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29.2:ED 8/3 I National Park Service U.S. Department ofthe Interior ClemsonUniversity 3 1604 015 763 784 Rjmf^ng Our Education Missi V June 2003 .\ "* 1» PUBLICATION Photo Courtesy of Roy Hawk Park-based learning ispowerful - and transformative. People more readily retain information, grasp meanings, and adopt new behaviors and values when directly involved with cultural and natural heritage resources and sites. Park Service education informs uniquely about the civic experience ofour country and the complex, diverse ecology ofour world. It encourages respectfor our experience, as a nation, and invites stewardship. It is an organizationalfunction that nurtures an aware citizenry, engaged to a greater extent in Americanpublic life. It is a mission ofhigh nationalpurpose. The Na- tional Park Service is committed to extend its leadership in education, to build on what is inplace and to pursue new relationships and opportunities to make nationalparks even more meaningful in the life ofthe nation. Renewing our Education Mission lays out a course we willfollow to achieve thesegoals. FranMainella,Director,NationalParkService Renewing Our Education Mission When itcomes to the education ofourchildren...failure is notan option. President George W. Bush InJune2002theNationalLeadershipCouncil Vision (NLC)appliedtheknowledgeandunderstand- Interpretationandeducationisaprimaryor- inggainedfromitsyearlongseminarserieson ganizationalpurpose oftheNationalPark educationtocreateavision,guidingprinciples, Service,essentialtoachievingourmissionof andprogramgoalsto renewthe Service's com- protectingand preservingournation's natu- mitmenttoitseducationmission. ral and cultural resources. We envision ana- tionalparksystemthatisrecognizedasasig- OnJuly 9-10, 2002, a cross-section ofpark, pro- nificantresourceforlearning,wherepeople gram,andregionalstaffnominatedbytheNLC and organizations collaborateonteaching metin Washington,DC,to reviewand respond andlearningabouttheinterconnectionsof totheNLCrecommendations. Thetwo-day humancultureandnature,naturalsystems, sessionprovokedcompellingdiscussions, high- thevalues ofAmerica's diverse heritage, and lightedtheexcellencethatisalreadyahallmark the principles ofdemocracy. Parks are an in- ofsomanyofourNational ParkService (NPS) tegralpartofthe nation's educational system, educationprograms,anddemonstrated clear providinguniqueandpowerfulindividual consensus on approachandpriorityactions. learningexperiencesthathelpshapeunder- Duringthismeetingtherewasagenuineappre- standingandinspirepersonalvalues. ciationfortheNPScommitmenttofocusitstime andenergyonlearningabouteducation.They NationalParkService welcomedtheleadershipoftheNPStore-com- June 20,2002 mitthe Serviceasanorganizationtoitsunique andfundamentalroleinprovidingopportunities forlearning.Therewaswideconsensusthatfor thepurpose offuture discussions,weshould de- fine "education" verybroadly. Inthis context, educationmeansallkindsoflearningopportuni- tiesforpeopleofallagesincludingformaland informalprograms,volunteerprograms,life-long learning,publications,exhibits,films,the Internet,public outreach,andresearch. PUBLIC DOCUMENTS a. PFPOQiTQrlY ITEM 1 00 NOV 1 2003 SantaMonicaMountainsNational RecreationArea Q K, ParkRangerConductingProgram SantaMonicaMountainsNationalRecreationArea Framework Guiding Principles Programs meetlearners' needs and challenge Oureducational programsare designed toenrich themto explore ideas and testtruths. lives and enhance learning,nurturingpeople'sap- NationalParkServiceprogramscelebrate preciationforparksand otherspecialplaces,and — diversity therefore helpingpreserveAmerica's heritage. To Programspresentmultiplepointsofviewand accomplishthis,theNationalParkService,will — — address controversialtopics in abalanced man- develop andpartnerwithothersto create ner. interpretiveandeducationalprogramsaccording tothefollowingguidingprinciples: Programsare