The Cloud Institute's EfS Framework
It's All Connected...
We have developed our EfS Framework after years of learning and innovating--we are actually innovating as you read this! The foundation of our practice is our 9 EfS Core Standards. These standards will guide you as you infuse your curriculum and school culture with EfS. We also believe that schools are part of our communities, and we must work with everyone from the individual learner to communities as a whole in order to achieve a sustainable future.
9 Education for Sustainability Core Content Standards
Schools and Communities Learning Together
9 Education for Sustainability Core Content Standards (PDF)
Cultural Preservation and Transformation
How the preservation of cultural histories and heritages, and the transformation of cultural identities and practices contribute to sustainable communities. Students will develop the ability to discern with others what to preserve and what to change in order for future generations to thrive.
Responsible Local/Global Citizenship
The rights, responsibilities and actions associated with leadership and participation toward healthy and sustainable communities. Students will know and understand these rights and responsibilities and assume their roles of leadership and participation.
The Dynamics of Systems & Change
A system is made up of two or more parts in a dynamic relationship that forms a whole whose elements ‘hang together’ and change because they continually affect each other over time. Fundamental patterns of systems include growth, decline and vacillation. Students will know and understand the dynamic nature of complex systemsand change over time. They will be able to apply the tools and concepts of system dynamics and systems thinking in their present lives, and to inform the choices that will affect our future.
Sustainable Economics
The evolving theories and practices of economics and the shift towards integrating our economic, natural and social systems, to support and maintain life on the planet. Students will know and understand 21st century economic practices and will produce and consume in ways that contribute to the health of the financial, social and natural capital.
Healthy Commons
Healthy Commons are that upon which we all depend and for which we are all responsible (i.e., air, trust, our collective future, water, libraries, public health, heritage sites, top soil, etc.). Students will be able to recognize and value the vital importance of the Commons in our lives and for our future. They will assume the rights, responsibilities and actions to care for the Commons.
Natural Laws and Ecological Principles
The laws of nature and science principles of sustainability. Students will see themselves as interdependent with each other, all living things and natural systems. They will be able to put their knowledge and understanding to use in the service of their lives, their communities and the places in which they live.
Inventing and Affecting the Future
The vital role of vision, imagination and intention in creating the desired future. Students will design, implement and assess actions in the service of their vision.
Multiple Perspectives
The perspectives, life experiences and cultures of others, as well as our own. Students will know, understand, value and draw from multiple perspectives to co-create with diverse stakeholders shared and evolving visions and actions in the service of a healthy and sustainable future.
A Sense of Place
The strong connection to the place in which one lives. Students will recognize and value the interrelationships between the social, economic, ecological and architectural history of that place and contribute to its continuous health.
Selected Fields of Study that Contribute to Education for Sustainability
- Environmental Science and Education,
- Science Education (Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science…)
- System Dynamics and Systems Thinking Education
- Sustainable Economics
- Global Education
- Ecological Design and Architecture Education
- Holistic Education
- Future Studies
- Organizational Learning and Change
- Environmental Ethics and Philosophy
- Ecological Psychology
- Conflict Resolution Education
- Game Theory
Schools and Communities Learning Together
The Learning Self
The learning self is comprised of the knowledge, skills and attitudes that create the foundation for 21st Century participation and leadership and contributes to a just and sustainable future.
The Learning Classroom
The learning classroom includes a curriculum design process and instructional methodologies that create authentic and engaged learning for a just and sustainable future.
Schools That Learn
In schools that learn, the organizational culture and structures that nurture the ability to learn, analyze, innovate and increasingly align actions and commitments to a just and sustainable future.
Physical Plant , Procurement and Investment
We maintain partnerships with companies offering building and grounds, food services, procurement, operations management, and investments where appropriate.
Communities That Learn
In communities that learn, there are established relationships and partnerships that contribute to schools and communities learning together for a sustainable future.
