The Washington State Environmental and Sustainability Literacy Plan defines a 2021 vision of excellent and relevant environmental and sustainability education for each student, in and outside of school, at all grades. The purpose of the plan is to:

• Build on, contribute to implementation of, and leverage existing environmental and sustainability education programs and initiatives in Washington State.
• Ensure that students have ample opportunities to increase their environmental literacy and enhance their academic achievement and prepare for life and work through innovative, real-world, project-based learning.
• Ensure that Washington State is well-positioned to obtain private and public funding to support this important work.                                                                            

The plan was developed and informed by a steering committee representing a broad range of education stakeholders. The steering committee was comprised of elementary, middle, and high school teachers; school administrators and directors; teacher educators; regional professional development providers; informal educators; natural resource agency staff; state education agency content and assessment experts; students; parents; business leaders; and tribal and other community partners. The plan includes history and background on environmental and sustainability education in Washington State. Itcompels action towards an innovative 21st century education that Washington is uniquely poised to model and includes six forward-thinking and attainable 10-year goals.