Central Coast
Serving San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura & Kern Counties

Education and Environment Initiative (EEI) Implementation Plan

Education and the Environment Initiative
EEI Implementation Plan

California is currently poised to lead the nation in environmental literacy.  The California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) and the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) are actively engaged in the implementation of the Education and the Environment Initiative (EEI) pursuant to AB 1548 (Pavley, Chapter 665, Statutes of 2003) and AB 1721 (Pavley, Chapter 581, Statutes of 2005).  Heal the Bay, a non-profit environmental organization and the bill’s sponsor, has joined the state’s leadership team.  These landmark environmental education laws mandate the development of a unified strategy to bring education about the environment into California's primary and secondary schools.  Other current key partners include the Office of the Secretary for Education, State Board of Education, the Department of Education, and the California Resources Agency.

Workplan – Phases One through SevenKey Elements

I.Developed a draft set of EP&C by over 100 representatives of State and Federal agencies, universities, non-governmental organizations, and educators.

II.Web-based, on-line discussion review of the draft EP&C.

III.Developed the standards alignment methodology to the draft EP&C and involved K-12 educators, environmenta
organizations, and education providers in its review.

IV.Finalized the EP&C for approval by the California Environmental Protection Agency and California Integrated Waste Management Board.

Phase Two: Completed Alignment of the EP&C to California’s Academic Content Standards

I. Developed the draft alignment of the EP&C to the academic content standards.

II. Review of these draft standards maps by K-12 subject-matter experts, regional field reviews in six geographic areas of California, three regional orientation sessions for environmental organizations/education providers, and an on-line discussion forum.

III. Finalized the EP&C and academic content standards alignment.

I. Developed criteria for assessing existing environmental education materials and formed a California Environmental Education Interagency Network (CEEIN) sub-committee for their review.

II. Conducted an Educator Needs Assessment regarding design elements for the Model Curriculum.

III. Developed instructional materials design alternatives.

IV. Developed the Scope and Sequence.

V. Developed the draft Model Curriculum Plan, with review by State of California environmental organizations, Curriculum and Supplemental Materials Commission liaison, EEI Education Partnership, and educational entities.

VI. Approval of the Model Curriculum Plan.

Phase Four: Develop Model Curriculum

I. Preparation for Model Curriculum development.

II. Model Curriculum development.

III. Curriculum plans and units.

IV. Field testing of selected plans and units.

V. Pilot testing of all plans and units.

                A. Finalize Model Curriculum and seek State Board of Education approval.

VI. Ongoing support and materials.

VII. Outreach planning for Phases 5-7.

Phase Five:  Contact Outreach Partners and Establish Dissemination Teams and Professional Development

I. Contract with dissemination partners, train partners, and implement outreach strategic plan.

II. Identify and recruit educational leaders.

III. Conduct professional development workshops in California.

IV. Provide technical support to school districts and curriculum staff.

V. Develop workplan for Phase 6 evaluation methodology.

Phase Six:  Assess Effectiveness of Model Curriculum

Phase Seven: Update Model Curriculum, Operational Support, and Continuous Implementation

To participate in the EEi by attending a workshop click here for EEI Dates

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