Benefits of Place-based Education
This 6-page brochure summarizes evaluation data from six place-based education programs representing more than 100 schools (rural, suburban, and urban) covering twelve states.The body of evidence reflects more than 1,000 adult interviews or focus group participants; more than 250 student interviews; more than 900 educator surveys; more than 2,700 student surveys; extensive document review; and dozens of on-site observations.
The findings are clear: place-based education fosters students' connection to place and creates vibrant partnerships between schools and communities. It boosts student achievement and improves environmental, social, and economic vitality.
In short, place-based education helps students learn to take care of the world by understanding where they live and taking action in their own backyards and communities.
- place-based education, environment as integrating context (EIC)
- science, math, engineering, technology (STEM)
- reading, writing, English as a second language
- social studies, geography, global studies
- environmental science, environmental studies, ecological restoration
- cultural history, folklore, racial studies, community studies
- school based
- out of school time/after school
- whole school change
- professional development
- student
- educator
- school
- community
- urban
- suburban
- rural
- elementary (6-11 years old)
- middle school (12-14 years old)
- Community Mapping Program (CMaP)
- Forest For Every Classroom (FFEC)
- Litzsinger Road Ecology Center (LREC)
- Local Investigations of Natural Science (LIONS)
- PEEC Cross-Program (XP)
- Project CO-SEED (CO-SEED)
- Sustainable Schools Project (SSP)
- Trail To Every Classroom (TTEC)