Environmental Education

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the government ensuring a balanced approach to environmental education?

Since 2003, the ministry has been reviewing the curriculum to ensure that it remains current, relevant and age-appropriate for all students. Information is gathered through:

• Research into other national and international jurisdictions
• Consultations and focus groups involving educators, parents, students, other ministries, colleges, universities and the workplace.

The curriculum is fact checked and checked for anti-discrimination, aboriginal perspectives and environmental education perspectives.

Environmental education standards are in development for use in the curriculum writing process. This will ensure the environment is addressed across all subjects and grades in the curriculum. By the end of Grade 12, students will have learning experiences and develop the knowledge and skills to become environmentally responsible citizens.

What resources are available to teachers to support changes in the curriculum?

The resource booklet Ready, Set, Green! provides teachers with environmental tips, techniques, and resources already being used in schools and boards across the province. Teachers are invited to continue to share their environmental education practices by emailing readysetgreen@ontario.ca.

Another teacher resource document, Environmental Education – Grades 1-8: Scope and Sequence of Curriculum Expectations, shows teachers where environmental education expectations and opportunities exist in all subjects. This document will be updated as each curriculum is revised.