A Systemic Inspection of Local Education Agency Preparedness and Administrative Supports for Environmental Literacy

• In Event: Ethics, Politics, and Agency in Environmental Education

Abstract

This study investigated Local Education Agencies’ (LEAs) Environmental Literacy preparedness and implementation of integrated environmental education (EE) curriculum. LEAs from 145 districts in one state participated in a quantitative survey in 2017 and 2019 and provided qualitative comments. Respondents were school leaders who were directly involved with the implementation of EE. Analysis of systemic indicators identified common and divergent approaches and supports for environmental literacy (EL), necessary communication structures, and capacity gaps. Specifically, respondents indicated that their districts are teaching environmental concepts yet, when asked about how instruction is occurring, less than nine percent fully integrate EE into their curriculum. This study is significant because it adds to the small body of research on systemic implementation of environmental literacy curriculum.

Authors

• Tamara E. Peffer, Pennsylvania Department of Education

• Ann Cancilla Gaudino, Millersville University

• Nanette I. Marcum-Dietrich, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

• Steve Kerlin, Stroud Water Research Center