Developing and Implementing an Inservice Training Program in Environmental Education for Teachers of Grades 1-2 in the Wausau School District

Abstract

Environmental Education (EE) in Wisconsin is a subject that is mandated to be infused into existing curricular areas in a school district's elementary education program. The Wausau School District (WSD) provides EE resources and a resource guide for it's schools; however, teachers did not receive adequate inservice training in the use of these resources when they were introduced in Fall 1991. This research project was designed to help teachers more effectively use available EE resources. A needs assessment survey was completed by WSD K-5 teachers in February 1993, to provide guidelines in developing the inservice. An inservice was then provided for teachers of grades 1-2 on April 22, 1993 at the Wausau School Forest. The inservice consisted of an overview of EE goals and objectives, a review of the resource materials, and participation in activities selected from each resource. Teachers completed an inservice evaluation immediately following the inservice, and again one month later. Evaluation results indicated that the teachers valued participation in the inservice activities, and were able to make better use of resource materials in their classrooms following the inservice. Results were used to develop recommendations for succeeding EE inservicing of teachers of K, 3, 4, and 5 grade levels.