Carroll County Outdoor School Community Connections Outdoor School - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Carroll County Outdoor School Community Connections Outdoor School History Began in 1965 at River Valley Ranch Programs also started in Washington, Frederick, Montgomery and Anne Arundel counties Moved to Hashawha Environmental Center in 1975
Began in 1965 at River Valley Ranch
Programs also started in Washington, Frederick, Montgomery and Anne Arundel counties
Moved to Hashawha Environmental Center in 1975 Over 95% of Carroll County students attend Not a mandatory program Unique in the state – a week-long program with dedicated specialists teaching students In its history, over 60,000 students served
Acquire and access knowledge Develop effective decision making strategies Apply your knowledge and skills
Based upon Carroll County Board of Education outcomes Defined by asking –
What can we as a school provide that is unique? What can we provide effectively? What instruction can we provide that will have a long-term effect on students?
Refined through careful study of available research
What EE practices have the greatest positive effect on student academic achievement? What EE practices have the greatest potential for positively changing student behavior (responsible citizenship)?
Effective Environmental Education can result in:
A reduction in discipline issues An increase in attendance An increase in student engagement
Green Schools and Non Green Schools MSA Performance
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 5th Grade Reading 5th Grade Math 8th Grade Reading 8th Grade Math Percent Excellen Green Schools Non Green Schools
Even when student differences (e.g. family income, special education services) are ruled
positive and statistically significant.
Entry-level Variables Ownership Variables Empowerment Variables Citizenship Behavior
sensitivity
knowledge about issues
investment in issues and the environment
and skill in using environmental action strategies
control
act
The ultimate aim of education is shaping human behavior. Increasing knowledge about environmental issues does not increase learner positive behavior to improve that issue. Creating a curriculum that will teach learners the skills of issue investigation and analysis, as well as providing for the application of these skills is necessary to change student environmental behavior! Success comes when focused on specific issues in the environment, not by merely increasing knowledge of it.
Derived from Voluntary State Curriculum Refined by key questions Integrates EII with current environmental topics to focus student learning on essential community needs
What is the water quality of Lake Hashawha and how does it affect the health of the Chesapeake Bay?
Wild School Grounds Workshop / Professional Development