The S/L/A/M Collaborative (SLAM)’s Post

“Today we came together to talk about our vision for Brunswick students, what it looks like from a 21st-century learning perspective, and how we can create a flexible learning environment for our kids." commented Superintendent Jason Niedermeyer. "This involves taking what we currently do and transforming it for the betterment of our students."   On September 20th, students, parents, community members, faith leaders, Brunswick City Hall officials, Ohio Facilities Construction Commission representatives and Brunswick City Schools staff attended an Educational Visioning Session hosted by ThenDesign Architecture (TDA) at Brunswick High School. This 4-hour session focused on collaboration and brainstorming designs for the district's new high school. Ideas were discussed for how it can improve every student’s educational experience.   With over 80 in attendance, everyone had a say in the design activities. The new, 301,740 sf, 9-12 high school includes an auditorium and replaces the existing school. It will provide a modern educational environment better positioned to accommodate personalized student needs and foster learning and collaboration.   A current high school senior who attended, Michael Romano, was optimistic about the plans. "Today, we're having a community meeting with different members of our city and community to get ideas of what different groups want for this new high school that will be built. We shared our inputs and came together for the best solution for everyone."   In small groups, teams worked to develop a vision for the high school, prioritize goals, analyze learning environments, and explore options for space planning. Brunswick City School District #education #educationaldesign #k12 #k12education #highschool #collaboration

🏛 ⭐ Schools can enhance the educational experience by designing buildings that cater to the unique stages of learning.🚸 🧒 🔡 For younger students, environments should inspire curiosity and independence, with optimal conditions boosting learning progress. Hands-on learning and critical thinking flourish in such settings. As students advance, facilities should support diverse curricular and extracurricular activities, preparing them for exams like the GCSEs. Thoughtful spaces and timetables can give students opportunities to select more options while connecting with nature enhance engagement and foster responsibility. For sixth form students, buildings should facilitate deeper study and community engagement. Andreea Cutiero, an architect who designs spaces to enhance social interactions, recently wrote an article in Arch Daily about the increased importance to develop flexible spaces. Varied dining options and social spaces that can be rearranged to suit multiple purposes help balance academics with personal growth. Such environments reduce distractions and encourage collaboration, boosting performance and development. Akeley Wood School exemplifies these principles with its three beautifully historic buildings set among manicured gardens, each designed to cater to different stages of learner growth while retaining their heritage. Our nursery offers specialized rooms for role-play, forest school exploration, and activities that stimulate creativity and a love for learning. The junior school inspires students with a variety of instruments, cooking classes, a dedicated library, and laptops from year 3 to teach responsible technology use. In the senior school, students have access to a wide breadth of GCSE paths from sport and DT to geography and film, along with extensive extracurricular options. As students progress to sixth form, they delve deeper into their interests with various A-Levels, specialized spaces for creating, studying, socializing, and a café for meals. Akeley Wood provides an environment where every student can thrive and develop their unique talents, ensuring they grow into well-rounded individuals prepared for the future. Our video 'The Door' will walk you through how students are using our many spaces at Akeley Wood School. Thank you to Samantha Chambers, @EmilyParkes, the students and everyone at JonesMillbank Film & Video Film & Video who worked on this gorgeous video. (Edited to add these credits) #Education #SchoolDesign #StudentSuccess #LearningEnvironment #PersonalizedLearning #AkeleyWoodSchool #AcademicExcellence #HolisticEducation #IndependentSchool #FutureReady #BeYouBrilliantly https://lnkd.in/eqAtUQyt

Study reveals upgraded classrooms improve student participation and engagement. Find out what happened when Heartland Community College and Legat transformed two standard classrooms into FOCUS (Fostering Opportunity, Collaboration, Understanding, and Scholarship) classrooms. Click the link to explore: https://lnkd.in/gdcRsMwA #EducationInnovation #teachingandlearning #highereducation #communitycollege

