Background
ACEE retained consultant Sue Staniforth as its external evaluator of key programs in 2008. Sue submitted Key 2008 Projects of the Alberta Council for Environmental Education: An External Evaluation in January 2009. Evaluative interviews were conducted 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.
A second evaluation is being conducted in 2011.
Areas of Strength from 2008
- 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
ACEE gratefully acknowledges the support of Suncor Energy Foundation, which supported this work.
