On January 16, 2008, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration published notice seeking comment on the preliminary report of the NOAA Science Advisory Board’s external review of NOAA’s activities in extension, outreach and education activities. The preliminary report tries to
"1. Define NOAA's purpose and unique role in extension, outreach, and education.
2. Identify opportunities at different levels of geographic granularity (e.g., local, state, regional, national, and international).
3. Identify opportunities for NOAA's research enterprise to better connect with constituencies through extension, outreach, and education.
4. Review the legislative authorities of NOAA in extension, outreach, and education and the opportunities to expand these authorities.
5. Explore the communication paths between NOAA and its constituents with the goal to improve channels and enhance processes.
6. Cite best management practices and examples that could be broadly utilized within NOAA.
7. Review training opportunities and funding support for NOAA programs and staff involved in extension, outreach, and education."
Comments on the preliminary report are due to NOAA by 5 p.m., February 15, 2008.
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