inclusive, tellavarietyofsto- NationalParkServiceprogramsareplace-based— ries,and celebratethe historyofallAmericans. Programs use national parks and otherplaces NationalParkServiceprogramsarewidely asdynamicclassroomswherepeopleinteractwith — accessible realplaces, landscapes, historic structures,and Programsprovidelearningopportunities,re- othertangible resourcesthathelp themunder- flectand embrace differentculturalback- standmeanings, concepts,themes,stories,and re- grounds,ages,languages,abilities,andneeds. lationships. Programs are delivered through avariety of Programsprovideauthentic,personallyrel- means,includingdistancelearning,toincrease evant,andinspiringlearningopportunitiesand opportunitiesto connectwithand learnfrom invitepeopleto engage instewardship. resources. NationalParkServiceprogramsarelearner- — NationalParkServiceprogramsarebasedon centered soundscholarshipcontent, methods,and Programs honorpersonalfreedomandinter- — audienceanalysis eststhroughamenu oflife- longlearningoppor- Programs are informedbythe latestresearch tunitiesthatserveawidevarietyoflearning related to natural and cultural heritage. styles, encourage personal inquiry, and provoke thought. . Programs incorporate contemporary educa- logue,and scholarshipthatembodiesthe prin- tionalresearchandscholarshiponeffective in- ciplesofalearningorganization. terpretiveandeducationalmethods. Employees NationalParkServiceprogramshelppeople TheNational ParkServicewillattractandnur- understandandparticipateinourcivildemocratic ture diverse,highlyprofessional,knowledge- — society able,and creative employees thatunderstand Programshighlighttheexperiences,lessons, and embrace theirrole as an essential educa- knowledge,andideasembodied inAmerica's tionalresource. nationalparks and otherspecial places. Research Programsprovidelife-longopportunitiesto TheNational ParkServicewillensurethatem- engage in civic dialogue, and take personal re- ployees have access to the latest scholarship on Thankyouforan out- sponsibilityto care for each otherand our com- preserving,managing,andinterpretingnatural munitiesthroughservicelearning,volunteerism, and cultural resources as well as on educational standingresourcefor andcivicengagement. methodsandthatthisknowledgeisreflectedin overworked, worn- itsprograms. outteachers. This NationalParkServiceprogramsincorporate .. ongoingevaluationforcontinualprogram Evaluation lesson isaperfectfit — improvementandeffectiveness TheNationalParkServicewillestablishasys- my for unit. Programs are regularly evaluated and im- temofevaluationfocused oncontinuallyim- provedto ensurethattheymeetprogramgoals provingprogramsandsharinglessonslearned California teacher andaudience needs. andbestpractices Servicewide. commentonTeaching Programs for organizedgroups, such as cur- CreatingOpportunities with HistoricPlaces riculum-basedprograms,are designedwith ad- Throughout its history, the National Park Ser- — vicefrompotentialparticipants. vice hasused its knowledge ofresources and — passion forprotectingthem to create rich NationalParkServiceprogramsare andvaried opportunitiesto engagethepublic. — collaborative This has been sustained bythe creativity, inge- Programsare createdinpartnershipwith nuity,anddedication ofemployeesinall disci- otheragenciesandinstitutionsandreflectthe plinesandincollaborationwithourequally National ParkService's dualroleindelivering committedvolunteersandpartners. These ef- programs and enablingothers to do so. forts extend beyond park boundaries to reach nationalparkneighbors andthosewho may Programs createdinpartnership aremutually nevervisitanationalpark. beneficialandachievecommongoals. Life-Long Learning Program Goals TheNationalParkServicewillprovidequality resource-based experiences and opportunities BuildingCapacity Every employee has arole in educationbecause forlife-longlearningthatarerelevantto diverse we all interact,insomeway,with thepublic. audiences. Whetheronthe phone orrespondingto