NATIONAL NETWORKS OF EIC MODEL™ DEMONSTRATION SCHOOLS
As the EIC Model™ has become better known in the education community, there has been growing interest in establishing networks of EIC demonstration sites in both public and private schools. The creation of state-based networks of EIC Model™ schools has helped to strengthen the EIC implementation process. EIC Model™ school networks are in various stages of development in eight SEER states. Each of these demonstration school networks is unique, representing a variety of funding sources, implementation approaches, leadership strategies and support mechanisms. SEER has initiated EIC Model™ School Networks in:
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California
(27 schools)
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Florida
(13 schools)
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Georgia
(13 schools)
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Idaho
(8 schools)
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Iowa
(17 schools)
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Maryland
(9 schools with CBF)
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Minnesota
(12 schools)
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Massachusetts
(4 schools)
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New
Jersey (10 schools)
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South
Carolina (10 schools)
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Texas
(13 schools)
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Washington
(1 CSRD school)
Three examples of such networks include:
Minnesota — In cooperation with SEER, the Department of Children, Families and Learning (DCFL) initiated a network of Minnesota EIC schools beginning with its first cohort of teachers in 1999. A second cohort was added in 2000, bringing the total number of schools in the network to 12. In 2002, an additional 10 schools are joining the Minnesota network, this time in a cooperative effort with the Audubon Center of the North Woods. SEER conducted professional development with both cohorts and the EIC implementation specialists. A teacher on special assignment has been funded by the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance. This teacher works with SEER’s staff to provide ongoing program implementation assistance. SEER continues to monitor the implementation process and recently field tested a new EIC program evaluation instrument with Minnesota’s EIC Model™ schools.
Iowa — SEER has been working with Iowa's State Department of Education (ISDE) over the past 4 years to provide professional development and technical support to schools across the state. As of Fall 2005, Iowa's EIC Model™ school network has grown to 17 schools. In Winter 2006, SEER and the ISDE will be kicking off an evaluation and student assessment project that will evaluate the changes in student achievement and instructional practices that have resulted from this joint program.
New Jersey — Ten schools were selected from almost 60 applicants to form a network of EIC Model™ schools that involves a collaborative effort between SEER, New Jersey Department of Education, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education and New Jersey Commission on Environmental Education. The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation provided a grant to initiate this program and has indicated their willingness to provide ongoing support. SEER is providing technical support to initiate this effort and conducted professional development workshops for the school teams in Summer 2001. Additional members will be added to each team in 2002. These new members will receive professional development in the summer of 2002.
