Education for Sustainable Development for K-12
Author:
Charlene LouMentor:
William Jeynes, Professor of Education, California State University Long BeachIn the past twenty years, with the efforts of the United Nations and other nonprofitable organizations, the means of creating and establishing sustainable schools had grown and advanced at a new pace. School leaders in parts of the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia have made profound efforts to incorporate the concept of sustainable development into the school curriculum. This research will particularly look into sustainable school reports and a three year longitudinal study of fifteen sustainable schools by Dr. Chris Gayford on the implementation and execution of sustainable education. Progressing to a more sustainable world will require a shift in the framework of education to include a more holistic and altruistic approach. This article will serve as an advocate for education in sustainable development (ESD), particularly noting three favorable outcomes of sustainable education in these researched schools which are to promote environmental well-being, social well-being and attain global citizenship among young people. Developing sustainable education within the K-12 curriculum is a stronghold for changes as children and young adults are continuing in progress of building their values, beliefs and practices. U.S. educational institutions coupled with the Department of Education should look into incorporating education in sustainability as a mean of improving knowledge and lifestyle for our current and future generation. Ultimately, the goal has become for all humans to take up a sense of responsibility to sustain our environment, society and the economy.