Title: Current status and prospects for environmental education in the USA

Authors: Bora Simmons

Addresses: Associate Professor, President NAAEE, Northern Illinois University, Lorado Taft Field Campus, P.O. Box 299, Oregon, Illinois 61061-0299, USA

Abstract: This paper examines the trends in environmental education, in particular in the USA where education is decentralised and there is no national curriculum. Although the need for environmental education is recognised in the USA, it is not a national priority. The critical issues and challenges are examined. One particular initiative, the National Project for Excellence in Environmental Education, is described. The project focuses on: (1) publication of environmental education materials guidelines, (2) creation of a series of educators| resource guides to quality environmental education materials, (3) development of environmental education learner guidelines, (4) development of a set of recommendations for the preparation and continuing education of teachers and other environmental educators, and (5) guidelines for teacher education and professional development in environmental education.

Keywords: educational materials; educator resource guides; environmental education; learner guidelines; National Project for Excellence in Environmental Education; professional development; teacher education; USA; United States.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.1997.030234

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 1997 Vol.7 No.1, pp.15 - 23

Published online: 12 Dec 2009 *

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