It’s not surprising that Wisconsin, as home of Aldo Leopold, John Muir and Gaylord Nelson, is the headquarters of a brand new national organization of environment-focused public charter schools. Earth Day Founder Nelson stressed repeatedly the importance of educating youth about conservation and protection of natural resources.
The Green Charter Schools Network will be officially launched by its 7-member board of directors on February 11 at the University of Wisconsin - Madison Arboretum. The Net’s founders are committed to fostering the creation of charter schools with environment-focused educational programs and practices in all states.
Many green charter schools are already operating or being planned around the country. Educators, parents, environmentalists, and other thoughtful people (i.e. the “public” in public education) are planting the acorns in their communities to grow mighty Oaks -- innovative new public schools where no child will be left inside.
As with most good ideas, a combination of events creates the fertile setting to give rise to an innovation. Over the past decade, for example, more than 40 states have enacted charter school enabling legislation. The charter “idea” and strategy encourages the creation of new, innovative, effective and very different schools. And, that is happening. Many green charter secondary schools, for example, have project-based programs with integrated curricula. Learning comes naturally when students become motivated as they work on worthwhile environmental projects.
Parents, educators and school officials, who recognize that one size does not fit all students, embrace the charter schools idea. New environment-focused charter schools will flourish in coming years because they offer choices within public education, give students the skills and knowledge to be successful in emerging new professions, and empower youth to help make the world a better place for everyone and everything. As a member of the “public” in public education, you have an opportunity to grow these might OAKS in your community. The Green Charter Schools Network is now available to help you.
Senn Brown, Executive Director
Green Charter Schools Network
5426 Greening Lane
Madison, WI 53705
Tel: 608-238-7491
Email: sennb@charter.net
Web: http://www.greencharterschools.org
