News Release

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Alexa Schindel, associate professor of learning and instruction in the Graduate School of Education at the University at Buffalo, is part of a task force aimed at advancing climate education across New York State. The intergenerational coalition, consisting of educators, students, non-governmental organization staff and community members, has collaborated on the development of the P-12 Climate Education Bill (S.278A), sponsored by New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes of the 26th Senate District and a companion bill (A.1559A) by Assemblywoman Simon. The bill is set for review during the 2023-24 New York State legislative session.

The Climate and Resilience Education Task Force (CRETF), managed by the National Wildlife Federation and WE ACT for Environmental Justice, focuses on expanding access to interdisciplinary P-12 climate education throughout the state. Operating in three key areas—public events, policy and teacher support—CRETF has undertaken various projects to advance climate education in New York.

Schindel has been working with the policy team since its formation in spring 2023, primarily focusing on drafting the bill, meeting with legislators and key stakeholders and lobbying for support.

"As an environmental and climate educator and researcher, I am committed to ensuring that students receive age-appropriate climate education that fosters environmental responsibility. Doing so requires state leadership, support, and coordination. This bill is a crucial step towards achieving that goal," Schindel said.

The bill has been endorsed by national and statewide organizations, including the United University Professions (UUP), NY Renews Coalition and EarthDay.org.

Youth have been central to drafting and advocating for the climate education bill. The P-12 Climate Education Bill, derived from a prior bill (S.278) after extensive analysis of New York's legislation and reviewing successful climate education programs in other states, was introduced by Senator Gounardes in November 2023. Influenced by the youth’s advocacy and the collaborative expertise of CRETF members, this groundbreaking bill aims to provide a framework for educators to integrate age-appropriate climate education across all grades and content areas, including the arts.

The proposed bill aligns with CRETF's New York State Climate Education Platform and establishes a course of instruction and learning expectations on climate education in public pre-kindergarten, elementary and secondary schools. It enables educators to explore the causes and impacts of climate change, and provides professional learning opportunities, curricular resources and ongoing support for teachers.

Additionally, the bill outlines plans to develop green Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, assessment instruments related to climate education, expectations for pre-service teacher certification programs, and the establishment of a coordinating Office of Climate Education and Workforce Development.

Schindel emphasizes the importance of the bill, stating, "Implementing age-appropriate climate and environmentally responsible curriculum, along with proper teacher training, is paramount. Teachers report feeling under-prepared and unsupported by their administration to teach about climate change. New York also lacks a central qualified source for teaching materials. Our proposed bill addresses these concerns, aligns with current research and builds state-wide capacity to address the urgent need for comprehensive climate education."

The bill establishes a timeline for professional learning and educator readiness, aligned with New York's decarbonization goals, and includes provisions for ongoing teacher support, peer exchange and evaluation. With the bill currently under review by the New York State Senate Education Committee, task force members, including Schindel, UB students, educators and community members, will travel to Albany on Jan. 23, Jan. 30 and Feb. 6. Their mission is to engage with assembly members and senators, advocating for the bill's progression and eventual approval.

“Our presence in Albany, accompanied by UB students, youth and educators from across the state, underscores the urgency and importance of this bill. We are dedicated to ensuring its passage and the transformative impact it will have on climate education in New York State," said Schindel.