What is the Office of Education and the Environment?
The recent passage of the School
Diversion and Environmental Education Law (DEEL), formerly referred to
as Senate Bill 373 (Torlakson, Chapter 926, Statutes of 2001) included the creation of a new
office within the California Integrated Waste Management Board, which is
under the umbrella of the California Environmental Protection Agency
(Cal/EPA). This office is unique in that its purpose is to oversee
education policies and programs both within the Board and between all of
the boards, departments, and offices under Cal/EPA. The office is charged
with carrying out the statutes found in the Public Resources Code Section
42603. We do this by providing standards-based
curriculum materials for grades
K-12 to California's educators through no-cost workshops, and by attending
conferences to promote our materials and services.
Does the School DEEL mandate recycling by schools or school districts?
No, the School DEEL does not prescribe mandatory recycling. However,
the School DEEL supports voluntary programs being implemented and existing programs
expanded through strategic objectives, including working with local
government agencies. In January 2004, if the Board determines that less
than 75 percent of schools have implemented a waste reduction program, the
Board shall recommend to the Legislature those statutory changes needed to
require schools to implement such a program.
When will the Unified Education Strategy (UES) grant funds be available?
It is anticipated that the Board will make a notice of funding
availability for the UES grant program in December 2002.
What type of projects will be funded and in what dollar amounts?
The Board will look at funding projects that embrace the philosophical
and practical approaches woven into the Unified
Education Strategy.
The funding will be distributed over a two cycle timeframe. The first
cycle is for fiscal year 2002/03 and grant awards will occur in June 2003.
The second cycle of funding will be made available in fiscal year 2003/04,
with grants awarded in June 2004. The same group of grantees from cycle
one will be awarded cycle two funding, if the implementation plans that
they create during cycle one meet the Board's satisfaction.
Who is eligible to apply for the Unified Education Strategy grants?
School districts with schools having 6th grade classes are the target
applicants. Because the UES has a sixth grade focus, it is important
that the applicant be able to adopt the strategy and incorporate it into
their campus and classroom practices. Private schools are not eligible
for this grant program.
Does including environmental concepts into the California Science
Frameworks make it mandatory for schools to teach environmental education?
No, the frameworks are guidelines for educators that suggest how one
might approach certain concepts. The California Content Standards tell
educators what they must cover for each grade level and subject area.
Are there any materials or tools available for school districts that
need information on waste prevention and recycling programs?
The Board has developed new resources for
school district waste reduction, now available on our Web site. These
pages contain helpful information on programs that can be implemented to
reduce the solid waste generated in all areas of a school district
(classrooms, grounds, offices, food service area, etc.). Additionally, the
Board has a variety of publications on
integrated waste management, some designed especially for school
districts. The Board's Office of Local
Assistance also continues to offer assistance to local jurisdictions
and school districts on issues surrounding solid waste management,
specifically the establishment of waste reduction programs.
Other parts of the Board's web site that might also be helpful include:
Do you have a new question that you would like us to respond to?
If you wish to contact us please email the Office of Education & the
Environment at
k12edu@ciwmb.ca.gov. All questions will be answered, though they
may not appear on this page. |
