What are the Guidelines for Excellence?

In 1993, the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) developed a series of guidelines that set the standards for high-quality environmental education. Each of these publications was developed by a diverse team of professionals, and each has gone through a substantive review by thousands of professionals prior to its publication.

Each publication establishes guidelines for the development of balanced, scientifically accurate, and comprehensive environmental education programs. Quality environmental education programs help develop an environmentally literate citizenry that can compete in our global economy; has the skills, knowledge, and inclinations to make well-informed choices; and exercises the rights and responsibilities of members of a community.

The Guidelines for Excellence in Environmental Education are designed to:

• assist in the development and implementation of environmental education materials;
• improve nonformal environmental education programs;
• guide formal educators in concepts and materials needed in curricula to foster environmentally literate learners; and
• shape the professional development of educators.

Publications include:

• Environmental Education Materials: Guidelines for Excellence
• Non-formal Environmental Education Programs: Guidelines for Excellence
• Excellence in Environmental Education: Guidelines for Learning (K-12)
• Early Childhood Environmental Education Programs: Guidelines for Excellence
• Guidelines for the Preparation and Professional Development of Environmental Educators
• Community Engagement: Guidelines for Excellence

These publications are available to order and/or as free downloads at the NAAEE. Additionally, join the eePRO Guidelines for Excellence to learn more about these materials.