This dissertation investigates the "Competence Model for Environmental Education" (Kaiser, Roczen, & Bogner, 2008), a theoretical environmental-behavior change model, for use in the United States with elementary-aged students. Paper #1 tests two new instruments developed for use with the "Competence Model," the Expanded Ecological Concepts Questionnaire and the Revised General Environmental Behaviors scale. Paper #2 questions if student data generated from these instruments fits the model appropriately. The final paper investigates if the model can be used in the evaluation of environmental education programs. Based on findings of all three papers, the "Competence Model" is recommended as a strong theoretical and practical framework to be used in the development, implementation, and evaluation of environmental education programs. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]