a letter, informalpresentationsorgreetingparkvisi- Children tors,workingwithvolunteers orpartners,or TheNationalParkServicewillprovideanop- talkingwithfriendsandneighbors,wehaveop- portunityforeverychildinAmericato havea portunitiesto share knowledge...toteach and memorable learningexperience. learn. Recognizingand creatingthese opportu- nitiesisaskillweshould eachpractice. Technology Throughourrelationshipswiththepublicwe caninvitethemtojoinusinourmission. Public TheNationalParkServicewillusenewtech- understandingandstewardship areparamount nologiesto enhanceprogramsand carry them forsuccess in ourresource management and to newaudiences. protectionprograms,and everyemployee can contributetobuildingthatsupport. Access The NationalParkServicewillcreateconve- Organization nientaccessto itsfull offeringofprogramsfor TheNationalParkServicewillbringstrategic teachers and parents. leadershiptoan organization-wide approachto education that results in renewed vigor, dia- Expanding PartnershipsandOutreach National Strategic Actions Visitors to national parks have been the primary Thefollowingprioritynationalissuesandrec- audienceforNational Park Service education ommendedactionsdevelopedbythe NLCand programs. We mustretain our commitment to the workinggroups canbe taken in the short developingandprovidinghighqualityin-park termtoadvancetherenewal ofoureducation programswhilegrowingourabilitytoreach mission. Unlessotherwiseindicated,itisas- visitorsbeforetheyarrive,peoplewholivein sumed thatthenewAssociate DirectorforPart- neighboringcommunities,andthemanymil- nerships, Interpretation and Education, Volun- lions ofothers who maynot currentlyvisit. To teers,and OutdoorRecreationwill coordinate become one ofthepremier education resources theseactionsandtheywillbeexpandedonin inthenationwemustproactivelyidentifyways discussionswiththeEducationCouncil. to engage apublic definedmorebroadlythan parkvisitors. AssetMapping Issue: TheNationalParkServicehasawealthof ReachingNewCommunities educational "assets";fromtalentedand skilled TheNationalParkServicewillreflectourdi- employees,to dynamicprograms,toextensive versesocietybyprovidingunique opportunities media,towell-attendededucationcenters,to forall peopletounderstand, appreciate, and strongeducationpartners. participate inpreservingour natural and cul- turalheritage. Whileweknowwehaveassets,wehavenotsys- tematicallycollectedthisinformationandmade Partnerships itavailable acrossthe Service. Sincethe keyto TheNationalParkServicewillnurtureexisting gettingwhereyouwanttogoisknowingwhere and developnewpartnershipswithorganiza- youare,toeffectivelybuildthe depth,breadth, tionswithwhichwe shareacommonvision. We and value ofthe National Park Service's educa- will collaborateindevelopingand deliveringex- tionalprogramswemustfirstidentifyourexist- cellentpublicprograms thatbestuse the ingstrengthsandassets. This "assetmapping" strengths ofeach partner. willalsosurfacepotentiallinkagesbetweenpro- gramsand partners andidentifygapsinour Communication overallprogram. TheNationalParkServicewillarticulateits goals consistently- organization-wide. We will Action: The Northeast and PacificWest revitalize and refocus the entire arrayofNa- RegionsworkingwithWASO Information tional ParkServicewritten,visual,audio, Technologyandthe National Park Foundation Internet,andothercommunicationmediatore- willpilotassetmapping. Theinformation newoureducationmission. gatheredwouldbe entered intoan online education database that can growto accommo- datethefuturecollectionofServicewide information. BigThicketNationalPreserve GoldenGateNationalRecreationArea Thedatabasewillbeaccessibleon InsideNPS create avariety oftools that can be used by forinternalplanning,evaluation,and other parks and programs to evaluate and improve uses. Itwillalso feedthe developmentof the success oftheir programs. products like the state compendiums ofNPS educationprograms.Theinformationfromthe evaluatethe effectiveness