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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-20-Minutes_OETF_2020-11-30Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Outdoor Education Task Force Meeting #4/20 was held by videoconference on November 30, 2020 pursuant to section C.12 of the TRCA's Board of Directors Administrative By - Law. The Chair, Garry Tanuan called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. PRESENT Garry Tanuan Chair Melissa Chartrand Member Frank Di Cosola Member Basudeb Mukherjee Member Rowena Santos Member Anu Sriskandarajah (in at 6:33 p.m.) Member Jennifer Wigston Member ABSENT Cynthia Cordova Vice -Chair Morgan Ste. Marie Member The Chair recited the Acknowledgement of Indigenous Territory. RES.#OETF12/20 - MINUTES Moved by: Frank Di Cosola Seconded by: Anu Sriskandarajah THAT the Minutes of Meeting #3/20, held on October 19, 2020, be approved. CARRIED Items for the Action of the Outdoor Education Task Force - 2020-2021 OUTDOOR EDUCATION TASK FORCE MEETING SCHEDULE Approval of the Outdoor Education Task Force meeting schedule for 2020-2021. Moved by: Melinda Chartrand Seconded by: Jennifer Wigston THAT the 2020-2021 meeting schedule be approved, as outlined below: Monday, January 25, 2021; Monday, February 1, 2021 (if needed). CARRIED BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE All meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m. Due to the current outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID- 19), because no TRCA facility can currently accommodate meetings while ensuring proper physical distancing measures, it is currently expected that meetings will be held virtually pursuant to section C.12 of the TRCA's Board of Directors Administrative By -Law. If the outbreak is resolved or TRCA is able to identify a safe method of conducting in-person meetings, while following all local public health recommendations, meetings may resume at TRCA's Head Office at 101 Exchange Avenue, which is a central location for all participants. Relationship to Building the Living City, the TRCA 2013-2022 Strategic Plan This report supports the following strategy set forth in the TRCA 2013-2022 Strategic Plan: Strategy 7 — Build partnerships and new business models Report prepared by: Daniel Ruberto, extension 6445 Emails: Daniel.rubertonatrca.ca For Information contact: Darryl Gray, (416) 791-0327 Emails: darryl.gray(&trca.ca Date: November 19, 2020 Items for the Action of the Outdoor Education Task Force - DRAFT VISION STATEMENT AND PRELIMINARY STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE OUTDOOR EDUCATION TASK FORCE Consideration of Draft Vision Statement and receipt of outcomes of Outdoor Education Task Force Workshop #3, and preliminary strategic recommendations for the purposes of finalizing Outdoor Education Task Force recommendations in Workshop #4. Moved by: Melinda Chartrand Seconded by: Rowena Santos WHEREAS at its Meeting #6/18 held on July 20, 2018, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Board of Directors approved the establishment of an Outdoor Education Task Force comprised of elected officials from local school boards and TRCA's Board of Directors; WHEREAS the Outdoor Education Task Force has been convened to study, develop and recommend strategic future directions related to natural science, conservation and environmental out -of -classroom learning in the Toronto region; AND WHEREAS the Outdoor Education Task Force, as facilitated by I -THINK, participated in a series of workshops for the purposes of developing a Draft Statement related to out - of -classroom learning; THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the Vision Statement for consideration, with any input of the Outdoor Education Task Force members, be endorsed; AND FURTHER THAT the Strategic Recommendations, as outlined in this report and presentation, be approved for discussion at Workshop #4. CARRIED BACKGROUND At Outdoor Education Task Force (OETF) Meeting #1/19 held on October 17, 2019, the OETF approved a workplan that included the following: • Develop a framework for the long-term provision of out -of -classroom learning experiences related to natural science, conservation and the environment that meets the needs of the student population to the year 2040; • Provide recommendations to strengthen and enable partnerships and collaboration between public sector agencies that maximize the use and value of public assets and infrastructure; • Provide expertise and recommendations on strengthening experiential connections between the urban and natural environments, with consideration for the impact of urban intensification on student access to greenspace and natural systems; • Provide recommendations related to long-term financial sustainability, including, but not limited to: • Government funding programs; • Private grants, fundraising and endowments; • Alternative business models (co-operatives, social enterprises, etc.); • Other funding models. At Outdoor Education Task Force Meeting #3/20 held on October 19, 2020 and conducted via video conference, I -THINK facilitated a third, and final, workshop with OETF members on Recommendations, Framework and Statement Review. The results of this workshop, and the final report and Vision Statement prepared by I -THINK, is enclosed as Attachment 1 and forms the basis of a long-term vision for Out -of -Classroom Learning. The Vision Statement, as developed by OETF members with I -THINK, is as follows: We envision a future where: The students of Ontario have consistent access to quality outdoor education. Educators have the confidence and self-efficacy to make environmental stewardship a pillar of their classroom pedagogy. Trustees, in partnership with parents and guardians, and in cooperation with TRCA, advocate for system change in how funds are allocated for outdoor education. Advocacy is targeted towards an ecosystem