Should we introduce SEI into our education systems?

[Probir Ghosh]

At what level should we introduce SEI: middle school, high school, universities & colleges?
Do you have specific ideas on how we can get it institutionalized? What will be the best and the quickest way to do so?
What should the course material cover?
What do you hope to accomplish by getting the students to complete these courses?
It is perfectly ok to address any part of the question you want to respond to.

[bhutton]

Introducing SEI into the educational system is critical. It should be part of both K-12 and higher education.

At the college level, it can be developed as part of existing curriculum in both natural and social sciences and business. It can also be developed as special topics courses around energy and/or sustainable development. It can also be developed as majors or concentrations within disciplines.

SEI could be a core area for developing interdisciplinary subject matter such as majors or courses of study combining areas (e.g., engineering, business, law, biology, etc.)

At the K-12 level, the best opportunity is to integrate SEI into existing curriculum (science, math, etc.).

[kinderman]

Regardless of the educational level, new and future issues must be introduced in order for our next generation to be adequately prepared to tackle the issues. Those issues discussed and debated in a classroom setting will leave students with a position on the issue and they will likely passionately pursue their choice.

[ckrebs]

SEI must be added to our national education system, including K12, undergraduate, graduate, and certifications. Certifications are key to helping anyone educate themselves on SEI when they do not have the inclination to complete a degree program. Business, Education Institutions, and Government are already integrating sustainability into their operational infrastructures, new products, and employee programs. Some organizations are further ahead than others. More importantly, SEI will be one of the next financial and job generators of this century. Making SEI mainstream will create a pervasive platform in our everyday lives. Education is the key to citizen preparation.

[don stensrud]

Discussions that we need to have:
1. How do we integrate sustainable energy use into K-12 schools?

• Do we make it part of the school curriculum
• Do we change behaviors and practices
• Do we focus on special events and programs
• Do we use clubs and school based organizations
• ??????

2. How do make contacts with schools districts? And who do we work with?

• Do we work through Colorado Department of Education
• Do we work local school districts
• Do we work with local schools
• District curriculum councils and coordinators
• Local building administrators
• Local building teachers
• School boards
• ???????

3. What are some hurdles we may encounter?

• Alignment with CDE science standards
• How does it fit with graduation requirements (are we looking at new class or within existing classes)
• Who will write the curriculum
• Who will pay for the writing of curriculum
• ??????

4. What about colleges and universities?

[Probir Ghosh]

Don has a very thoughtful step by step approach outlined, I'd love to start a much deeper discussion with the School Administration, Teachers, Students as well as County & State Administrators, and take a parallel path to embed Sustainable Energy Initiatives to become a fabric of our education system. With everyone reconvening for the '09 fall session this is a great time to do so.

We also plan to get several State Colleges involved going forward into these initiatives. I'd love to see your response to Don to see how we can leverage the current structure and system. Let's also think out of box to see what can we do outside the system in parallel.

Our behavior and awareness on Energy usage has a direct corelation to our knowledge and knowledge is linked to education. Our Education community can be game changers for our coutnry to transition rapidly to clean sustaiable energy to fuel our future economy and cure our environment.

[Cass Krughoff]

I strongly believe this would be a terrific idea. Certainly if the United States wants to change its energy policy, we must first begin by changing the mindset of our people. If we integrate renewable energy into our high school curriculum at an early level (say Freshmen year), then students are growing up and developing through high school already having the knowledge and foundation of being “energy conscience” citizens.

This would be one of the first steps in changing our outlook on energy policy.