Colorado Environmental Education Plan
Advancing Environmental Literacy
Now and in the future students must make difficult decisions that impact the health of the environment, success of our communities, and vitality of our economy.
A state environmental education plan (a.k.a. Environmental Literacy Plan) is a coordinated strategy between PreK-12 teachers, environmental education providers, and leaders in Colorado to:
- Restore and increase field experiences as part of the school curriculum
- Improve state-wide access to existing environmental education programs and materials
- Make connections with Colorado Academic Standards and 21st Century Skills to support classroom instruction
- Create opportunities for enhanced and ongoing professional development of educators
Visit the Colorado Department of Education's website to download the draft Environmental Education Plan.
http://www.cde.state.co.us/otl/environmentaleducationplan.htm
In 2010, the Colorado Department of Education and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources asked CAEE and a dedicated task force to create the initial proposal for the statewide environmental education plan. Over 450 people contributed input and feedback to the proposal, which helped shape the current draft. Download a copy of the proposal.
A dedicated committee is working to build support for the plan and begin implementation of some of the strategies included. If you are interested in joining the committee or supporting this work email CAEE.
Be a Voice for Environmental Education
Next Steps on Colorado's Environmental Education Plan
In February, the Colorado Department of Education and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources hosted a public feedback tour in six cities around the state! Hundreds of comments were received through the tour and online. Your voice in this process helped to shape the Colorado Environmental Education Plan.
With the passage of the Colorado Kids Outdoors Grant Program Act the Colorado legislature directed the State Board of Education to adopt a Colorado Environmental Education Plan (aka Environmental Literacy Plan) to provide school districts and community groups with guidance and resources to help students develop the knowledge and skills they will need to make informed decisions on issues involving Colorado's environment now and in the future.
Visit the Colorado Department of Education's website to download the draft Environmental Education Plan.
http://www.cde.state.co.us/otl/environmentaleducationplan.htm
The comments received will be compiled and incorporated into the final plan over the next several months. The plan is expected to be presented to the State Board of Education for adoption in September 2012.
