Environmental Education Schools
Closing achievement gaps with environmental education developed from a five-year pilot project using ten middle school’s local environment and community (natural and social systems learning) as the context for integrated, inquiry-based, and interdisciplinary instruction, curriculum, and activities.
Teacher teams during the year collaboratively create, plan, map, and implement lesson plans that enhance and support standards by promoting the four R’s of relationships and connections, relevance of content, rigor and challenge, and reflective practices. Students, working together or independently, apply their learning through investigations and service projects that are minds and hands-on, and connected across the curriculum.
Data from the pilot study indicated that the majority of participating students, regardless of economic or academic standing, improved their behavior and state and MAP test scores. Reducing seat time, going outdoors, working together, combining mental and physical work, and learning their standards by exploring their own “backyards” are key components. At-risk students showed the most significant gains in these areas. Teacher’s said that collaborating with colleagues and community, having the freedom to creatively teach and enhance standards, and receiving relevant professional development and technical assistance, were keys leading to their improved confidence, skills, and enthusiasm.
The current innovation framework was created specifically for South Carolina schools and includes environmental literacy as an outcome. Currently nine South Carolina middle schools are using the framework. Two at-risk schools are considering joining the network for 2009-10.
Where can I access additional information?
Who can answer my questions about this Public School Choice program?
Edward Falco, Education Associate
South Carolina Department of Education
1429 Senate Street, Room 603-D
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone 803-734-8861
Fax 803-734-6142
