New Perspectives in Science Education

Green school practices are being implemented in schools across the world. Green Schools are schools that reduce environmental impact, improve the health and performance of students, and increase sustainability literacy [1]. 
This conference presentation will share the results of a research study developed to examine green environmental practices in schools in the Southeast United States. The study consisted of a survey and semi-structured interviews of teachers in the central area of a state in the Southeast United states. The study revealed what is known about green environment practices by teachers in our area, and what green environment practices are being implemented by schools. Overall, the presence of green environmental practices is limited in our area. Implications of the study include ideas for classroom teachers and preservice educators to increase their knowledge of green environment practices and their ability to implement these practices. The results of this study can have a positive impact on an underrepresented or marginalized community. The majority of teacher participants in the study represent Title 1 schools (low student household income). Students from low-income households are prevalent in our local schools. It is essential that students in these underserved areas attend schools that function to meet their needs and practice green environment practices. The presentation describes how equitable environmental education opportunities can be increased in our community. This will be done by describing in-service and preservice teacher professional development that will be created or adapted with the goal of growing the presence of green environmental practices in our local schools. These efforts are likely to improve students' health and performance and increase environmental literacy. The lack of green environmental practices in our local schools is an issue of concern. With knowledge generated from the study presented at the NAAEE conference, professional development opportunities can be developed potentially impacting in-service and preservice teachers. These educators will become empowered to incorporate green environmental practices in their schools or future schools.

Keywords: Environmental Education, Green Schools.

References:

1. Center for Green Schools: Retrieved from
   https://www.centerforgreenschools.org/green-schools on March 10, 2020