| Producing an enlightened citizenry that is aware and understands the enviroment has been cited as justification for enviromental education. In 1969, the Pennsylvania Department of Education adopted a curriculum mandate stating that environmental education be a part of the instructional program in every school.;A survey approach was utilized to gather data through a questionnaire mailed to 1,059 randomly selected Pennsylvania teachers. The results were reported using percentages, frequencies and/or the chi square statistic. The analysis was presented only in terms of the responding teacher.;The majority were categorized as environmental educators who majored in science and teach in levels K-5. Teacher beliefs concerning enviromental education were: that it should be integrated into other subject areas, it is not a frill, certification is not necessary to teach it, administrators were reported to be in favor of it, kindergarten is the level to begin, preservice teacher education programs were not adequately preparing teachers for environmental education, in-service opportunities are not frequently available, most teachers were not familiar with the Pennsylvania Goal of Quality Education for the Environment, and the majority believed that the State does not check for compliance with the mandate.;Results indicate that there is a need to continue the thrust and development of environmental education in the State.;The purpose of this was to determine the status of environmental education in Pennsylvania using the opinions of responding teachers relative to their level of understanding during the 1983-84 academic year. This investigation identified teacher beliefs, preservice preparation, constraints to program development and operation, teacher awareness, teaching approaches, and availability of in-service opportunities. Features of school district environmental education programs as well as information concerning compliance with Department of Education regulations regarding environmental education were also obtained. |
