 | 1.5 LU |
| 1.5 LU |
Date/Time: November 5, 2026 | 9:00 – 10:30 am
Room: TAHOMA 2
Furnished by: Artcobell
Abstract: Across the country, districts are embracing outdoor learning as a core component of the student experience—but many are discovering the same challenge: everyone wants outdoor learning, yet few share a common understanding of what that means. This session brings together two districts—Edmonds School District (WA) and Los Angeles Unified School District (CA)—that independently confronted this problem and developed conceptual frameworks to define, standardize, and scale outdoor learning environments. Rather than jumping directly to design guidelines, both districts began by examining outdoor learning through an educational delivery lens. How do students learn outside? What instructional activities need to be supported? What adjacencies, affordances, and programmatic requirements make outdoor environments functional and equitable? The session explores how each district translated these questions into practical educational specifications that bridge instruction, facilities, maintenance, and sustainability. Through shared district case studies, participants will learn key takeaways and then engage in a hands-on exercise to create their own mini outdoor learning ed spec framework. Whether your district is just beginning the conversation or is ready to scale, this workshop will help you build clarity, buy‑in, and actionable standards for learning everywhere.
Learning Objectives:
Educational Facility Pre-Design Planning
Manages a master planning process that combines educational planning, facilities assessment and utilization, demographic research, capital planning and educational specifications with a community based vision to establish a plan for learning environments.
With more than three decades of experience in landscape architecture and environmental planning, Kas specializes in sustainable design and educational environments. Kas is dedicated to enhancing public spaces, including stormwater infrastructure and educational settings. She is renowned for her work in sustainable design, public infrastructure, and advocating outdoor learning in schools. Kas’s contributions extend to her involvement with the State of Washington OSPI technical advisory committee and the Association for Learning Environments.
Julia has been working for school districts for over 20 years to positively impact the learning experiences of the students she serves. She leads the planning of major projects transforming existing school sites and develops, updates, and aligns LAUSD’s design standards and educational specifications with its instructional vision. In her professional and personal efforts, Julia advocates for inspiring learning environments that provide all children the opportunity to learn, grow, and dream.
With 25 years dedicated specifically to K-12 environments, Taine specializes in creating nature-inspired, inclusive spaces that prioritize student well-being and identity. Taine has held every leadership role within the A4LE Washington Chapter and served as the WA Governor for the Pacific Northwest Region. Her distinguished service was honored with the prestigious Al Beck Award. Her work is driven by the conviction that the built environment is a fundamental catalyst for student success.
Richard has been designing learning environments for over 30 years. His work has focused on spaces that bridge architecture and landscape, creating connected indoor and outdoor environments that support project-based learning and other learner-focused initiatives. Richard has created design guidelines for districtwide outdoor learning initiatives and designed several outdoor classrooms and campus greening projects in Southern and Northern California, bringing the benefits of biophilia and outdoor learning to students, teachers, and the surrounding communities.
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Seattle Convention Center
705 Pike Street
Seattle, WA 98101
November 4-7, 2026
Email: donna@a4le.org
+1 480.391.0840