of funders, like the Ontario Ministry of Education, School Boards, and organizations like the OPSBA, OSTA-AECO, OCSTA, AFOCSC, and industry, with the goal of consistent funding to support long-term planning and a breadth of actions that will ensure flexibility for classrooms and whole boards in their delivery of outdoor education. Community comes together to create a system of support ensuring impactful out -of - classroom learning related to natural science, conservation and the environment. Environmental stewardship is rooted in a global, interconnected understanding that is introspective: building an appreciation for Indigenous knowledge and communities, and understanding the role of colonialism on our understanding, behaviours and relationship with the land. Generations of environmental stewards are fostered, sparked, nourished and sustained with outdoor education experiences, contributing to a citizenry with a life-long appreciation for nature and land, and the agencies required to take actions to ensure a viable future for ourselves and the environment. Based on the Vision Statement and the three workshops conducted by I -THINK with the OETF, the following themes emerged: 1. TRCA plays an integral role in providing leadership to the out -of -classroom learning system as it relates to natural science, conservation and the environment; 2. The student voice should be at the forefront of decision making, ensuring inclusion and equitable access; 3. Achieving success in reimagining the out -of -classroom learning system is predicated on collaborative action, with TRCA seen as fulfilling the role of convenor in bringing together the range of stakeholders necessary to establish a supportive infrastructure of learning as well as a secretariat function; 4. Establishing performance measures and standards for the delivery of out -of -classroom learning is essential, including curricular expectations and indicators of success, as well as instituting foundational principles of equitable access and inclusion; 5. Improved student and community learning related to natural science, conservation and the environment requires multiple interventions, multiple entry points, and multiple pathways, including participating in out -of -classroom experiences such as field trips but also integration of all aspects of student life — in school, out-of-school, and in the home — to change knowledge, attitudes and behaviour. It was recognized that for a successful reimagining of out -of -classroom experiences and the system which supports it, along with the realization of the above vision, no single organization can, or should, assume full responsibility for its management. And further that collaborative action amongst all public agencies, including school boards, conservation authorities and the Province of Ontario, as well as other agencies and organizations, is required to build a renewed system that supports student learning related to natural science, conservation and the environment. This acknowledgement of required collaboration forms the backbone of the following recommended elements of an Out -of -Classroom Learning Framework. RATIONALE Given the above, TRCA staff have prepared the recommended actions for approval for discussion by the OETF. These recommendations will form the basis for a final report on the future provision of out -of -classroom learning related to natural science, conservation and the environment and reflect the enclosed I -THINK report and Vision Statement. Elemental to these recommendations is the recognition that stronger collaboration amongst public agencies, such as school boards and conservation authorities, is required. The strong collaboration amongst the OETF has provided a basis from which to further build and strengthen these partnerships. Recommendation #1: Establish Shared Governance Model — Natural Science and Education Committee The OETF has highlighted the important role of shared governance in building a collaborative system that integrates collective decision-making, and mutual accountability, into the overall supporting infrastructure of out -of -classroom learning related to natural science, conservation and the environment. To this end, it is recommended that a standing committee of TRCA's Board of Directors be established with members appointed from area school boards, TRCA, the Ministry of Education and other leading science -based and education organizations, including post -secondary institutions and government agencies, such as Parks Canada (Rouge National Urban Park) and Toronto Zoo, where appropriate. The role of the Natural Science and Education Committee is proposed to provide oversight and leadership to the system that supports out -of -classroom learning related to natural science, conservation and the environment within school boards, conservation authorities and other key stakeholders. The primary focus of Natural Science and Education Committee would be to support the operationalization of the recommendations and framework emanating from the OETF, while strengthening the overall connection between the science of conservation and environmental management and the formal and non -formal education systems. Consideration should be given to integrating the youth voice into the Natural Science and Education Committee, including a clarifying definition of "youth". Options may include: • Student Trustee appointment(s) • Appointment of representative(s) from TRCA's Youth Council • General call for applications for appointment With approval of this recommendation, TRCA staff are prepared to develop a draft, detailed Terms of Reference for the Natural Science and Education Committee for consideration by the OETF, the Province of Ontario and other key stakeholders, and TRCA's Board of Directors. Recommendation #2: Establish Access and Curricular Standards Across TRCA and School Boards An early discussion point of