The
objective of Maryland’s Environmental Literacy Initiative is to educate
students (PK-12) in making decisions and taking actions that create and
maintain an optimal relationship between themselves and the environment. Also,
it is to provide education to preserve and protect the natural resources of
Maryland. Comar Regulation (13A.03.02
13A.04.07) states that each school system in the state of Maryland develops a
plan that satisfies the regulations.
Prince
George’s County Public Schools have developed a comprehensive (PK-12)
interdisciplinary plan for the effective implementation of Environmental
Literacy into its schools. The vital signs of the earth are in decline. Issues
involving industrial discharge, renewable and non-renewable resources,
recycling, domestic water, waste water, and air quality are some of the major
challenges our society faces. Environmental Literacy must play a significant
role if the issues are to be addressed. Students’ education must focus on
increased recognition and implications of environmental problems coupled with
knowledge and a desire to actively participate in improving Earth’s environment.
“Environmental
education should be integrated into whole systems of formal education at all
levels to provide the necessary knowledge, understanding values and skills
needed by the general public in devising solutions to environmental
questions.” (UNESCO-UNEP, 1990)
Maryland Environmental Literacy Standards
As a result of the COMAR Regulation, the State
of Maryland has created a total of eight Standards for Environmental Literacy
(see Comar 13A. 03.02-13A.04.07). Prince George’s County Public Schools is
working to ensure that the eight standards are infused into the PreK-12 curriculum
documents.