An Environmental Education Needs Assessment of K–12 Teachers in Kentucky

Abstract

As a result of a legislative mandate to establish an environmental education center in each of the 8 state universities in Kentucky, a project was initiated at Northern Kentucky University to prepare for the establishment of a center in the northern region of the state. An environmental education needs assessment of K–12 teachers was conducted as a part of this effort. Forty-five teachers participated in the survey component of the needs assessment, and 7 of these teachers participated in a follow-up focus group meeting. The priority environmental education program and training needs of teachers were identified through an analysis of the results. This project is a model for conducting environmental education needs assessment with a variety of populations at the local, regional, and state levels.

Key Words:

• environmental education
• Kentucky
• K–12
• needs assessment

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lorna Harrell

Yvonne Meichtry is an associate professor of science and environmental education at Northern Kentucky University. Lorna Harrell is chair of the Kenton County Conservation District in Northern Kentucky.