The Environmental Education Advocate - Fall 1996
The following information is provided to you as a service of the National Environmental Education Advancement Project (NEEAP). We encourage you to use it and please credit the National Environmental Education Advancement Project where appropriate.
This issue of the Environmental Education Advocate focuses on the recent criticisms of EE that have been described in a variety of media sources during the last two years. For the first 25 years of its existence most people thought about EE only in a positive light. Many still have a hard time understanding how something as important and relevant to our society can be criticized. When EE is appropriately taught with materials that are fair and accurate, there is little that can be challenged. Unfortunately, as with any area of education, some curriculum materials are less than exemplary and some educators lack adequate training.
Educators need more training in environmental education and there is a need for the critical application of the EE Materials Standards being developed by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). Only three states currently require pre- service teacher training in EE and many teachers lack the knowledge necessary to evaluate the accuracy of commercially produced EE materials.
While improving both teacher training and the evaluation of EE materials are challenges the field is addressing, there are other challenges resulting from the recent attacks. A few of the more vocal critics seem more intent in demonizing EE than working to enhance the field and increasing the environmental literacy of our citizens. These critics, with their misinformation, distortions, and half-truths, have created a public relations challenge for environmental educators. This issue of the EE Advocate describes this challenge and provides resources for those interested in promoting quality EE.
Along those lines, we also wanted to provide the general public with background information about the sources of EE criticism. Additionally, it is our general approach with the EE Advocate to pass along tips for taking action. Possible responses and rejoinders to EE criticisms can be found in the "EE Criticisms and the Media: What They Say and Where" and "EE Criticisms and Responses" articles. Finally, we always want to highlight positive developments happening in the states. This week we report on Oklahoma, New Jersey, and North Dakota.
Good luck with your work. We know how important EE is, now we need to insure that everyone understands its importance.
Dr. Richard Wilke
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