School Administrator Influences on Classroom Ocean-Based Curricula: Lessons from a Professional Development Program in Hawaii

Lindsay Linsky

doi:10.5334/cjme.37

Abstract

This article discusses a dissertation study of teachers’ inclusion of ocean literacy content in their classrooms following a grant-funded experience in Hawaii called Project ISLE: Integrated Science Learning Experiences. Upon analyzing 17 different qualitative data sources, the main factor influencing teachers’ classroom inclusion of ocean literacy materials was the availability of administrative support for the program before, during, and after Project ISLE. Implications and recommendations are examined.

Highlights

The human race depends on the oceans for a wealth of resources including food, climate regulation, transportation, medicine, and recreation
With one week on the Big Island and one week on Maui, Project ISLE focused on a number of topics encompassed within the umbrella of ocean literacy including island ecology, conservation, and marine biology
Our daily program activities emphasized the scientific concepts within the seven Essential Principles, and I provided an overview of the ocean literacy principles at the end of the program and gave each teacher a copy of the Ocean Literacy Network (OLN) official ocean literacy brochure

Summary

Introduction

The human race depends on the oceans for a wealth of resources including food, climate regulation, transportation, medicine, and recreation. In one previous American study, Brody and Koch (1990) found that 86% of public school students studied knew little to nothing about key ocean science topics and carried misconceptions that could impact their future ocean decision-making abilities. Another longitudinal study found that 35% of the American public surveyed could not identify a single ocean issue affecting the country (The Ocean Project, 2009). The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS, 2003) found that despite concerns for the oceans, only 31% of Americans recognized that their daily choices could have an impact on the oceans

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Conclusion