GRAND Learning Network: An Implementation Model for Place-Based Great Lakes Stewardship Education in Mid-Michigan
Grant Type: 2007 Implementation Grant
Project Duration: 5/6/08–12/31/09
Grant Amount: $199,688.00
Project Description
The GRAND Learning Network will feature a formalized professional learning community of teachers, who thoroughly understand place-based education and Great Lakes stewardship and will provide leadership to colleagues. Leadership for the Network’s operation also comes from Michigan State University (the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the College of Education and Natural Science), a practicing K–12 teacher, and a Distinguished Advisory Group. The intended audiences are about 2,000 students and 160 K–12 teachers, representing five school districts in the Greater Lansing area (ranging from rural to urban), and about 10 community organizations. A core group of teachers will first develop and then share tools and resources with their colleagues, who in turn will work with their students to carry out place-based education projects of local relevance.
Project Outcome
A progress report was submitted in February 2009. The report provided information about the hub’s approach, which incorporates many place-based education strategies and certain elements of the GLSI. Staff is concerned that it departs from the GLSI’s model in a few areas, though. These areas primarily relate to the place-/community-based learning and sustained professional development aspects of the model. Staff sent the grantee a letter describing where it appears their approach differs from that required by the GLSI and suggesting ways to address this issue. The grantee prepared a written response to the letter explaining how they will address staff's concerns. Staff met with the grantee to address questions and provide technical assistance on community-based learning. Staff has an additional meeting with the grantee to provide technical assistance on sustained professional development. Staff is hopeful that the information has improved the hub's approach and will carefully review the final report due at the end of this year before future funding will be considered.