CAEE exists to build capacity of organizations so that they can provide high quality environmental learning experiences in the state of Colorado.  In an effort to broaden the member base of the organization, CAEE launched an extensive web survey during the summer of 2006 (May-October).  The purpose of the survey was to better understand existing and potential audiences for CAEE programs and services and to identify opportunities to expand programs and services statewide.  This report contains the results of this audience survey. 

The methodology used for this survey was a quantitative online survey using SurveyMonkey software.  Based on the purpose of the project, survey questions were developed by the evaluator (M.Wells) in collaboration with CAEE staff (Ali Goulstone Sweeney and Amanda Peterson). 

Sampling Strategy

An extensive, non-probability sampling frame was used and included:

·        CAEE database (1624 email addresses – both members and non-members)

·        CAEE listserve 

·        Listserves of numerous other stakeholder groups (e.g., Colorado non-profit listserve, Colorado Science Educator listserve, Colorado Projects Facilitators, National Association for Interpretation Colorado members, North American Association for Environmental Education Colorado members, Colorado Association for Recycling, Connected Organizations for a Responsible Economy, CORE)

In addition, a snowball sampling strategy was used to maximize the sample.  Members of CAEE’s board and listserve were asked to route survey instructions to others in their professional network.  Intense follow-up email reminders were sent for approximately 3 weeks following the initial invitation to individuals in the CAEE database, CAEE listserve, and teacher liaisons. 

Assumptions and Limitations

·       One limitation of the non-probability sampling strategy is that it introduces a certain level of selection bias, that is, the initial sample contains individuals who are already aware of CAEE and invitations from these people assumes awareness of environmental education to some degree.  Discussion of survey results should take this into account. 

Data Analysis

Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis.  Descriptive statistics were completed using the analysis and query capabilities of SurveyMonkey software and/or Excel spreadsheet database function.  Content analysis was completed using comment sorting by theme and constant comment comparisons. 

A selection of data tables is used to summarize and display data in this report.  These tables are sorted into five major sections: 

Section I - All respondents (Tables A1-A5) – A total of 477 people responded to the web survey.  The tables in this first section summarize findings of questions answered by all respondents.

Section II - Aware respondents (Tables W1-W10) – Not all email addresses used in the sampling frame represented CAEE members, so this set of tables summarizes results from those individuals who were aware of CAEE but may or may not be active members.

Section III – Teacher respondents (Tables T1-T3) – This set of tables summarizes results from those respondents who identified themselves as K-12 teachers or educators in the formal education sector.

Section IV – All Providers (Tables AP1-AP4) – This set of tables summarizes results from both teachers and informal educators.  Informal educators are defined here as educators who teach in free-choice or informal settings such as parks (city, county, state, national), nature centers, outdoor education centers, and so forth.

Section V – Not Aware Respondents (Tables NA1 – NA3) – this set of tables summarizes two questions asked of respondents who were not aware of CAEE but who responded to general questions about the importance of and support for environmental education and organizational Environmental Management Systems (EMS).    

A narrative introduction is provided for each table or set of tables in each of these sections.  In addition, a series of discussion points are provided after each table.  As appropriate, notes related to analysis or finding summaries in the tables are also provided.