The Initiative
Based on the success of our Going to Green Academic Curriculum, PBS Educational Media has asked Media & Policy Center to produce a special one-hour documentary, education and outreach project, Growing Greener Schools, with a set of follow-up instructional materials, that presents a best practices program to help schools learn from experts as well as from each other on how to specifically green their schools to enhance their communities.
Growing Greener Schools is a practical go-to resource for tapping into the best green practices at schools across the country. Drawing on first-hand experiences of educators and green experts, the program showcases projects undertaken by schools around the country in urban and suburban areas, both large and small. Along with hands-on examples of how these institutions are incorporating sustainable practices and environmental lessons into their schools, educators, administrators, and students discuss the effects on student health, attendance, test scores, and preparedness for green jobs.
The program also includes a roadmap for administrators and school boards to examine how to build eco-friendly school buildings from the ground up; retrofit older classrooms to new green standards; and operate green campuses. Hosted by Ed Begley, Jr.
Shop
Visit the MPC shop to purchase the Growing Greener Schools original PBS broadcast, the PBS show companion e-handbook, and a 90 minute professional development program. We have a variety of educational DVDs and videos for children, students, and teachers to enjoy. Our Vimeo page also features educational clips from these videos.
Click here for a preview chapter of the Growing Greener Schools companion e-handbook.
What They’re Saying
“America’s schools will be critical to the development of a new green economy as students choose career pathways from high school to post secondary education and into innovative new careers. Green schools provide unique opportunities for students to live and learn in ways that can ensure their success today and help the next generation prosper.”
- Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education
“The film literally “left no school behind” as to how they could start, continue or…expand the [green school] process.”
- Michael Johnson, Principal at Phelps Architecture Construction & Engineering High School, Washington DC
“This important project will positively affect millions of people, their communities, and the environment, as well as inspire countless others to join the national green schools movement.”
- Kathleen Rogers, President, Earth Day Network
Funders
PBS Distribution
Siemens Corporation
Partners
The Accelerated School
Boulder Valley School District
Chez Panisse Restaurant & The Edible Schoolyard
Denver Green School
Earth Day Network
Environmental Charter High School
Green Schools Initiative
Harvard University
Head-Royce School
LA Unified School District
Lakeland Community College
The Miller Institute
New York City Department of Education
RAW International Architectural Firm
Santa Monica College
The Office of Alice Waters
Tree People
U.S. Department of Education
U.S. Green Building Council
