Teton Science Schools
Teton Science Schools
Empowering Educators and Engaging Students with Place-Based Learning that Connects Schools to Their Communities
While schools across the country scramble to fill teacher vacancies and address learning loss from the COVID-19 pandemic, schools participating in Teton Science Schools’ Place Network remain resilient, maintaining or improving student learning outcomes. With a grant from All Points North Foundation, the Place Network will continue to accelerate student impact and enhance communities across the country.
Adopting the practice of place-based education (PBE), the Place Network sparks curiosity, student agency and engagement, and leadership by connecting schools to their hometowns and the world at large. Place Network program evaluation data shows that the frequency and quality of place-based teaching practices correlates with higher levels of teacher job satisfaction—which impacts successful student learning and outcomes.
PBE is based on four core elements: learner-centered instructional practices, community engagement, community impact, and integrating content and place. It connects schools to their communities and the outside world in an immersive learning experience that cultivates students’ understanding and responsibility to become local changemakers.
The Place Network was borne out of interest from visiting educators and students who wanted to bring Teton Science Schools’ place-based approach in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to their own communities. The grant will help expand the Place Network, creating a multiplier effect in improving communities from the ground up. Funds will help three selected schools from various states launch the initiative by helping them overcome the initial financial investment required to join the Place Network in the first year.
Member schools benefit from professional learning programs, instructional coaching, sample curriculum, curated literature, and networking opportunities at a spring conference. Recognizing it typically takes schools three or four years to fully develop the systems and instructional practices that support PBE, the program also builds vibrant collaborations throughout the local educational ecosystem and broader school community. As partners with the Place Network, educators and school leaders are challenged to think outside the box and design schools that can drive change, connect students to places that increase engagement, improve learning outcomes, and positively impact communities.
For more information: www.tetonscience.org
Photo credit: Teton Science Schools
All Points North Foundation provides grants for U.S.-based projects and initiatives that support our priorities: improving public middle school education and teacher training, and implementing effective solar programs and/or projects.
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