symposium in November 2021.
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Invitation to Provide Testimony on the Value of Outdoor Learning
September 2021
A bipartisan Georgia Senate Study Committee has been formed for the purpose of researching the value of and need for outdoor learning. The committee will be making recommendations to the legislature about support (and possibly funding) for outdoor learning after completing its research. Here are some ways you can contribute to the Senate study:
A bipartisan Georgia Senate Study Committee has been formed for the purpose of researching the value of and need for outdoor learning. The committee will be making recommendations to the legislature about support (and possibly funding) for outdoor learning after completing its research. Here are some ways you can contribute to the Senate study:
- Provide written testimony to Sen. Sheikh Rahman and the Senate Study Committee on Outdoor Learning
- Share your thoughts and experiences on the value of and need for outdoor learning opportunities
- Choose from these three ways to provide input:
- Join Georgia Science Teachers Association virtual conversation with Sen. Rahman on September 14, 2021 at 5 p.m.
- Write a letter or email to the committee
- Testify at a hearing or invite the Senate to make a site visit to your school or facility
- Read a summary of the testimony provided by EEA Board President Zipangani Vokhiwa to the committee
The Case for Outdoor Learning
- Outdoor learning takes place in non-formal settings, K-12 schools, and universities
- Academic gains and deeper understanding are key outcomes of outdoor learning
- Struggling students benefit from real-world connections made in outdoor learning
- Outdoor learning increases student engagement, which can reduce behavior problems
- The sense-making and problem-solving inherent in outdoor learning creates a level playing field, reduces the advantages of prior knowledge, and increases relevance
- Girls and children of color, who are underrepresented in STEM majors and careers, persist longer when engaged in projects that focus on environmental outcomes and human impacts
- Outdoor learning increases students' physical and mental health and increases a feeling of connection to nature
- Students who feel connected to nature are more likely to grow up to prioritize clean water, fresh air, and healthy lands
- Empowering students to solve bite-sized environmental problems in the schoolyard increases self-efficacy
- Outdoor education engages students in environmental stewardship projects and fosters a lifelong conservation ethic
- Desire for outdoor learning experiences is a strong driver of travel and tourism, contributing to Georgia's economic vitality
- Support, resources, and effective professional learning can enable teachers to overcome obstacles to outdoor learning
- Research citations and peer-reviewed articles
Members of the Senate Study Committee
Senate Resolution 203 Creating the Senate Study Committee
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Environmental Education Alliance, Inc.
P.O. Box 801066 | Acworth, GA 30101 EEA does not does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in its program , activities, or employment. For more information on EEA's non-discrimination commitment click here . Grievance officer may be contacted at info@eealliance.org |