Parents' Perspectives on Climate Change Education: A Case Study from New Jersey
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| Title: | Parents' Perspectives on Climate Change Education: A Case Study from New Jersey |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Lauren Madden (ORCID |
| Source: | ECNU Review of Education. 2025 8(1):184-202. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 19 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Elementary Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Climate, Environmental Education, Parent Attitudes, Parents, Public Schools, Child Development, Mental Health, Parent Child Relationship, Elementary Secondary Education, Age Differences |
| Geographic Terms: | New Jersey |
| ISSN: | 2096-5311 2632-1742 |
| Abstract: | Purpose: With climate change education becoming more prevalent in schools around the globe, it is increasingly important that we understand parental perspectives on this topic. Children cross the boundaries between home and school culture every day, and their parents' attitudes, beliefs, and practices can influence their academic engagement in all content areas. In the 2022-2023 academic year, New Jersey (NJ) adopted climate change education standards across grade levels and subject areas. We seek to understand parental perspectives on this curriculum change. Design/Approach/Methods: In October-November 2022, a survey was distributed to parents of children attending public (state) school in NJ to identify how they discuss, support, and question their children's education about climate change. A total of 83 parents responded to the survey. Findings: Survey results revealed that parents talk to their children about climate change with the support of various tools and strategies. However, parents expressed concerns about teachers' preparedness to introduce climate change topics appropriately and their own readiness to support this instruction at home. Furthermore, several respondents voiced concerns about how to approach climate change discussions in a way that is mindful of children's developmental and mental health needs. Originality/Value: Little is known about the way in which parents view educational innovations affect their implementation. This study examines parents' perspectives on a novel approach to integrating climate change instruction across subject areas and grade levels. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1470892 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Purpose: With climate change education becoming more prevalent in schools around the globe, it is increasingly important that we understand parental perspectives on this topic. Children cross the boundaries between home and school culture every day, and their parents' attitudes, beliefs, and practices can influence their academic engagement in all content areas. In the 2022-2023 academic year, New Jersey (NJ) adopted climate change education standards across grade levels and subject areas. We seek to understand parental perspectives on this curriculum change. Design/Approach/Methods: In October-November 2022, a survey was distributed to parents of children attending public (state) school in NJ to identify how they discuss, support, and question their children's education about climate change. A total of 83 parents responded to the survey. Findings: Survey results revealed that parents talk to their children about climate change with the support of various tools and strategies. However, parents expressed concerns about teachers' preparedness to introduce climate change topics appropriately and their own readiness to support this instruction at home. Furthermore, several respondents voiced concerns about how to approach climate change discussions in a way that is mindful of children's developmental and mental health needs. Originality/Value: Little is known about the way in which parents view educational innovations affect their implementation. This study examines parents' perspectives on a novel approach to integrating climate change instruction across subject areas and grade levels. |
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| ISSN: | 2096-5311 2632-1742 |