the OETF was the recognition of inconsistency across school boards in the ability and capacity to deliver, or access, out -of -classroom learning related to natural science, conservation and the environment for students that meet curricular expectations. It was also identified that principles of inclusion and equity of access were integral to the strengthening of the out -of -classroom learning system and programs. To this end, it is recommended that standards be established that provide for a minimum base for out -of - classroom learning experiences related to natural science, conservation and the environment for students, and that these essential experiences be curriculum -linked and reflect the OETF expectations related to equitable inclusion and student -centred perspectives. Several boards have adopted policies for access to out -of -classroom learning experiences based on curriculum and grade, which serves as a starting point for the development of overall standards. For example, YRDSB enables through policy the provision of outdoor education experiences for Grades 2, 4 and 7 at YRDSB operated day centres. Within the scope of the Natural Science and Education Committee, a key activity will be to build on existing supportive policies and provide recommendations on a set of standards for the Greater Toronto Area that foster the framework for a multi -stakeholder approach to policy development for student access to out -of -classroom learning. To this end, while providing general oversight and support for the continued advancement and monitoring of standards and policies both from a curricular and equitable access perspective, the Natural Science and Education Committee will function as a convenor of organizations to support continued policy development that meet the needs of local school boards within the broader system. Additionally, OETF members acknowledged the importance of harmonizing policy and risk management practices to both ensure the overall safety of students accessing out -of -classroom learning related to natural science, conservation and the environment, as well as facilitating the ease of access for these experiences. Recognizing the diverse range of policies and procedures within school boards, it is recommended that further exploration be given to adopting existing standards or developing new uniform standards, to ensure consistency, accountability and transparency in the overall risk management and excursion approval framework. Recommendation #3: Establish a Unified Performance Measurement System Given the transformative nature of the recommendations related to the Outdoor Education Task Force, performance measurement is central to monitoring and reporting on progress relative to the broader framework supporting out -of -classroom learning related to natural science, conservation and the environment. Additionally, there is limited empirical data as it pertains to the efficacy of outdoor education in the broadest sense, and more specifically, out -of -classroom learning related to natural science, conservation and the environment. For this reason, it is recommended that multiple streams of performance measures (empirical and non -empirical) be established for regular reporting, trend tracking and planning for participating agencies through the Natural Science and Education Committee via TRCA's Board of Directors. Measures and streams may include: • General function and performance of out -of -classroom learning system, including the following potential sub -streams: o Total number of students participating in out -of -classroom learning experiences o Total number of learner hours of students participating in out -of -classroom experiences o Distribution of out -of -classroom learning experiences by students by school board based on student population o Total number of agreements established for the shared provision of out -of - classroom learning experiences, including for both facility -based use and local greenspace access • Curricular and learning outcomes measurement: o Assessment and reporting of environmental knowledge • Financial performance and investment levels: o Provincial funding allocation by student by school boards o Additional funding by student by school boards o Funding by student by agencies, including conservation authorities o Leveraged, or non-school/non-student, revenue as a percentage of total operating budget, by facility and at an aggregate level • Longitudinal studies on the impact of experiences within school years as well as post - graduation • Perception of health and wellness as it relates to experiences in out -of -classroom learning Recommendation #4: Advance Shared -Ownership and Access Models That Enhance and Sustain Overall Out -Of -Classroom Learning System To realize Recommendation #2 related to standards for access, a fundamental re -imagining of the overall ownership and administration of out -of -classroom learning is required. Historic models of board -owned assets being utilized exclusively by students from one particular school board should be adapted to reflect current and more recent practices related to shared use and shared access of schools and community facilities. Additionally, stronger linkages between local schools and local greenspace systems for curated, or facilitated, and teacher -led, out -of - classroom learning experiences will require improved integration between schools, school boards, conservation authorities and local municipalities. It is recommended that multi -partite agreements between area school boards, conservation authorities, partner agencies and municipalities be established that view the system as a whole, rather than as discrete parts, enabling improved and optimized use of both local education centres and greenspace systems. Under S.197 of the Education Act (RSO 1990), school boards are enabled to enter into agreements with conservation