Welcome

We want our children to be physically and mentally healthy, and to spend more quality time outdoors.

We need to enhance students’ academic achievements and prepare them for life and work through innovative, real-world, hands-on learning.

We rely on Alaska’s natural resources for our livelihoods and quality of life.

We want our children to graduate prepared to manage and develop Alaska’s natural resources wisely for today and future generations.

The Alaska Natural Resource and Environmental Literacy Plan is a pathway to reach these goals.  Read a draft of the Plan Here.

 Our Vision: Alaska’s students will graduate from high school as environmentally-literate citizens.  They will have personal connections with the natural environment; understand the complex relationships between community, culture, economy, and the environment; and be prepared to manage and develop Alaska’s rich natural resources wisely for today and future generations.

The Alaska Natural Resource and Environmental Literacy Plan IS:

• Good for Alaska’s economy by preparing Alaska students to sustainably develop and manage our natural resources with the necessary knowledge and complex problem-solving skills;
• A path to guide PreK-12 public schools in integrating environmental education, including active outdoor learning, as part of the school curricula with support from community partners;
• A natural way to incorporate traditional knowledge and culture into formal schooling;
• Aligned with science, technology and math (STEM) literacy initiatives;
• A proven approach to integrate subjects such as science, math, social studies, reading, writing, the arts, and physical education;
• A way to teach children to explore all sides of an issue and make informed decisions;
• Relevant education using local knowledge and expertise;
• Beneficial to children academically, physically and emotionally.

 The Alaska Natural Resource and Environmental Literacy Plan is NOT:

• A curriculum;
• A program that teaches children a single point of view about natural resource development or other environmental issues;
• Politically agenda-driven;
• A new state or local district mandate or requirement to teach specific content.

 Help us prepare Alaska’s youth for their future!

Alaska is ready to take a more prescriptive approach toward achieving an environmentally literate citizenry. The next step is approval by the State Board of Education and Early Development and implementation of the Alaska Natural Resource and Environmental Literacy Plan.

1. Provide general comments for the Alaska Natural Resource and Environmental Literacy Plan here, provide detailed comments on the draft plan here, or email Bjørn Wolter bjorn.wolter@alaska.gov, or mail in your comments.
2. Write a Letter of Support yourself and encourage organizations, school districts and others you know to submit resolutions or letters of support for the Alaska Natural Resource and Environmental Literacy Plan. Send these to Bjørn Wolter.
3. Visit and “Like” the Alaska Natural Resource and Environmental Literacy Plan Facebook page to view a sample support letter or resolution and to get updates on Environmental Literacy Plan activities. Share your success stories on the page.

Send questions, draft plan comments, resolutions and letters to:

Bjørn Wolter
State Science Specialist
Alaska Department of Education & Early Development
P.O. Box 110500
Juneau, AK 99811-0500
907.465.6542
bjorn.wolter@alaska.gov