Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of Environmental Education Programs (K-12).

Overview & Synopsis

This paper contains a discussion of problems related to the development, implementation, and evaluation of environmental education programs (K-12). It is the author's belief that environmental education courses and programs can serve as a vehicle for youth to develop and clarify beliefs, attitudes and values compatible with each individual living harmoniously with his environment. He identifies the constraints affecting the success of environmental education programs and concludes that these are typical of most school systems and are similar to those affectig the success of other instructional programs. A ten phase strategy for establishing a comprehensive environmental education program is outlined. The phases are, in brief, (1) establish a committee to develop, implement, and evaluate the environmental education program and to facilitate communication, (2) establish environmental education goals, (3) establish environmental education objectives, (4) review the literature, (5) establish program goals, (6) establish the curriculum (instructional model), (7) establish a comprehensive inservice teacher education program, (8) develop a reinforcing environment, (9) devise a strategy to overcome program constraints, and (10) develop instruments to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. A 37 item bibliography concludes the material. (PEB)