In a preliminary analysis of the existing Colorado Model Content Standards, CAEE found significant gaps in the skills needed to become an environmentally literate and responsible citizen.  Colorado Students are currently being taught content related information, but the standards lack the process skills that allow students to critically analyze issues and make responsible choices. 

These skills in environmental education are the same skills that the CDE refers to as “essential skills” and are nationally recognized as 21^st century skills.

The following documents were prepared and used to identify gaps in the Colorado Model Content Standards by comparing the standards to other standards in Environmental Education and other standards across the nation.

• PRELIMINARY NAAEE Learner Guidelines and Model Content Standards Correlations

• NAAEE Learner Guidelines and Colorado Model Content Standard Correlation Summary

• Environmental Education in Other States

• NAAEE Learner Guidelines (PreK-12)

The NAAEE Learner Guidelines outline what an environmentally literate student should know and be able to do.  The guidelines were developed by over 2,500 professionals including teachers, curriculum developers, educational administrators, environmental education specialists, and environmental scientists.