Governor Strickland’s State of the State address outlines an agressive agenda to once again encourage Ohio’s schools to adopt a learner-centered approach to public education.  In his plan he charges that, using evidence-based approaches, educators will be encouraged to develop innovative strategies that connect children with their communities, foster interdisciplinary approaches to learning, and engage students with content in stimulating and meaningful ways.  This is an exciting time for education in this state.

My hope is that those individuals involved with the proposed Center for Creativity and Innovation within the Department of Education become familiar with the place-based educational approaches that are exemplified on this website and have long been standard practice in a variety of rural settings.  Place-based education can serve as one model that connects the 21st century learner with content, community, and a sense of self, all of which is outlined in the governor’s plan.  Sometimes, it is a good thing to be ahead of the curve.

