History

=The History of Place-Based Education = Learning from the environment has been around for centuries, but the term was not coined until the early 1990’s. The term has further been defined by the Orion Society and The Center for Place-Based Education (Antioch University New England).

 Place-based learning has had a long and changing history in the United States. Before the nineteenth century, the interrelations between school and community were natural and well understood. Yet, as schools formalized and urbanization expanded in the nineteenth century, the connect between community and school was lost. During the formalization, schools began to follow the urbanization models of grade levels, textbooks, and classroom exercises, and connection with the community was lost (School and Community Trust, 2000).

 While community connection was lost, hope for PBE was not. Progressive movements (often rooted in John Dewey’s ideals) sought curricula grounded in local roots. Progressives didn’t believe that school and community could be separate. Social and economic issues were part of schools and communities. Dewey believed curriculum should be rooted in place, engage students and promote democratic citizenship (Barnett, 2009).

 In modern times, place-based education is slowly rising on the educational reform radar. As place-based programs across the nation show significant benefits in the classroom and community, place-based education is growing in support and popularity.

References
===  School and Community Trust, Washington, DC., & Harvard Univ., Cambridge, MA. Graduate School of Education. (2000). Learning in place: A special report to the rural school and community trust. Rural School and Community Trust, Publications Manager, 1825 K Street, NW, Suite 703, Washington, DC 20006 ($10). Retrieved from Click here for Document ===

=== Barnett, S.A. (2009). Place-based Education and Teaching about Marin County Birds: Curriculm Development for Teachers. (Masters Thesis, Dominican University of California). http://www.dominican.edu/academics/education/seed/filestorage/barnettsharon.pdf ===