WHAT IS PLACE-BASED EDUCATION?
Place-based education is learning that is rooted in what is local — the unique history, environment, culture, economy, literature and art of a particular place. The community provides the context for learning, student work focuses on community needs and interests, and community members serve as resources and partners in every aspect of teaching and learning. Place-based education has been shown to improve comprehension, attendance, behavior, and enthusiasm for learning in students and increase creativity, involvement and energy in teachers. The Hitchcock Center has been working with a few schools intensively using this model in Montague and Heath with great results. If you would like more information about place-based education, please call Ted Watt at the Hitchcock Center. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES The Hitchcock Center offers professional development courses to schools and districts throughout the Pioneer Valley. All the courses are hands-on, engaging, practical, and aligned w