ofParkNet in pilotwill alsobe analyzed in a "needsassess- general and specificallyas itrelatesto reaching ment"byoutside expertsworkingwith NPS new or under served/represented audiences. education subject matterspecialists,the National Park Foundation and key leaders. The ComprehensiveInterpretivePlans needsassessmentwillcaptureinformationon Issue: Interpretation is about choices. We BostonNationalHistoricalPark currentServicewidestrengthsandneeds.This choosewhatstoriestotell,whomtotellthem pilotwillbeevaluatedandadditionalasset to,andhowtotellthem.Whilethesechoices mappingconducted. are rarely easy, an effective planning system can guide ourdecision-making. In 1995the National ParkServiceadoptedaunifiedplanningsystem ProgramEvaluation forinterpretationand education. Thissystem is Issue:TheNational ParkServicedevotes ComprehensiveInterpretivePlanning(CIP). significantefforttodevelopingeducationaland TheCIPisthebasicplanningcomponentfor interpretiveprograms. More needstobe done interpretationand education.TheCIPisatool to evaluate theireffectiveness. Do they create formakingchoices. Ithelpsparksdecidewhat opportunitiesforpeople to understandand their objectives are,who theiraudiences are, ConstitutionGardens make personal connections to places and andwhatmixofmediaandpersonal servicesto stories? Can these programs be made more use. The productis nottheplan,butan effective and efficientprogramthatachieves effective? Lessons learned fromthe Interpretive Priority managementgoals and provides appropriate Development Program are helpingcreate a servicesforourvisitors. The responsibilityfor National methodologyto evaluate park-based programs. parkinterpretiveplanningnowrestswiththe AServicewideevaluationstrategyforNational park superintendents. Many parks throughout Action Items ParkServiceprograms,includingtoolstohelp the service have eitherstarted orcompleted parksandprograms conducttheirown, theirComprehensiveInterpretivePlans. scientificallyvalid,surveys,iscalledfor. Promotingandsupportingthe completionofa Evaluationswillidentifybestpractices,maxi- CIPateachparkwillprovide afoundationfor soundinterpretiveand educationprogramming. mizeinvestmentofappropriatedand donated funds, helpmanagersunderstandthepotential Action: Continuetosupportthe completionof forinterpretationand educationandadvance the ComprehensiveInterpretive Planstoensure theworkonanationallevel. park programmingis based on sound scholar- shipwithpublicinputanddefinedvisitor Action: Create an Education Evaluation experiences. CoordinationTeam to coordinate development ofa Servicewide evaluation strategy. Members InterpretiveDevelopmentProgram shouldbe drawnfromthe EducationCouncil, Issue:TheInterpretiveDevelopmentProgram certifiersfromthe InterpretiveDevelopment (IDP)isafielddevelopedNPSmission-based Program, and respected researchers and traininganddevelopmentcurriculumwithten expertsinthefield ofevaluation. Inaddition: outcome-based benchmark competencies based onNPSRangerCareerspositiondescriptions. contractwithanevaluationfirmoruniversity TheIDPisimprovingthequalityofvisitorexpe- to develop anoverall evaluationplanfor riences in nationalparks around the country. It existinginterpretationand educationalpro- isalearner-drivenemployeedevelopmentpro- gramsandtools. grambased on meetingpeer-reviewed certifica- tion standards. Theperformance-based out- conduct a literature search for recent comes require interpreterstobe abletoprovide research onthe effectiveness ofinterpretation opportunities forvisitors to make personal con- and educationinthe nationalparks and nectionstothemeaningsandsignificanceof nationalparkprograms anddistribute the parkresources. The IDPfacilitatesthesteward- findings broadly. shipphilosophythatpeoplewillcareforwhat theyfirstcare about. Itis designedtofosterac- reviewexistingServicewideproposalsinPMIS countabilityandprofessionalismininterpreta- onevaluatinginterpretiveandeducational tionintheNPSandsetanationalstandardfor