Schooling in the Anthropocene: Research Perspectives and Policy Priorities

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

This symposium presents papers synthesizing current knowledge on climate change and U.S. education, school vulnerability to climate change, and climate disaster impact on educational staff. The first paper synthesizes research on climate and schooling and proposes a five-part agenda for advancing the field. The second paper draws on existing literature and real-world examples to illustrate the devastating effects climate change holds for students, schools, and systems, offering policy recommendations for resilience. The third examines school facilities, underscoring the need for equitable policies and funding. The fourth explores how disasters affect teacher decision-making, revealing school district vulnerability to climate events. This session highlights how a history of climate inaction weighs heavily on students and schools now, with direct implications for their futures.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Environmental Education

Chair

• Jennifer A. Bland, Learning Policy Institute

Papers

• Education and Climate Change: Synthesizing the Evidence to Guide Future Research - Matthew A. Kraft, Brown University; Grace Falken, University of Washington

• National Landscape Report - Natalie Spitzer, University of Texas at Austin; Sarah L. Klevan, Learning Policy Institute; Jennifer A. Bland, Learning Policy Institute

• The State of Our Schools - Mary Filardo, 21st Century School Fund

• Where Do You Go When Home Is Gone?: Teacher Turnover and Migration following Climate Disasters - Megan K. Rauch Griffard, University of Nevada - Las Vegas; Bradley Marianno, University of Nevada - Las Vegas; Amanda Hoffman, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

Session Organizer

• Natalie Spitzer, University of Texas at Austin

Discussant

• Jeffrey M. Vincent, University of California - Berkeley