1996-97 Sustainability Curriculum Program Components

The 1996-97 Program consists of three phases. They are:

1. Curriculum Planning Workshop. Thank you to all who attended the 1996 Curriculum Planning Workshop! The two-days (June 24-25) were productive and created important working relationships between educators and community resource persons. We focused on Watersheds and Outdoor Recreation, examining water quality issues and our efforts to improve it, as well as the state of the economy and the role that our natural resources play in sustaining our economy. Afternoon sessions both days provided time to work with area resource professionals to develop details of outdoor project to be implemented during the 1996-97 school year. Click here for a summary of workshop results, including descriptions of all the projects developed.

2. Project Support. TCSF offers three primary means of classroom project support.
   • Community Leaders in Classrooms Training. Project partners offer annual classroom participation training for resource professionals and community leaders. This improves the support available to teachers on a variety of issues. The 1995 training workshop featured Kathryn McFarland, a professional educator versed in child development from University Extension, UC Davis. Kate led 16 participants in a discussion of demonstration techniques and subjects appropriate to various age levels.

     The 1996-97 workshop, tentatively scheduled for February 7, 1997 will use area teachers as discussion leaders and focus on developing and practicing demonstration material.

   • Community Leaders in Classrooms On-Line Information Resource. TCSF has also initiated an on-line information resource which provides basic information about potential community participants in classrooms. This resource, updated annually, includes information necessary for Regional teachers to know who is available to work with their class and how best to contact each interested person. Click here for a direct link to this resource.

   • After School Workshops. Other follow-up support inherent in the 1996-97 program include after school workshops on a variety of topics. During September, 1996, TCSF organized four workshops focusing on environmental field methods. Other workshops planned during 1996-97 are: use of the internet and other advanced technology in the classroom, and use of dialogue techniques in addressing controversial topics.

3. Evaluation. TCSF staff will collect data on project implementation throughout the course of the school year. This will include information posted on line and other student work and interviews with teachers and other participants. This information will be used to prepare a year end learning experience for students, teachers, and community participants.
   
   
   Return to Sustainability Curriculum Program Home Page

   To Learn More Contact:
   Sue Rae Irelan, Program Manager, TCSF
   P.O. Box 1096
   Homewood, CA 96141
   phone: 916-525-1646 fax: 916-525-1613
   email: srirelan@sierra.net

   Last Updated on November 11, 1996