servicestoidentifycollaborative opportunities interpretiveeffectivenessthatresultsinahigher acrossparksand regionsandavoid duplication level ofpublicstewardshipforparkresources ofeffort. Action:NPSestablishesthelong-termstability partners needstobe systematically analyzed ofthe Interpretive DevelopmentProgramin intoacoordinatedsetofrecommendationsfor orderto create acompetentmotivated inter- therenewalofoureducationmission. pretive workforce thatis capable ofmeetingthe challengesoftheNPSmissionnowandinthe Action: Create a "Business Plan for Education" future. toarticulatethestrategyforimplementing IdentifyStrategicEducationPartners educationrenewal-andhowsuccesswillbe Issue: The National ParkService hasunparal- measured.Theplanshould: leled "content" madeuniquebyitsinextricable linkto the actual places thatshaped the natural analyze current and potential audiences and human historyofthis land. We have spread surveyotherorganizationsdoingsimilarwork thereachofthiscontentbeyondwhatwe could identifygapsbetweenNational ParkService everdoalonebyworkingwithcooperating needsand assets associations,parkinstitutes,andschoolsin recommendpriorities,workloadsassociated gatewaycommunities,tobuildastrongfounda- and resources to supportthose workloads describe challenges tion oflocal partnerships. Tobecome apremier nationaleducationresource,we mustsharethis recommendopportunitiesforinvestmentsin ourdevelopment contentwiththebroadestpossibleaudiencesby identifypotentialstrategicpartnerships enhancingourexistingpartnershipsand developingnewstrategicallianceswiththose whohaveprofessional expertiseincreatingand Thisplanwillmake itclearthat educationis an integralpartoftheService'smission,helpdefine distributingcontentto massandtargeted ourunique niche inthe education community, audiences. provide a frameworkwithin which to make strategicdecisionsonstaffingandfunding,and Action: Researchpotential educationpartners "Interpretation measure success. identifyingtheirmission,goals,membership, facilitatesacon- otherpartners, activities, and note anycurrent nection between orpreviousinvolvementwiththeNationalPark RecognizeandShareBestPractices Issue: Theformalevaluationofprogramswill the interests ofthe Service. Askcurrentpartnersto identifyother provide modelsto establish standardsof visitorandthe potentialpartners. Theresearchwillhelp excellence,provideopportunitiesforthe identifythosethatbestalignwiththeneedsand meaningsofthe gaps surfaced bythe asset mappingand Servicetolearnfromitself, andrecognizethose resource" businessplanandwho are mostcompatible whoseworkexemplifiesthe excellencefor withouroverallmission,vision,andgoals. whichwestrive. Interpretation Butbeyondthe results offormal evaluations, Designand Producea BusinessPlanforEducation Training there are scores ofexamples inthe Service of Issue: Informationgeneratedbythe asset Curriculum smartpeopledoingsmartthings. TheNational mapping, needs assessments, program evalua- ParkService hasaproudtraditionofoffering tions,andidentificationofpotentialstrategic ShenandoahNationalPark compellinginterpretiveandeducational capabilitiesto support oureducation programs activitiesthatincreasethe enjoyment ofparks and partners, consistentwith the "Business Plan and theunderstandingofnaturaland cultural for Education." We must ensure that the resources. The National Park Service is an technical infrastructure is in placeto meetthe internationallyrecognizedleaderinproviding growingneedsofaninformation-hungrypublic, experiential educationalprogramsthatconnect 24 hours a day and seven days a week. We people to theirheritage. We need to recognize must ensurethatthisvaluable assetis properly ouremployees,thepartnerstheyworkwith, secured and thatitaffords flexibilityforusers and widely share the innovations, creativity, and withawide-varietyofequipmentandprocess- newapproachestheyhave developedthathelp ing capabilities. We must not forget thatthe CuyahogaValleyNationalPark