An Action Plan to Demonstrate Infusion of Environmental Education at Jackie Robinson Middle School

Abstract

This paper describes the development and- the implementation of a plan to demonstrate the infusing of environmental education (EE) into the curriculum at Jackie Robinson Middle School (JR), in the Milwaukee Public School System (MPS). Literature in EE suggests that infusion is currently the most effective method of integrating EE into the K-12 curriculum. The infusion plan for JR involves a review of the accelerated learning model, implications for curriculum development at JR, and an assessment of what MPS presently has in place to implement the teaching of EE. The most effective facet of this plan was the establishment of a committee of nine people, ref erred to as the JR Collegial Team, which was able to influence and build support for this project among students and staff, specifically working to put lessons in place that encouraged teacher participation in four "environmental days". Riverside Urban Environmental Center (RUEC), an outdoor site, was an appropriate setting to awaken environmental sensitivity in the participants. During the third week in May, students and staff were transported to RUEC for one of four days of environmental activities, which included a picnic, and games in an outdoor setting. A survey of adult participants and adult observers revealed positive reactions with few exceptions.. Recommendations included a more formal presentation of environmental issues, investigative skills and citizen action strategies, as well as a concerted effort to incorporate EE into the JR curriculum in the accelerated school model, to which JR is currently committed.