Emily Gasoi and Elana Mintz: DCPS needs to change how it’s spending outdoor learning funds to avoid undermining equity
In February, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a $9 million investment to “support outdoor learning and learning partnerships” — spending that was intended to prepare city schools for the fall reopening. Two months into the school year, the $9 million is almost gone, and outdoor learning and meals remain rare in DC Public Schools (DCPS). Every day, unvaccinated children eat indoors without masks, undermining other mitigating practices. Additionally, the misuse of funds has exacerbated an equity gap between children who have access to outdoor meals and lessons, and those who do not.
Despite the obstacles, getting outdoors systemwide is still possible — and, in fact, critical. The science on low-to-no COVID transmission rates outdoors has been well-established since summer 2020, and dozens of outdoor learning providers, advocates and policy experts already support many schools and communities in every ward of the city. However, in order for every DC school to gain equitable access to outdoor meals and outdoor learning opportunities, our system leaders will have to correct several missteps.
First, DCPS should replenish $2 million of the outdoor learning funds. That amount, according to a DCPS central office source, was redirected to the purchase of an early childhood phonics curriculum, which fails to meet the intended standard of being either outdoors or innovative.
Second, DCPS should correct its misstep in how it provided roughly $4.5 million to schools to purchase outdoor learning furniture. DCPS did not provide the support and flexibility necessary to enable schools to staff outdoor learning meals and lessons, determine the appropriate spaces and setup, or even assemble the furniture. This has led well-resourced schools to rely on parent volunteers to build picnic tables and supervise outdoor lunch. Meanwhile, at schools in underserved communities, equipment — if it has arrived — sits unassembled and children eat indoors.
Third, instead of limiting schools to furniture procurements, the school system must give principals the option to use the available funding to engage partners who bring a wealth of knowledge about how to tailor programming to their school’s unique needs. If schools had the flexibility to decide how best to support staffing and logistics for outdoor meals and programming, a modest, per-school investment of $30,000 — the same amount DCPS allocated for furniture — would mean that children in all 117 DCPS schools could be outside every day.
Finally, we have consistently urged DCPS to consult with school leaders, educators across grade levels, and outdoor learning providers who lead year-round programming. The kinds of support schools need to make outdoor meals and learning work for them varies widely across campuses and wards. It is only through communication with those on the ground that we will be able to bring this important effort to scale. Ultimately, guidelines must give schools flexibility, autonomy and tailored support so that outdoor learning and meals can continue as often as possible, even when temperatures dip below 35 degrees — an arbitrary standard currently proposed by DCPS. Experience and surveys tell us that children are comfortable in such conditions, and with modest investments we can ensure each school has a stash of warm winter clothing for any students who need it.
Emergency use of the COVID-19 vaccine for children, expected in the coming weeks, will not protect 3- and 4-year-olds in DC Public Schools. It is urgent that city leaders embrace and support outdoor meals and lessons as a primary virus mitigation strategy, and as critical support to the equitable, long-term academic, physical and mental health of all students.
DC itself is an unmatched classroom that allows students to explore history and culture through local murals, identify migratory bird species, and, thanks to a partnership with the DC Department of Energy and Environment, map storm drains and green infrastructure to understand their roles in the watershed. With over 30 national park sites, three mighty waterways with numerous tributaries, and more than enough unused space on school grounds to make this work, building a culture of outdoor learning in the future 51st state is not just possible — it is urgent.
Dr. Emily Gasoi is the DC State Board of Education’s vice president and Ward 1 representative. Elana Mintz is the founder and executive director of Urban Adventure Squad/Urban Learning and Teaching Center. They are both founding members of the DC Coalition for Equitable Outdoor Education.
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