peoplelearn. National Park Service's websites are used by visitorsfrom manycountriesand,where Action: EachAssociate and Regional Director possible, materialshouldbe offeredinother should develop aprogramto recognize educa- languages. tionbestpracticeswithintheirownspheres of responsibilitythroughtoolssuchasawards and ExpandStateNPS Education ProgramGuides case studies. Thesebestpracticeswillbe Issue: Each State charts its own course in sharedServicewidethroughtheneweducation educationpolicies and standardstoteachits siteonlnsideNPS. children. LinkingNPSprogramstostate curricula makes it more useful and relevantto BigThicketNationalPreserve SignificantlyExpand UseoftheInternet educators in classroom and home-school Issue:TheInternethaspermanentlychanged settings.TheguidespilotedbytheNortheast thewaywecommunicate. Itisatoolwith Region for Massachusetts and Virginia describe virtuallyunlimitedpotential.Itprovidesinstant, curriculum-based programs and services at on-demand,globalaccesstoinformation.That each nationalpark inthe state and their beingsaid,theNPShasbeenslowtotake full correlationwith statestandards. The compen- advantage ofthe Internet's potential.Though diums haveprovenvery effective forboth NPS hasisolated examplesofexcellentweb educators and NPS staff. Organizingprograms initiatives, intotality,we are notmeetingthe and materialsbystate also helps raisepublic needs ofthe publicwhowould like access into awareness ofnational parks as centers for thevaststorehouse ofinformationand material learningandfacilitatesthedevelopmentof managedbythe Service. partnerships. Aswithanyothersignificantinformation Action: Compileguidesforeverystate. The technologyinitiative,webdevelopmentmustbe NortheastRegionisalreadyimprovingitsmodel drivenbyacomprehensive strategythat andhas developed webversions forMassachu- embraces the Park Service's mission andgoals. settsandVirginia. Digitalguideswillbe devel- Ourweb presence must be developed like any oped for NewJersey and New York. Going large-scaleITinitiative. Itmustbewell-planned, digitalwillallowwiderdistribution,bothonline designed,implementedandmaintained. And, and as CD-ROMs, save money, and allow the ...theParkServiceis mostimportantly, the Park Service must allocate informationtobe morereadilyupdated. alreadydoingalotin sufficient resources to carry outthisprocess. education, butit'sa DevelopaCommunicationsStrategy matterofdoingbet- Park education coordinators reportthat Issue: The NLC has spentthe betterpartofa teachershavetroublefindingandusingpark yeargrapplingwith the need for, and directions terwhatis already materialsonthewebThisisnotsurprisingsince of,arenewal ofthe National Park Service beingdone. thecurrentweb site (ParkNet) wasdeveloped educationmission. Thoseinthefieldwhohave manyyears ago andbefore manyofthe committedtheircareerstoprovidingquali—ty ShirleyMalcolm, importantconceptsinweb development,such education opportunities-and succeeded NPSAdvisoryBoard as navigationtechniques and standardized couldbeunderstandablywary ofthis "sudden" formats,hadfullymatured. interest,whereitcamefrom,andwhatitmeans totheirwork. Amechanismmustbe developed tosharethe informationthathelpedshapethe Action:ThelaunchofLearnNPS,theNational NPSactions,identifywhohasbeeninvolved, Park Service's Internet "portal" to search and encourage feedback, and provide updates. We access education materials, isanimportantfirst alsomustincludeinthediscussionourvalued step. Itmustbe followed by manymore. We partnersincludingthecooperatingassociations mustdevelop acomprehensiveproposaltouse andparkinstitutes. Theirknowledgeand the entire range ofthe Internet's audio,visual, experiencewillbe invaluableinshapingaplan interactive,search,instantlinking,andother foreducationrenewal. Outsidethe Service,we face apublicwho ExternalAudiences: appreciates national parks, but other than a Identifyaudiences. Forexample, national campfire talk oravisitorcenterexhibit, may teacherassociations, educationwriters, K-12 