authorities for the use of lands, buildings, and personnel for the purposes of providing natural science, conservation, or other out -of -classroom programs. Additionally, S.197 also contains provisions for two or more school boards to enter into agreements for the shared use and delivery of natural science programs and other out -of - classroom learning programs. It is through this legislation that the current system of natural science schools, outdoor education centres, environmental education centres and conservation field centres that facilitate student out -of -classroom learning has developed, and from which future agreements for the continued and expanded delivery of out -of -classroom learning experiences will emanate. This legislation provides the framework for shared ownership and shared delivery models that leverage the value of public assets, including buildings, personnel, and greenspace. TRCA and local school boards have a strong history of shared use of facilities and greenspace for out -of -classroom learning experiences related to natural science, conservation and the environment specifically, as well as community use of assets and resources, such as schools, facilities and services, through multi -partite agreements. This shared history forms the foundation for a renewed approach to collaboration that optimizes use of public assets, including education centres, personnel and local greenspace, in a way that is centred on the student experience. Taking an approach that allows for shared ownership or administrative models provides for balanced, equitable access across school boards, while improving the financial sustainability of the overall system. Further to this, TRCA, along with school boards, have excellent experience leveraging the value of existing facilities, be they schools, outdoor education centres or other public spaces, to create multi -use assets that improve overall use and performance of facilities, both programmatically and financially. This experience in creating community hubs should be leveraged in reimagining how outdoor education centres are programmed and sustained into the future. Examples of TRCA multi -partite agreements that enable out -of -classroom learning related to natural science, conservation and the environment include: Lake St. George Field Centre: Historically operated by TRCA under a multi -partite agreement with TDSB, TCDSB and YRDSB. Burlington Outdoor Education Centre: Owned and operated by YRDSB, with an agreement for use of adjacent greenspace owned by TRCA. Etobicoke Outdoor Education Centre: Owned and operated by TDSB, within TRCA's Albion Hills Conservation Area, adjacent to TRCA's Albion Hills Field Centre, under a 40 -year land lease with TRCA. Under the agreement, TRCA also provides food service for TDSB students. Examples of school board multi -partite agreements that enable efficient use of space and resources: • City Place: Umbrella agreement for the creation of two elementary schools (TCDSB and TDSB) with City of Toronto adjacent to Canoe Landing Park and Canoe Landing Recreation Centre. • Student Transportation Services of York Region: Amalgamated student transportation services for YRDSB and YCDSB. Governed by a separate standing committee of both boards. • Flato Markham Theatre: Joint use agreement between City of Markham and YRDSB for use of Flato Markham Theatre as part of the Unionville Secondary School/Markham Civic Centre master plan. Includes provision for use of theatre, as well as cost sharing mechanism related to heating and cooling and grounds maintenance. Recommendation #5: Develop Long -Term Equitable Access Financial Plan Stable, dedicated funding linked to a cohesive, coordinated plan for the provision of out -of - classroom learning related to natural science, conservation and the environment is critical to achieving the overall vision of the OETF. As per Recommendation #2, equitable and consistent access across all school boards is a key aspect of future collaborative work amongst stakeholder organizations, including school boards and conservation authorities. Furthermore, stable, strategically targeted funding with clear shared objectives pertaining to use will allow optimization of existing public assets, while protecting the current system from further loss of resources, such as closures. Funding for the purposes of supporting a resilient out -of -classroom learning system can be grouped into three categories: 1. Per student funding for out -of -classroom experiences at school board, conservation authority or other learning centres; 2. Capacity -building and professional development for teachers to support improved learning related to natural science, conservation and the environment in local communities; 3. Capital funding to ensure the long-term viability of existing and new learning centres, with a particular emphasis on removing barriers and improving accessibility while advancing goals related to climate change mitigation and green buildings; For the 2020/2021 school year, the Province of Ontario provided an Outdoor Education Allocation of $17.7 million to school boards based on the following calculation: • $5,000 per school board + ($8.51 x ADE) Based on early research conducted and reported at Outdoor Education Task Force Meeting #1/20 held on January 20, 2020, the use of this allocation is inconsistent, though school boards use the funds for similar purposes. Additionally, several school boards provide top -up funding for certain elements of their outdoor education program, however, this enhanced funding is not consistent across school boards. As noted in Recommendation #4, the legislative opportunity under the Education Act for establishing mechanisms for the provision of out -of -classroom learning can leverage existing funding levels while streamlining access for students; with a diverse range of providers available for schools to access for