"Place-based education is not simply a way to integrate the curriculum around a study of place, but a means of inspiring stewardship and an authentic renewal and revitalization of civic life" (from the foreword by Laurie Lane-Zucker, Executive Director of the Orion Society). As Lane-Zucker explains: "Place-based education is the process of using the local community and environment as a starting point to teach concepts in language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and other subjects across the curriculum. Emphasizing hands-on, real-world learning experiences, this approach to education increases academic achievement, helps students develop stronger ties to their community, enhances students' appreciation for the natural world, and creates a heightened commitment to serving as active, contributing citizens."

"This new book by Dr. Sobel is the most comprehensive review of place-based education to be published, an eloquent layering of pedagogy and practical examples taken from practicing classrooms--urban, suburban, and rural, coast-to-coast.

Place-Based Education: Connecting Classrooms & Communities offers scientific and anecdotal evidence that place-based education is successfully meeting, and in many cases, surpassing the various standards and mandates that are increasingly a part of educational reform in this country" (also from the foreword by Laurie Lane-Zucker).