Background
ACEE retained consultant Sue Staniforth as its External Evaluator of key programs.  In late 2008 Sue conducted evaluative interviews with a cross section of ACEE stakeholders, to “take the pulse” of ACEE, provide a window into its impact, provide baseline data, and document successes and challenges. 

Areas of Strength

• Overall the interviews and stakeholder surveys paint a positive and optimistic picture of ACEE.
• Its mission and goals are clear to most stakeholders, and there is broad support and a clear rationale for its collaborative and networking roles.
• The professional development opportunities ACEE has provided (2007 conference, 2008 Leadership Clinic) are ranked very highly by participants and seen as of high value to their organizations.
• The ability of ACEE to convene multi-stakeholder groups to encourage networking, communication and partnerships, and advance environmental education province-wide, is highly supported
•  ACEE's collaborative style, diverse and broad-based leadership, committed Board and current initiatives are positive elements.

Areas of Development
Some areas that require further work include…

• developing concrete projects and “products” across the province.
• communicating activities and results to others.
• clarifying ACEE’s target audiences
• providing more outreach and services to teachers
• including more non-formal and informal educators in ACEE’s activities and Board

The full report can be downloaded here.  ACEE gratefully acknowledges the support of Suncor Energy Foundation, which supported this work.