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What is the Education and the Environment Initiative (EEI)?  EEI came about with a 2003 California law, sponsored by Fran Pavley  Cal/EPA and the Office of Education and the Environment  First of its kind in the nation  An environment-based curriculum 2

The EEI is an Interagency Partnership Environment and Resources Agencies  Environmental Protection Agency  Natural Resources Agency Education Agencies  State Board of Education  Department of Education  Governor’s Secretary for Education 3

The Impact Educate students about their relationship with the environment. Increase environmental literacy in all California students (K-12). Prepare students to be informed decision makers. Encourage responsible stewardship of the earth. Advance tomorrow’s leaders in a changing economy. Work in partnership with environmental education providers. Touch lives with a positive impact! 4

Unique Features of the EEI Teaches existing select Science and History- Social Science standards. EEI focuses on standards with a good connection between: human social systems and natural systems. Field tested statewide in 19 school districts. EEI curriculum is designed so it will not be an extra burden for teachers to use. 5

6 EEI Curriculum Facts  Adaptable  Relevant and engaging  Helps students answer the question: “Why should I care?”  Approved by the State Board of Education.  Key feature: EEI is based upon 5 specific Environmental Principles and 14 Concepts.

EEI Interconnects Instruction with the EP&Cs Included in textbook adoption criteria 7

Environmental Areas of Focus  Air  Climate change  Energy  Environmental justice  Environmental sustainability  Forestry  Fish and wildlife resources  Integrated pest management  Integrated waste management  Oceans  Public health and the environment  Pollution prevention  Resource conservation and recycling  Toxics and hazardous waste  Water 8

The EEI Has Accomplished…  Incorporation of teacher comments from 19 field testing school districts.  Completion of a comprehensive review process to become an approved curriculum.  Unanimous approval by the State Board of Education. 9

EEI Accomplishments continued  Finished final edits and revisions  Reformatted for ease of use for teachers and students  Posted the final EEI Curriculum units online at 10

Next Steps  Professional Development  EEI Fundraising Campaign  Case Studies and Best Practices 11

For More Information Visit us online at Or us at 12