Karen Hollweg Developing A Framework for Assessing Environmental Literacy NAAEE Dr. Bora Simmons

1. Introduction to the North American Association for Environmental Education Karen Hollweg Developing A Framework for Assessing Environmental Literacy NAAEE Dr. Bora Simmons National Project for Excellence in Environmental Education and University of Oregon

2. About NAAEE • Celebrating 40 years of promoting excellence in environmental education • NAAEE is the professional association for environmental education. • Our members promote professional excellence in nonformal organizations, K-12 classrooms, universities (both instructors and students), government agencies, and corporate settings throughout North America and in over 55 other countries. • Since 1971, the Association has created opportunities for its members to improve their skills in creating and delivering programs and services that teach people how to think, not what to think.

3. NAAEE Vision • By 2015, the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) will be the premier organization in Canada, the United States, and Mexico providing environmental educators, and the organizations that train, employ, and support those educators with professional development, guidelines for excellence, networking, and advocacy, all within a culture of inclusivity.

4. Mission of NAAEE • The North American Association for Environmental Education advances environmental education and supports environmental educators in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. We value: • Inclusivity • Trust  • Collaboration • Innovation • Stewardship • Excellence

5. Strategic Initiatives • Provide the highest quality, research-based programs, products, and services for diverse individuals and organizations engaged in environmental education. • Strengthen organizational capacity to operate a thriving enterprise as a model for fiscal and environmental sustainability.

6. Strategic Initiatives • Increase NAAEE’s presence and partnerships with organizations that train, employ, and support environmental educators in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. • Increase the diversity of NAAEE’s membership and leadership within a culture of inclusivity. • Serve as a highly trusted, inclusive, and visible advocate for environmental education in Canada, the United States, and Mexico

7. Primary Programs • Guidelines for Excellence in EE – K-12, Preparation & Professional Development, Materials, etc. • Higher Education Directory • EE-Link – jobs, grants, resources, news • Professional EE Certification - demonstrates the knowledge and experience of practitioners. • EE Advocacy Network - appropriations, NCLI • State and Provincial Affiliates - envir. literacy plans • Awards • Research Projects - NELA

8. 40th Annual Conference • October 12 - 15, 2011, Raleigh, N.C. • Research Symposium, Oct 11-12 • All-day Workshops, Oct 12 • Opening Celebration & Keynote, Oct 12 evening • Oct 13 - 15, Concurrent Sessions: 1 hr. 20 min Symposia/panels 1 hr. 20 min Roundtable Discussions 1 hr. 20 min Hands-on Sessions 20 or 40 min Traditional Presentations Films Posters Exhibits