learning experiences, a more coordinated approach across the sector would enhance opportunities for students while also ensuring strong value for both the school boards and Province of Ontario in use of public funding. Additionally, by providing standards, as per Recommendation #2, consistent use of the Outdoor Education Allocation by school boards would increase clarity and consistency between and across jurisdictions. While a base level of funding that supports the strategic delivery of student experiences linked to overall standards is integral to the overall effectiveness of a region -wide approach to out -of - classroom learning, it is important to acknowledge the additional sources of funding that support student experiences, including user fees, community fundraising, school board and conservation authority fundraising and foundations, as well as others. To this end, it is recommended that the Natural Science and Education Committee, upon establishment, convene a working group to develop a detailed financial roadmap of existing funding models, including public and private funding. Congruent to the roadmap, an assessment of current cost structures for board- and conservation authority -operated public learning assets be undertaken to better understand the overall cost of delivery for the system to better match long-term costs with actual funding. Relationship to Building the Living City, the TRCA 2013-2022 Strategic Plan This report supports the following strategies set forth in the TRCA 2013-2022 Strategic Plan: Strategy 3 — Rethink greenspace to maximize its value Strategy 5 — Foster sustainable citizenship Strategy 7 — Build partnerships and new business models Strategy 12 — Facilitate a region -wide approach to sustainability FINANCIAL DETAILS Pending endorsement of the above Recommendations by the OETF, a financial assessment of the costs associated with the administration of the Natural Science and Education Committee will be completed and will be included in the final report. DETAILS OF WORK TO BE DONE Following review and discussion by OETF at the November 30, 2020 meeting, staff will prepare a final report, including recommendations, for endorsement at the January 25, 2021 OETF meeting. Following Workshop #4, TRCA staff will prepare communication materials related OETF Recommendations and Statement for participating school boards for circulation and consideration by Boards of Trustees in advance of the January 25, 2021 OETF meeting. Final recommendations will be brought forward to TRCA Board of Directors for consideration at the February 26, 2021 board meeting. Report prepared by: Darryl Gray, (416) 791-0327 Emails: darryl.grayCo�trca.ca For Information contact: Darryl Gray, (416) 791-0327 Emails: darryl.grayotrca.ca Date: November 19, 2020 Attachments: 2 Attachment 1: Vision Statement Attachment 2: Presentation DISCUSSION SUMMARY The Outdoor Education Task Force commended staff for their excellent work in capturing the OETF's vision and recommendations made throughout the workshops in the final report and Vision Statement. OETF members inquired whether there would be any future connections or coordination with the TRCA's Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Program (SNAP) as it is often involved with schools. Staff responded that this collaboration would be further explored in integrated service delivery models with school boards. Staff will provide an update at the next meeting. Members requested that staff include the relevant French school boards that were consulted in the creation of the Vision Statement. November 20, 2020 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Outdoor Education Task Force Draft Statement In 2019, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) convened the Outdoor Education Task Force (Task Force) to develop a framework for the long-term provision of out -of -classroom learning experiences related to natural science, conservation and the environment that meets the needs of the student population to the year 2040. As part of a series of working group activities, the Task Force was asked to imagine a future where outdoor education is accessible to all and hold an important role in students' learning experience; a future where outdoor education is held to the highest standard of what it means to learn outside of the classroom and brings to life natural science, conservation and the environment. The Task Force proposed the enclosed for TRCA's role in bringing this to life. It is also worth noting that we are having these conversations in a transformative time as Covid- 19 has changed our daily habits and disrupted how we learn, work and live. The global pandemic brought into sharp focus the importance of access to the outdoors for our individual and collective well-being. In our context of K - 12 education, it has also highlighted some misconceptions about what outdoor education' is. ' The terms environmental education (EE), outdoor education (OE), and outdoor experiential education (OEE) have often been used interchangeably and have lost their distinction in common language usage. While we are using the term outdoor education throughout this framework, it is our intention to shift the language to out -of - classroom learning to better represent the full inclusiveness of the learning experiences we are promoting: natural science, conservation, and environmental. This statement is a reflection of the thinking and recommendations of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Outdoor Education Task Force I —THIN K through a series of conversations facilitated and captured by I -Think. We envision a future where... The students of Ontario have consistent access to quality outdoor education. Educators have the confidence and self-efficacy to make environmental stewardship a pillar of their classroom pedagogy. Trustees, in partnership with parents and guardians, and in