The Rouge Education Project: Challenges of Implementation

Abstract

The Rouge Education Project (REP) is a school-based environmental education program that uses water monitoring, telecommunications, and student actions to improve water quality. The author carried out a program evaluation to better understand the challenges generated by such a program. She examined surveys, interviews, and focus groups to determine the level of participation, goals, objectives, value of support services, and changes in teaching and environmental awareness. The results indicated that the REP met its goals of increasing awareness and concern about the Rouge River and developing a supportive curriculum in science classrooms. This article illustrates the importance of inservice workshops and curriculum resources for successful program enactment.

Key Words:

• professional development
• program evaluation
• school curriculum
• watershed education

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Valerie Talsma

Valerie Talsma is completing her Ph.D. in science education at the University of Michigan. She is an instructor at the University of Pittsburgh.