Join us for a presentation and discussion about outdoor learning, how it solves many equity issues during COVID-19 and beyond. Does this change the design of schools in the future?

As many of us and our communities face the impossible choice between work or school and childcare, there is a growing movement to help K-12 school districts find a way to open safely. Central to this issue is equity—the ability to meet the needs of students with the least resources. Green Schoolyards America (GSA) and their partners are organizing a national COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative around the idea of using outdoor school space, parks, and other outdoor areas as assets to provide space for students to go to school.

The National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative supports schools and districts around the country in their efforts to reopen safely and equitably using outdoor spaces as strategic, cost-effective tools to increase capacity with physical distancing measures in place. The Initiative seeks to equitably improve learning, mental and physical health, and happiness for children and adults using an affordable, time-tested outdoor approach to keeping schools open during a pandemic.

The National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative was co-founded in May 2020 by Green Schoolyards America, The Lawrence Hall of Science, San Mateo County Office of Education, and Ten Strands. It has now grown to include more than 15 other partner organizations that are collaborating to build a national movement, and hundreds of participating volunteers.

For more information and downloadable resources to help schools and districts take learning outside visit, https://www.greenschoolyards.org/covid-learn-outside

Moderators:

Pamela Brief, PLA, ASLA, Pamela Studios Inc (ASLA Southern California Chapter)

Ric J. Hendricks, PLA, ASLA, CPRS, RQP, INTEGRA Planning + Landscape Architecture (ASLA Northern California Chapter)

Speakers:

Claire Latané, MLA ASLA SITES AP,SoCal ASLA

Candice Dickens-Russell, Director of Sustainable Development, DoGoodery

Sharon Danks, MLA-MCP, CEO + Founder, Green Schoolyards America