Obstacles and Solutions

Building a strong PBE program in your school and community takes time, persistence, and a dose of creative thinking. But before you say, “I can’t do it,” listen to the voice of experience! Veteran teachers have identified the most common obstacles to success and suggested ways to tackle each one.

Place-based education is a new idea and it lacks administrative support. Solutions
There isn’t enough time for place-based education projects. Solutions
Many teachers are not comfortable in outdoor classroom settings. Solutions
Community Associations and other groups are not aware of the possibilities. Solutions
In schools, the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing. Solutions
It’s not clear to teachers and administrators how PBE addresses educational standards. Solutions
Funding for and commitment to PBE projects fluctuates from year to year, administration to administration. Solutions

Vignette

Malden Recycles

Under a challenge from the Mayor of Malden, Massachusetts, a student leadership group is working on plans to implement a school-wide recycling program. The City of Malden presently has no citywide recycling program. The Mayor is looking to the students to create first a school-wide program that can then be used as a model for other schools and businesses. Students start by surveying the school to understand the waste sources, and will then create a plan for how the recycling will occur.

Beebe Environmental and Health Science Magnet School
Malden, MA