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

School Yard Design Project

Students work with community organizations to create a master plan for their school grounds. They start with trail enhancement, parking lot bio-filter revitalization, outdoor classroom construction, and wetland system investigation. They create a vision for the property that integrate the interests of school and community

Monticello High School
Abernarle, VA