Section 324.2503 - Coordinator of environmental education; appointment; responsibilitiesThe department shall appoint a coordinator of environmental education within the department of natural resources. The coordinator's primary responsibilities shall be to do the following:
(a) Coordinate the efforts of the department related to environmental education.(b) Work with the department of education and with local education institutions, not-for-profit educational and environmental organizations, broadcasting entities, and private sector interests to support development of curricula, special projects, and other activities to increase understanding of the basic sciences and of natural resources and the environment.(c) Provide technical assistance to school districts, schools, and educators wishing to undertake projects including, but not limited to, water quality, air quality monitoring, or habitat protection.(d) If an environmental education advisory committee is established pursuant to section 2504, coordinate with the department in staffing the advisory committee.(e) Provide assistance to the commission in implementing statewide environmental education strategies developed by the department and the department of education.(f) Assist in identifying grants or other sources of funding for innovative educators and students of environmental education.(g) Recommend the appropriate mechanism for establishment of a clearinghouse of environmental education materials, which would make environmental education materials available to educators throughout the state.(h) Provide or support existing training and professional development programs for educators.(i) Assist in the incorporation of environmental education into curriculum objectives for the state's elementary and secondary schools and develop appropriate assessment mechanisms.(j) Promote awareness of section 1171a of the school code of 1976, Act No. 451 of the Public Acts of 1976, being section 380.1171a of the Michigan Compiled Laws.Add. 1995, Act 60, Imd. Eff. 5/24/1995.