Education >

For the classroom and Beyond

© Carl Cook		© Carl Cook

For more than 40 years, tens of thousands of teachers across the U.S. have successfully used the environment to help students improve their test scores, and their overall knowledge of science, math, reading and language.

From the beginning, our state has been a leader in environmental education, also known now as sustainability education.

© Bill Stickney

Research shows that when young people apply science, math, reading and writing to an outdoor environment – to real-world situations – students to retain information better, are more excited about learning, have greater interest in further studies, and get along better with classmates.

Audubon is the only statewide conservation organization committed to promoting sustainability education in Washington. We believe that more sustainability education will strengthen our school system overall, our communities, and our economy.

Audubon Washington and Audubon activists were instrumental in the 2003 creation of and funding for the new Natural Science, Wildlife and Environmental Education Partnership Fund within the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

In 2004 Audubon Washington wrote the Report Card on Environmental Education in Washington (2MB pdf) to brief lawmakers on the status, impact, and benefits of hands-on learning.

In 2006, Audubon Washington supported the kick-off of E3 Washington: Education, Environment and Economy, a statewide program to coordinate and expand sustainability education in every community.

Today Audubon Washington continues to support and promote the work of the Environmental Education Association of Washington, the professional organization dedicated to encouraging a Seventh-Generation approach to our classrooms and lives.

© Tom Moore