Sponsored By: NAAEE U.S. EPA U.S. Forest Service EETAP U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Fish and Wildlife Foundation NEEF Northern Illinois University University of Oregon

Setting a standard for high- quality environmental education in schools and other learning settings.

Promoting excellence in environmental education

NPEEE Five Primary Products Materials Guidelines Guidelines for Learning (PreK-12) Guidelines for Learning (PreK-12): Executive Summary & Self-Assessment Tool Guidelines for the Preparation and Professional Development of Environmental Educators Nonformal Environmental Education Programs

NPEEE Additional Resources Materials Workbook: Bridging Theory & Practice The Environmental Education Collection – A Review of Resources for Educators (Volumes 1-3) The Biodiversity Collection – A Review of Resources for Educators (Published by World Wildlife Fund)

A brief history… 1993 NAAEE Board of Directors motion 1994 NAAEE approves work plan 1995 Working Papers published 1996 Materials Guidelines published 1998 EE Collection (Vol. 1) published 1999 EE Collection (Vol. 2-3) published

Brief history continued… 1999 Learner Guidelines published 2000 Initial Prep Guidelines published 2000 All publications updated and reprinted 1999 – 2003 Focus on training and development (e.g., certification, NCATE) 2004 Nonformal Guidelines published 2004 All publications updated and “reprinted” 2004 Marketing and Dissemination Plan written 2005 Guidelines Trainer’s Bureau

Critique & Consensus Conduct background research Form writing team Writing team meets Presentations & notices announcing process Framework reviewed Revision First full draft reviewed

Process continued… Revision Second full draft reviewed Revision And on and on and on… Final draft with examples, glossary, etc. developed Publication

Participation Goal – encourage wide participation in the review process Materials – 1000 individuals & organizations Learner Guidelines – 2500 individuals & organizations Preparation Guidelines – 750 individuals and organizations Nonformal Guidelines – 500 individuals & organizations

Essential Underpinnings of Environmental Education Six Critical Criteria Systems Interdependence The importance of where one lives Integration and infusion Roots in the real world Lifelong learning

Essential Underpinnings: Criteria One Systems – Systems help make sense of a large and complex world. A system is made up of parts that can be understood separately. The whole is understood by understanding the relationships among the parts.

Essential Underpinnings: Criteria Two Interdependence – Human well-being is inextricably bound with environmental quality. Humans are a part of the natural order. We and the systems we create – our societies, political systems, economics, religions, cultures, technologies – impact the total environment. Since we are a part of nature rather than outside it, we are challenged to recognize the ramifications of our interdependence.

Essential Underpinnings: Criteria Three The importance of where one lives – Beginning close to home, learners forge connections with, explore, and understand their immediate surroundings. The sensitivity, knowledge, and skills needed for this local connection provide a bas for moving out into larger systems, broader issues, and an expanding understanding of causes, connections, and consequences.

Essential Underpinnings: Criteria Four Integration and infusion – Disciplines from the natural sciences to the social sciences to the humanities are connected through the medium of the environment and environmental issues.

Essential Underpinnings: Criteria Five Roots in the real world – Learners develop knowledge and skills through direct experience with the environment, environmental issues, and society. Investigation, analysis, and problem solving are essential activities and are most effective when relevant to the real world.

Essential Underpinnings: Criteria Six Lifelong learning – Critical and creative thinking, decision making, and communication, as well as collaborative learning, are emphasized.

Promoting Excellence for Environmental Education

N ational P roject for E xcellence in E nvironmental E ducation