Using a statewide landscape analysis to inform fieldwide supports for environmental learning programs

Abstract

In this article, we describe a large-scale data collection effort about the environmental learning field in Maine. This approach utilized a stakeholder engagement process which included over 600 project managers, educators, and school administrators from both formal and informal education settings. Our focus on collecting data about specific environmental learning projects allowed us to analyze alignment with a selection of best practices in environmental education drawn from NAAEE’s K-12 Guidelines for Excellence. We highlight the characteristics of “high-mastery” projects – those most aligned with the targeted best practices in environmental education – and describe implications for supporting growth of the environmental learning field in Maine moving forward and equitable access to quality programming for youth.

Keywords:

• Landscape analysis
• environmental learning
• stakeholder engagement
• best practices

Acknowledgements

We want to acknowledge the contribution of Dr. Scott Byrd who supported data analysis. We also want to acknowledge the Maine Environmental Education Association and its executive director, Olivia Griset, who helped guide this project.

Disclosure statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

Funding details

This work was supported by the Sewall Foundation.

Geolocation information

This study took place within the state of Maine.

Notes

1 https://vimeo.com/300835933

2 We are not able to report the percentage of environmental or educational nonprofits represented because there is not a comprehensive compilation of that information available at this time.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alexandria Brasili

Alexandria Brasili is a Research Associate at the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance. She holds a Master’s degree in Science Education from Oregon State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Bowdoin College. She is interested in supporting equitable access to environmental education across Maine and effective partnerships between schools and nonformal organizations.

Ruth Kermish-Allen

Ruth Kermish-Allen is the Executive Director of the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance. She has extensive experience in STEM education research, project development, implementation, and evaluation. She completed an M.Ed. in science and environmental education at the University of Maine and has a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies with a focus in STEM education from Antioch University New England. Ruth has served as principal investigator for a variety of NSF, EPA, and USDA funded STEM education projects that integrated innovative technologies with place-based environmental education in K-12 classroom settings.

Sasha Breus

Sasha Breus is a Research Associate at the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance. Sasha holds a Masters of Science in Environmental Studies from Antioch University New England and a Bachelor of Arts in Geology from Smith College. Sasha’s work history is rich and diverse, ranging from academic researcher to writing tutor to caterer and carpenter. Sasha enjoys discovering the stories and data that can help communicate the power of outdoor, place-based and environmental education.