Climate Education FAQ
At their March 2026 meeting, the Board of Regentsapproved for permanent adoptiontheto require instruction in climate educationfor public school students in grades kindergarten (K) through 12.These regulations become permanently effective on March 25, 2026.The following provide questions and answers (Q&A) relating to the amendment.
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For purposes ofthe new instructional requirement, “climate education” refers to instruction tohelp students understand the causes of climate change, its impacts on natural and human systems, and the solutions and actions that individuals and communities can take to address it.
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Why is New York State requiring K-12 instruction in climate education?
The New York State Education Department (С槼ֱ or "the Department") recognizes the importance of preparing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the environmental challenges of the 21st-century and contribute solutions. Instruction in climate education ensures that students graduate informed and empowered, capable of understanding climate impacts, and prepared for environmental stewardship. Integrating key concepts of climate education into K-12 educational programs, provides a unique opportunity for students to apply discipline-specific knowledge and skills in meaningful ways while developing the essential attributes of the Portrait: Academic Preparedness, Creative Innovation, Critical Thinking, Effective Communication, Global Citizenship, and being Reflective and Future Focused.
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Whenwillschoolsberequiredto beginprovidinginstruction in climateeducation?
The amendment establishes a phased implementation timeline for climate instruction across grade bands. The chart below outlines the schedule by which public schools will be expected to begin providing instruction inclimateeducation, allowing for a multi-year phase-in to support thoughtful planning and alignment with existing instructional programs.
Public schools are encouraged to begin implementation ahead of the established timelines for each grade band, as readiness and capacity allow.
| Middle Grade Band (Grades 5–8) and High School Grade Band (Grades 9–12) | Elementary Grade Band (Grades K–4) |
|---|---|
| Beginning with the 2027–2028 SY | Beginning with the 2028–2029 SY |
- Will public schools be requiredto provide instruction inclimateeducationat each grade levelunder the amendment?
Public schools may, but are not required to, provide instruction on climate education in all grade levels within each grade band.The amendment provides that instruction in climate education must be provided by the end of the last year of each grade band–elementary (K-4), middle (5-8), and high school (9-12).Specifically:
- Elementary school students must receive instruction by the end of grade 4.
- Middle school students must receive instruction by the end of grade 8.
- High school students must receive instruction by the end of grade 12.
For example, ninth grade students entering the high school grade band during the 2027-2028 school year must receive instruction in climate education by the end of grade twelve.
While public schools are required toensure instruction is provided by the end of each grade band, they have flexibility in determining when and how instruction is delivered within each band. They may choose to provide instruction across multiple grade levels or concentrate instruction within a specific year, based on local needs and capacity.
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Are students placed by their school district in out of district programs such as BOCES required to receive instruction in climate education?
Yes. In accordance with, school districts are responsible for ensuring that all public school students in grades K-12 within the district, including students placed in out of district programs (e.g., BOCES, approved private schools for students with disabilities, contracts with other districts for special services or programs), receive the required instruction in climate education within the grade bands prescribed in the regulations.
For students attending a BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) program for part of the school day, such instruction could be provided by the school district and/or as part of the CTE programming.
For students placed outside the district on a full-time basis, there should be ongoing communication and collaboration between the school district and the out of district placement to ensure that students are receiving the required instruction in climate education.
- What topics should be included in instruction on climate education?
The Department, in collaboration with an advisory committee of stakeholders with expertise in environmental and climate education has identified three broad topics to be integrated across K-12 climate education instruction:
- Causes of Climate Change
- Impactsof Climate Change
- Solutions for Climate Change
These topics are designed to support developmentally appropriate instruction that builds student awareness, critical thinking, and civic engagement related to climate education. Grade band learning objectives for each topic will be developed for the elementary, middle, and high school grade bands to ensure a coherent and developmentally appropriate progression of learning.
- How will С槼ֱ ensure that districtsare meetingthe instructionalrequirementfor climate education?
Each year during the phase-in of the new instructional requirements, school districts and charter schools will be required to submit verification to the Commissioner of Education that they have implemented instruction in climate education within the grade bands prescribed in the regulations
For the 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 school years, eachschool district and charter school must submit verification to the Commissioner of Education that it has implemented instruction in climate education within the grade bands prescribed in the regulations.
Additionally, as part of the attestation process that will take place at the end of each implementation year, school districts and charter schools who are utilizing the embedded implementation option will be required to specify how they are providing such embedded instruction.Such verification will be submitted through the SED Monitoring and Vendor Performance System in the С槼ֱ Business Portal.Additional guidance and instructions will be shared in future guidance.
- How can public schools meet the instructional requirement for climate education?
The amendment provides flexibility in local implementation. Instruction in climate education can be provided through one or both of the following implementation options:
Embedded Instruction: Instruction on climate education is intentionally integrated into required courses/subject areas (e.g., science, mathematics, social studies, etc.) within a designated grade band. Students must be provided with meaningful opportunities to learn about the three climate education topics by the end of such grade band. Instruction must be delivered by a teacher appropriately certified in the subject area where the embedded instruction is occurring.
Stand-Alone Course: Instruction on climate education is provided in a dedicated course(s) within a designated grade band. Students must receive instruction that addresses the three climate education topics by the end of such grade band. Instruction must be delivered by a teacher appropriately certified to teach such course.
- Do public schools need to provide both implementation options?
No. The regulation allows for local flexibility in how climate instruction is delivered. Public schools are encouraged to utilize as many of the available options as practical to provide engaging and meaningful instruction in climate education. Each option holds equal value and may be selected based on local context, resources, and instructional design. Some schools may wish to teach stand-alone climate education classes, particularly in the middle or high school grade bands when the content becomes more focused; others may embed climate education instruction in existing courses. Regardless of the implementation option selected, instruction must:
- Address all three climate education topics.
- Be delivered by an appropriately certified teacher.
- What support will be provided to teachers and schools?
In addition to this FAQ, the Department will develop guidance tofurthersupport public schools and educators in implementing the instructional requirement. This guidance will include grade-banded learning objectives for each topic to inform instructional planning. The guidance will be released in the coming months. For questions or more information, please contact the Office of Standards and Instruction at P12standardsinstruction@nysed.gov.
- Where can additional information relating to the instructional requirement for climate education be found?
For more information relating to the instructional requirement, please visit the Climate Education webpage.