The objective of Maryland’s Environmental Literacy Initiative is to educate students (PK-12) in making decisions and taking actions that create and maintain an optimal relationship between themselves and the environment. Also, it is to provide education to preserve and protect the natural resources of Maryland.  Comar Regulation (13A.03.02 13A.04.07) states that each school system in the state of Maryland develops a plan that satisfies the regulations.

Prince George’s County Public Schools have developed a comprehensive (PK-12) interdisciplinary plan for the effective implementation of Environmental Literacy into its schools. The vital signs of the earth are in decline. Issues involving industrial discharge, renewable and non-renewable resources, recycling, domestic water, waste water, and air quality are some of the major challenges our society faces. Environmental Literacy must play a significant role if the issues are to be addressed. Students’ education must focus on increased recognition and implications of environmental problems coupled with knowledge and a desire to actively participate in improving Earth’s environment.

“Environmental education should be integrated into whole systems of formal education at all levels to provide the necessary knowledge, understanding values and skills needed by the general public in devising solutions to environmental questions.”  (UNESCO-UNEP, 1990)

Maryland Environmental Literacy Standards

As a result of the COMAR Regulation, the State of Maryland has created a total of eight Standards for Environmental Literacy (see Comar 13A. 03.02-13A.04.07). Prince George’s County Public Schools is working to ensure that the eight standards are infused into the PreK-12 curriculum documents.