cooperation with TRCA, advocate for system change in how funds are allocated for outdoor education. Advocacy is targeted towards an ecosystem of funders, like the Ontario Ministry of Education, School Boards, and organizations like the OPSBA, OSTA-AECO, OCSTA, AFOCSC, and industry, with the goal of consistent funding to support long-term planning and a breadth of actions that will ensure flexibility for classrooms and whole boards in their delivery of outdoor education. Community comes together to create a system of support ensuring impactful out -of -classroom learning related to natural science, conservation and the environment. Environmental stewardship is rooted in a global, interconnected understanding that is introspective: building an appreciation for Indigenous knowledge and communities, and understanding the role of colonialism on our understanding, behaviours and relationship with the land. Generations of environmental stewards are fostered, sparked, nourished and sustained with outdoor education experiences; contributing to a citizenry with a life-long appreciation for nature and land, and the agencies required to take actions that ensure a viable future for ourselves and the environment. Where TRCA is the... Catalyst that brings stakeholders together to foster environmental stewardship that is rooted in equity and anti -oppression, and access to out -of -classroom learning related to natural science, conservation and the environment is a reality for all students. Convener of important conversations and facilitator of taking actions that will link school boards to school boards, organizations with school boards and school boards to organization and to TRCA - based on valuable input from council members, community liaisons and educators. This work shifts the culture of the education community - with students, parents, guardians, classroom educators, administrators and central staff - to one that champions the importance of outdoor education. This statement is a reflection of the thinking and recommendations of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Outdoor Education Task Force I —THIN K through a series of conversations facilitated and captured by I -Think. With our school board partners, TRCA can bring this vision to life by... As TRCA we have a leadership role to play. A history of doing good, impactful work has made us a leader in conservation and outdoor Stepping into a education grounded in science. We will leverage our power to influence leadership role how the outdoor education community fosters environmental stewardship rooted in equity, anti -oppression and cultural appreciation. If outdoor education is going to be equitable, anti -oppressive and reflective of student identities, students must lead the way in imagining, Leading with student influencing and informing possibilities. As an organization with power, voice we will centre the identities and lived experiences with students to be accountable in our work. This statement is a reflection of the thinking and recommendations of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Outdoor Education Task Force I —THIN K through a series of conversations facilitated and captured by I -Think. Shifting culture requires stakeholders to collaborate. TRCA is the connector for groups, creating the wrap-around support for educators, students and communities to engage in outdoor education. It is this Convening and collective that will build momentum to advocate for system change in building the funding outdoor education and creating the budget flexibility needed to collaboration allow individual schools and school boards to engage in outdoor ecosystem education. As collaboration grows in the system, new partnerships will together. emerge, for example the school boards sharing land for out of classroom learning experiences. This statement is a reflection of the thinking and recommendations of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Outdoor Education Task Force I —THIN K through a series of conversations facilitated and captured by I -Think. As a collective - with students, school boards, educators and organizations-, we will identify the guiding principles that outdoor education should be designed with. It is these principles that will set the Setting the standard standard for experiences that are safe, rooted in equity and anti - for outdoor education oppression; accessible to all and affirming to student identities, regardless of socioeconomic and geographic proximity. Collectively we programming, will set standards and guidelines that recognize the risks associated with together. outdoor education to create outdoor experiences that are accessible, enjoyable, and safe. Equity guiding principles will bejointly created with this collective to use in designing outdoor education experiences and promoting environmental stewardship. This is how we build capacity in community to look for quality experiences in outdoor education. This statement is a reflection of the thinking and recommendations of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Outdoor Education Task Force I —THIN K through a series of conversations facilitated and captured by I -Think. TRCA supports students, educators, school boards, senior staff and community organizations in bringing outdoor education experiences to life. There is no single right way to start developing as an environmental Co -creating the entry steward. The TRCA and organizations will leverage their unique assets points including land, educators, technology and community, to create experiences. TRCA will collaborate with organizations and educators to co -design outdoor education experiences that are rooted in cultural knowledge and appreciation and embedded within inquiry -based learning that amplifies the learning and experiences. This statement is a reflection of the thinking and recommendations of Toronto and Region conservation Authority Outdoor Education Task Force I —THIN K through a series of conversations facilitated and captured by I -Think. Outdoor Education Task Force Darryl Gray Director, Education and Training November 30, 2020 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Mandate • Develop a framework for the long- term provision out -of -classroom natural science, conservation and environmental learning to the year 2040. • Provide recommendations to strengthen and enable partnerships that maximize the value of public assets and learning infrastructure. • Provide expertise and recommendations that strengthen student learning connections between urban and natural environments. • Provide recommendations related to long-term sustainable financial models and mechanisms. