Methods

On September 27, 1995, the National Environmental Education Advancement Project (NEEAP) mailed out copies of the survey Status of Environmental Education in the U.S.

The survey was developed by NEEAP staff and reviewed by dozens of state and national EE leaders to ensure validity. The survey consisted of four main sections. Section A focused on the 16 components of a comprehensive state level EE program as identified in the model developed by Abby Ruskey and Rick Wilke in their book, Promoting Environmental Education. Section B asked for information about nonformal EE and coordination within the state. Contact information for nonformal EE programs was also requested. Section C asked for information about EE programs at the college and university level. Section D asked for information on key EE contacts within the state. The primary focus of the survey was to determine the status of state level EE across the nation. All data obtained in the survey is now part of NEEAP’s clearinghouse.

The survey was administered to five environmental education (EE) leaders in each state. The five leaders included the EE specialist in the state Department of Education (or the person with EE responsibilities), the president of the state EE association, the Project Learning Tree Coordinator, the Project WILD coordinator and the National Association of Conservation Districts education contact. Most states have individuals in each of these positions. It was assumed that these individuals as state EE leaders had an overall perspective of their state’s EE program. Only four surveys were sent to two states due to the fact that one person was responsible for two of the positions identified. In a few states, respondents were added who are known for their experience and leadership in working with EE. With the additional respondents, a total of 253 surveys were eventually sent out.

The survey was mailed to the contacts noted along with a cover letter and a self addressed stamped envelope. Survey respondents were asked to return the completed survey by November 1, 1995. To ensure as complete a response as possible, a follow-up letter and additional survey were sent out on November 17th and respondents were urged to respond as soon as possible. Additional phone calls were made to non-respondents during December and January. As of February 9, 1996, NEEAP had received 113 responses. Responses were received from all fifty states. In cases where respondents within a state reported conflicting information, a call was made to one of the respondents and more information was gathered to resolve the conflict. The final results reflect that information.