In his article “Community-Based Organizations and the Delivery of Lifelong Learning Opportunities” (April 1995), Dr. Michael W. Galbraith, professor of adult education at Florida Atlantic University's Department of Educational Leadership, defines “community-based education” as an educational process by which individuals become more competent in their skills, attitudes, and concepts in an effort to live in and gain more control over local aspects of their communities through democratic participation. Community-based education's primary purpose is to meet the unique needs of the community it serves, as a whole and individually. In addition, community-based education generates and utilizes available resources and skills, as well as those untapped skills and resources, to meet the varied needs of the community and those of its residents.

A form of instruction in which Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals are met in a "natural", age-appropriate setting. For example, a trip to the grocery store in which math, sequencing, travel, and social skills may all be developed in a community setting.

a model for delivery of instruction in which IEP goals are met in a "natural", age-appropriate setting. For example, math, sequencing, travel, and social skills may all be developed in the setting of a trip to the grocery store.