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Milestones and Deliverables QDec. 2019 Q May 2020 Dec. 2020 Principles, Values and Destination Recommendations and Policy Final Report Presentation: Current State and Statements Presentation: Final Report Other Jurisdictions Presentation: Models and Action: Reports to TRCA and Action: Working Group —Principles, Mechanisms Boards Values and Destination Action: Working Group - Recommendations, Framework and Policy Statements I I I I I I Models and Mechanisms Presentations: Principles, Values Next Steps and Destination Presentation: Recommendations, Action: Working Group — Models and Framework and Policy Statements Mechanisms Action: Working Group - Final Report OFeb.2020 O Oct. 2020 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority A i (.onservafii on Is ,Everybody's Busme Taron _ d atio.0 Authority �'1, Draft Statement We envision a future where... The students of Ontario have consistent access to quality outdoor education. Educators have the confidence and self-efficacy to make environmental stewardship a pillar of their classroom pedagogy. Trustees, in partnership with parents and guardians, and in cooperation with TRCA, advocate for system change in how funds are allocated for outdoor education. Advocacy that targets an ecosystem of funders, like the Ontario Ministry of Education, School Boards, and organizations like the OPSBA, OSTCA, and OSTA, and industry, with the goal of consistent funding to support long-term planning and a breadth of actions that will ensure flexibility for classrooms and whole boards in their delivery of outdoor education. Community comes together to create a system of support ensuring impactful out -of -classroom learning related to natural science, conservation and the environment. Environmental stewardship is rooted in a global, interconnected understanding that is introspective: building an appreciation for Indigenous knowledge and communities, and understanding the role of colonialism on our understanding, behaviours and relationship with the land. Generations of environmental stewards are fostered, sparked, nourished and sustained with outdoor education experiences; contributing to a citizenry with a life-long appreciation for nature and land, and the agency required to take actions that ensure a viable future for ourselves and the environment. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority 5 Where TRCA is the... Catalyst that brings stakeholders together to foster environmental stewardship that is rooted in equity and anti -oppression, and access to out -of -classroom learning related to natural science, conservation and the environment is a reality for all students. Convener of important conversations and facilitator of taking actions that will link school boards to school boards, organizations with school boards and school boards to organization and to TRCA - based on valuable input from council members, community liaisons and educators. This work shifts the culture of the education community - with students, parents, guardians, classroom educators, administrators and central staff - to one that champions the importance of outdoor education. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority 6 ^4 �a S2, ` r IP 40 We Will Bring This To Life By: Overview of Recommendations Shared Governance Model Establishment of a multi -stakeholder Natural Science and Education Committee to provide general oversight and leadership for improved opportunities and outcomes pertaining to out -of -classroom learning related to natural science, conservation and the environment. Set Standards for Access and Curriculum Establishment of harmonized standards Tor equitable access across school boards through policy that recognizes the important role of out -of -classroom learning in student development. Performance Measurement Development of a unified performance measurement system to track and report on overall system performance, including financial performance (leveraged funding, partnerships, etc.) as well as assessment of overall student knowledge related to natural science, conservation and the environment for trend tracking over time. Shared Ownership and Access Models Continued development of shared ownership and access models that builds on a strong history of collaboration and creates opportunities to optimize public assets and resources. Emphasis on establishing formal, multi-party agreements that align with Recommendation #2 to unlock access for students to a range of learning environments. Develop Long -Term Equitable Access Financial Plan Development of overarching financial plan that supports the long-term sustainability of the above recommendations. Links finances to policy and equitable access, and sets clear objectives related investment streams in three areas: student experiences, teacher capacity development and capital asset viability. -='x Toronto and Region Conservation Authority I 8 www.trca.ca Toronto and Region Conservation Authority ADJOURNMENT ON MOTION by Basudeb Mukherjee, the meeting ended at 7:16 p.m., on Monday November 30, 2020. Garry Tanuan Chair /dr