Outdoor & Community Education Pilot

School Year 20-21 was unprecedented due to the pandemic threat to health and the limitations of remote learning. An unconventional model of education was needed for those in high need of ongoing learning. A voluntary Outdoor Pilot school program was initiated in October 2020, open to educators and focusing on students furthest from educational justice. 24 applications were received from 19 schools requiring organizational change and matrixed collaboration.

A Board Task Force was called for in September and approved in December 2020 to review the ongoing needs for the long-term development of outdoor education to be integrated into standard learning. The pilot program was dissolved following Gov. Jay Inslee’s order to return to school in person, and outdoor program continuation was left to the school leaders’ prerogative. Regardless, a series of recommendations was generated based on data and community feedback for how to implement a widespread and sustainable outdoor program.