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- Environmental Education Advisory Board Meeting Minutes - 2006 - April
- Environmental Education Advisory Board (EEAB) Meeting Minutes
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
April 6, 2006
12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Members Present:
Lee Ann Landstrom, Chair (District 5), Michelle Kelly (District 2), Christine Petersen (District 3), Brinkley Prescott (District 4), Mary Johnson (District 6), Becky Rennicke (District 7), Susan Hanker (District 8), Patty Selly (Citizen At-Large), Pete Cleary (Citizen At-Large), Peter Raeker (BWSR), Mark LaBarbera (DNR), Nate Meyer (U of M Extension Service), Jeff Ledermann (MPCA).
Members Absent:
Billeye Rabbe (District 1), Tracy Fredin (Citizen At-Large), Clark Erickson (Dept. of Ed), Mike Sullivan (EQB), Allen Hoffman (Board of Teaching), Cathy Moeger (MPCA), Dept. of Agriculture, Dept. of Health.
Staff:
Su Beran, Staff Liaison (MPCA).
Lee Ann Landstrom, Chair, called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m.
Minutes: The March 2006 Minutes were approved.
Approval of the Agenda: The agenda was approved as presented.
Science Test Introduction - Matt Silberglitt, Dept. of Education
Su Beran introduced Matt Silberglitt who helped design the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA-II)-Science. Teachers were hired to write and test the questions and graphics. There are three content areas: physical, earth, and life sciences.
Matt explained the assessment and timeline. More details on the test design and how the Minnesota Academic Standards in science will be assessed can be found in the Test Specifications for Science located at http://education.state.mn.us/mde/Accountability_Programs/Assessment_and_Testing/ Assessments/MCA_II/MCA_II_Test_Specifications/index.html. Su Beran also has information available.
Environmental Literacy Scope and Sequence Overview - Su Beran
PowerPoint presentation by Su Beran on Environmental Literacy Scope and Sequence. Her opinion is that it is not named correctly; it is not a true sequence, it is more like benchmarks. She is open for suggestions to rename. She said it is not a standards document. Su explained the layout of the Scope and Sequence. She asked the board members to review the document in small groups and to complete a brief written questionnaire about the document. She is looking for suggestions in her effort to update the document.
Break Check out the North American Association for Environmental Education Resources
EEAB Vision - Lee Ann Landstrom
What else do we need more information about?
How can we work together to be effective?
Should we divide the projects among us?
Can we put together a timeline for the work we have before us?
Lee Ann led a discussion regarding the above questions. Some of the things the Board needs to work on: GreenPrint, ELM (Environmental Learning in MN) Fund, Report Card/assessment, SEEK (which doesn't really need any work) and the MPCA budget process, timeline [refer to handout]. What do we do next, any initiatives for funding? Decide what proposals will be put in for funding.
Speakers for May Meeting: Dr. Tony Murphy on the Literacy Report Card; a legislative update.
Regarding legislation, one member stated that all environmental Legislation should include a required education component, which it currently doesn't. We can't legislate our way out of the environmental problems. If we pursue assessment, don't forget there are other national assessments already: MN standardized science test, NTIF, NAAEE, and other states doing EE.
Mike Kennedy had previously submitted/prepared a proposal/form on the ELM. The Board would like to see this proposal. There were questions and comments from members. In particular, we need to expand on the funding part.
In relation to the topic of how to organize to complete work: Board members thought it would be useful to divide into sub-groups/committees on particular projects.
After clarification about the projects and the known deadlines, by show of hands, members were asked what they wanted to work on (ELM Fund and Environmental Education Literacy Assessment).
ELM:
Lee Ann
Patty
Brinkley
Pete R.
Susan
Jeff
EE Literacy Assessment:
Becky
Nate
Michelle
Pete C.
Christine
Mary
Lee Ann asked the ELM members to review Mike's proposal and decide what you think are the top three funding strategies. We will finalize the funding portion at the May meeting.
Project Timelines:
*GreenPrint Revisions - independent contractor will be hired for focus group and the Board will review. (1 year timeline)
*Environmental literacy/behavior change assessment or evaluation - how do you know how well you are doing, how do we evaluate, and is that enough? Evaluations, are there more tools? (5 year deadline-timeline). Any Environmental Education Assessments, partnership with other places?
*ELM Fund - May 15 deadline to get the proposal to Cathy and her fellow MPCA managers' budgeting process.
Long discussion about trying to get EE infused in the MN State Science Standards, which will next be reviewed in 2008. This idea will be added as part of the Assessment sub-group. Many agreed that Standards are crucial for requiring EE, not the optional Scope and Sequence.
Question relating to the possibility of members raising topics outside the specific focus of the Board. Comment made that as a Board member, I am not a "paid MPCA employee" helping Cathy and the Commissioner look good. I want to be able to pursue topics/ideas/ proposals that I suggest. Therefore, at the next meeting, there will be 15-20 minutes set aside for discussion, brainstorming regarding projects of interest and issues, concerns members would like to discuss/address.
Sharing/What's happening in EE?
* Jeff Ledermann shared that the April 3rd issue of Time magazine has 26 pages on global warming. Finally, the environment and energy are getting press coverage. The MPCA has committed to buying 14 percent wind power. He challenges other agencies to do the same. Jeff needs help as he develops the inter-active exhibits at the State Fair energy building.
* Upcoming events: Solar Boat Regatta, May 20, for more information go to http://www.solarboatrace.net/
* The 2nd Midwest Environmental Ethics Conference is on May 6, cost is $35.00. See Su for additional information.
* The National NAAEE Conference will be in St. Paul. The registration materials will be available in early May. Brinkley would like access to various list serves as she advertises the conference. Please let her know if you know of places to promote.
* Pete Cleary says that Garlough Elementary in West St. Paul is in the process of turning into an environmental magnet school, starting next year with kindergarten.
The meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.- For more information, contact:
Su Beran
Staff Liaison
Environmental Education Advisory Board
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Phone: 507-692-2020
su.beran@state.mn.us- Posted: 8/22/06
- Revised: 3/23/07
- Environmental Education Advisory Board (EEAB) Meeting Minutes
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