Current trends in education require that schools involve the community to insure that they are actively involved in all facets of school planning. Research shows that schools operate best when there is close cooperation among the stakeholders: students, teachers, administration, business, and the community-at-large. Public education can change and improve by encouraging community involvement and participation in the educational program. A coalition consisting of area watershed management and education organizations and agencies are developing practical learning activities to help students achieve mastery of the skills of reading, writing, computing and critical thinking to reinforce watershed lessons being taught in the classroom. In addition, the coalition intends to assist teachers with the implementation of the academic standards mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

     Community efforts to change and improve schools will have a far greater impact on the quality of education than anything that the state can impose through legislation or direct through policy. Education and concern for the environment are two critical issues that must be addressed as we move through the first decade of the new century. These problems affect everyone and the solution requires a commitment from everyone.