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Phases and Timeline

California is currently poised to lead the nation in environmental literacy through EEI. The development and implementation of EEI will occur in Phases 1-7 below. Currently, we are implementing Phase Four: Development of Model Curriculum.

Key Elements of Phases One through Seven

Phase One: Environmental Principles & Concepts (EP&C)
þCompleted

• Developed a draft set of EP&C with over 100 representatives of state and federal agencies, universities, non-governmental organizations, and educators (PDF).
• Web-based, on-line review of the draft EP&C.
• Developed the standards alignment maps for the draft EP&C.
• Obtained approval of the EP&C from the California Environmental Protection Agency and California Integrated Waste Management Board.

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

• Developed the draft alignment of the EP&C to the academic content standards.
• Conducted regional field reviews in six geographic areas of California, three regional orientation sessions for environmental organizations/education providers, and an on-line discussion forum.
• Reviewed draft standards alignment maps with K-12 subject-matter experts.
• Finalized the academic content standards alignment maps.

Phase Three: Development of Model Curriculum Plan
þCompleted

• Developed criteria for assessing existing environmental education materials and formed a California Environmental Education Interagency Network (CEEIN) sub-committee for their review.
• Conducted an Educator Needs Assessment regarding design elements for the Model Curriculum.
• Developed instructional materials design alternatives.
• Developed a scope and sequence for the EP&C based on the academic content standards.
• Developed a draft Model Curriculum Plan.
• Obtained approval of the Model Curriculum Plan from the Interagency Model Curriculum Planning Committee (representatives of the: California Environmental Protection Agency, California Integrated Waste Management Board, State Department of Education, State Board of Education, Curriculum and Supplemental Materials Commission representatives, Office of the Secretary of Education, and California Resources Agency.)

Phase Four: Development of Model Curriculum
In Progress

• Hire of Consultant, Writers, Editors and Graphic Designers for the Model Curriculum.
• Draft of standards-based lesson plans and units.
• Recruit school districts to field test and revise draft lesson plans and units.
• Pilot test and revise grade-level instruction units.
• Review by the Model Curriculum by the Curriculum and Supplemental Materials Commission.
• Review by the Model Curriculum by Secretaries of the California Environmental Protection Agency and California Resources Agency.
• Submit to State Board of Education for approval.

Phase Five: Disseminate Model Curriculum and Professional Development
Anticipated Activities:

• Establish professional development advisory committee.
• Identify potential dissemination and professional development.
• Develop plan for outreach and professional development.
• Recruit school districts to participate in EEI.
• Conduct professional development workshops for district-level educational leaders.
• Provide technical support to school districts and curriculum staff.

Phase Six: Assessment of Model Curriculum
Anticipated Activities:

• Develop assessment and evaluation instruments.
• Conduct student assessment and program evaluation regarding the efficacy of the Model Curriculum
• Collect student assessment and evaluation data.
• Analyze data and report on results.

Phase Seven: Ongoing Operation and Outreach of EEI Implementation
Anticipated Activities:

• Outreach to school districts
• Administrative support
• Professional development
• Ongoing funding
• Partnerships with regulatory and non-regulatory agencies for environmental education consistency
• Alignment of state agencies

California Environmental Protection Agency and the California Integrated Waste Management Board’s Office of Education and the Environment will provide on-going support toward the implementation of all aspects of the Education and the Environment Initiative.

Education and the Environment Initiative Home