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BUILDING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
-- Considerations
PROJECT SITE: Project sites include the school, other public lands, and even private lands. Property ownership can be determined through the county assessor's office or from real estate agents. Investigate public land management agencies in your area, such as the United States Forest Service, regional park district, or regional conservancies, agencies usually open to student investigation on their sites
PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE: (See RESOURCES LIST and COMMUNITY LEADERS LIST in Appendix). A variety of government agency professionals and members of the community are willing to share their expertise in the classroom, in the field, or at their workplaces.
Community Leaders in Classrooms Guide for the Tahoe Basin that is available to all teachers and schools in the region.
Schools outside of the Tahoe region can research local organizations for similar publications regarding environmental education.
Track the resources used by teachers at your school, compare notes, and develop your own school resource list that can be shared by all.
Survey parents to assess their jobs, hobbies, and contacts. Posting them on your school web page is a good way to keep track of contacts.
The approaches used are different for each community. Tailoring your approach to the issues identified by your students and the projects in which your community partners are engaged will enhance your success.
MENTORING: Classroom project leaders may be interested in providing ongoing individual student support to help build student self-esteem, guide career development, and enhance subject area expertise. Contact your school district office to clarify local and state requirements.
IN-KIND COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Local businesses and agencies may be willing to supply materials, transportation (or vehicles), and products for school projects. Brainstorming such resources with students and expecting them to make the contacts, either in writing, by phone, or through public presentations, is an important aspect of the PBL experience.
(See SAMPLE COMMUNITY PROJECTS, below)
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