notseethe National Park Service as a resource students, seniors,AfricanAmericans, Hispan- for learning. TheAlaska Region last year asked ics,visitors,and existingorpotential channels teacherswhattheythoughtaboutNational Park to reach each. Service education materials;97% thoughtthem credible,butdidn'tknowtheyexisted. Beyond Establish priorities. We can't do everything raisingourprofile inthe educationcommunity, at once, sowherewill effortsand resources the National Park Service has enormous havethe maximumimpact? Thebusinessplan challengesand opportunitiesto reach abroader willhelpusguidethiseffort. publicespeciallyaudiencesthatare newtothe National ParkService orforwhomthe depth Showcase success. There is averitablegold and breadth ofthe National ParkService mine ofNational Park Serviceprograms missionisnew. Whenwemake opportunities- underway onanygiven day-which most Icannotbelievethisisa teachable moments-to explainwhatweare people don't knowabout. Everyprogram has Scienceclass. ..Right doingandwhy,weincrease the likelihoodthat aneducationalcomponent. Findit. Showcase . nowmyscience thepublicwill "getit",supportit, andmayeven it. Recognizethoseresponsibleinpublicways. bemovedto joinus. Educationisaninvitation. teacherisgetting ReviewNPSmedia. Do ourpublications, drenched with water Action: Developacomprehensive communica- periodicals,films,exhibits,andwebsites,reach andnotgettingangry. tionsstrategyto reachboth internaland theirintendedaudience?Isinformation Mymom anddadwere priorityexternal audiences. Like all other presented in the rightform, format/medium, shockedthisweekend pallasonsm,utshtisbies ocnarleyfausllgyotoidmeadstitoseenxseucruetitohna,tbwuetit autnedd?coCnatenxtit?bCearne-itpbuerpmoosredetborodaisdtlryibduitsetrviiba-a when Iexplainedthe are ready. Its long-term development must different channel? Can we make more thematic workingsofaturbine. trackprogress in assetmapping,program orgeographic connections forthe user? Does ...IfIcoulddo this in evaluation,andthe developmentandapproval it meetuserneeds? Does itcreate or add to ofabusiness plan. Ourgoal isto be apremier thedesiredknowledge? everyclass, Imightac- national educationresource-wewon'tget tuallylikeschooland there justbysayingit's so. To do so before it is Market & Expand Partnerships. Meetwith who knows,getanA. truewould seriouslydamage our credibility. theparkinstitutes,fieldschools,andother Thatbeingsaid,we cangetstartedinthe partnersthatrun educationalprograms in followingways parksand identifyhowwecanpromote 8thgradestudent existingprograms and expandthem,where aboutTsongasIndus- InternalAudiences: appropriate. trialHistory Center Celebrate thosewho are doingwell. Our employeeshavealwaysbeendoingsmartthings. Internet,Internet,Internet-Thereisno Showthemweknowthisthroughaprogram othermediumthathas as large and diverse an ofawards, commendations,andpublicand audienceandwherethe contentistotally underourcontrol.The communicationsplan peer recognition. mustincludeastrategicvisionfortheshort- andlong-termfuture ofnotonlyLearnNPS Identifyaudiences,needs, andwaysto butalsothe entirethe National ParkService reachthem. presence on the Internet. Ourwebsite, nps.gov, mustbe recognized as a primaryand Makefulluse ofInsideNPS. Createan unmatchedmethodofcommunicatingwiththe educationlinkatthehighestleveloftheweb general public. We must take full advantage of page to learn aboutand offerfeedback on the itsmulti-mediacapabilitiesanditsinherent NPSeducationrenewal.Thiscouldincludethe abilityto reachtargeted audienceswith materialgathered duringthe NLC seminar specificinformation. series; otherrelevantbackground, including academic research, reports, and updates on what is underway. 2003 Conference. Make the renewal ofthe education mission akeycomponentofthis conference. The National ParkService leadership canusethisforumto emphasizeits importanceandthe rolethateveryemployee and our partners are being asked to play.