Positive developmental relationships are a key feature of high school redesign. This graphic shows the evidence-based practices that can create the strong relationships essential to learning. 📍 Hillsdale High School in San Mateo, CA, prioritizes developmental relationships through small learning communities, teaching teams, and advisories, which have led to gains in student achievement and graduation rates. Learn more in Feature 1 of this report: https://lnkd.in/ginAzY2B #HighSchoolRedesign #RelationshipCenteredSchools

https://lnkd.in/gZ-jVXTt Harmonious Integration with Nature: Nestled in the once-depleted Amazon region, this educational complex exemplifies a union with nature, using the land's contours to create a central reservoir and gathering space, embodying a design that heals and revives the local ecosystem. Elevated Learning Landscapes: The campus architecture rises organically from the reservoir in terraced tiers, fostering a seamless transition from nature to educational spaces and encouraging a constant dialogue between the built environment and the surrounding landscape. Decentralized Campus for Community: Eschewing traditional educational layouts, the campus's decentralized structure emphasizes non-hierarchical, creative, and fluid learning spaces that encourage community, collaboration, and intellectual exchange. Symbiotic Relationship with the Environment: The school's design intricately weaves into the Amazonian backdrop, prioritizing the conservation of the natural setting and using it as an active participant in the educational process, from green spaces to water features. Outdoor Engagement and Exploration: The complex design promotes interaction with nature, with outdoor areas that extend learning beyond the classroom, supporting physical health and providing dynamic, educational experiences. Dynamic Visual Experience: The diverse angular placement of campus buildings creates a rich visual and educational tapestry, stimulating curiosity and offering a varied landscape of experiences and discoveries. Bridges as Sensory Experiences: Ground-level bridges offer more than connectivity; they are sensory experiences that envelop students in the environment, enhancing their natural connection. Integrated Circulation Routes: Perimeter pathways blend the architecture with the land, syncing the ebb and flow of academic life with the natural world, symbolizing the synergy between learning and the environment. Deep Commitment to Sustainability: The campus showcases its environmental pledge through solar-paneled roofs, reducing its carbon footprint, and serves as a practical resource on renewable energy, while orchards and crop fields provide fresh produce, emphasizing self-sustainability. Conclusion: This educational complex stands as a testament to environmental respect, sustainability, and the holistic growth of its students. It's a design that celebrates ecological balance, active learning, and a community deeply connected to its environment.

"Unlocking Teaching's Treasure: A Grad's Quest for the Perfect School Fit!”👩🏻🏫🎓📓 Pursuing a career in teaching is a noble and rewarding choice. 🍎When it comes to finding the right school fit, here's some advice to consider: ✏️REFLECT on your teaching philosophy: Take time to think about your values, teaching style, and the age group you are passionate about teaching. This self-reflection will help you identify schools that align with your beliefs and goals. ✏️RESEARCH different school environments: Look into various types of schools. Each school environment has unique characteristics, so it's important to understand the differences and consider which one would be the best fit. ✏️CONSIDER the school's mission and values: Explore the mission statements, educational philosophies, and values of the schools you are interested in. See if they align with your own beliefs and aspirations. ✏️SEEK FEEDBACK from current and former teachers: CONNECT with experienced teachers who work or have worked at the schools you're considering. They can provide valuable insights into the school's culture, work environment, and support for teachers! ✏️ASSESS professional development opportunities: Look for schools and districts that offer ongoing professional development opportunities. A supportive school with a strong focus on PROFESSIONAL GROWTH can enhance your teaching skills and help you stay motivated and engaged in your career. ✏️VISIT & RESEARCH the schools you’re interested in: This will give you an idea of the number of students, teacher/student ratios, state report card data, and overall school summary. ✏️CONSIDER the COMMUNITY and STUDENT POPULATION: Consider whether you feel CONNECTED to and PASSIONATE about serving those students and their families. Also, check out the demographics from where you live to where you would be working. Make sure that you don’t overextend yourself, choose a school that isn’t too far from where you live. ✏️TRUST your INSTINCTS: Ultimately, trust your instincts and intuition. Pay attention to how you feel when interacting with school staff, administrators, and potential colleagues! A positive and supportive work environment can greatly contribute to your professional growth and job satisfaction. 🤔Remember, finding the right school fit may take time and research. BE PATIENT and OPEN-MINDED during your search, and trust that the right opportunity will come your way. And, as always, if you have ANY QUESTIONS, or would like to speak to one of our recruiters: Deitre Helvy, Kelly English, Emily Meeks or myself Angela J., please don’t hesitate to reach out to Greenville County Schools https://lnkd.in/gy8TuXKZ #teacherrecruitment #gcschools #bethechangeyouwanttosee #yeahthatgreenville

This is beautiful and this is how schools should be like - safe, empowering spaces: "There's a lot of students that may not learn traditionally from a textbook but thrive on the land, and we want them to feel powerful and we want them to feel like their abilities can be understood and valued," Willis said. #safespaces #respect #landbasededucation https://lnkd.in/gkQgD-NM

Biophilic design is at the core of Saam’s approach to school design. Check out Katie Davis Kernizan’s blog to learn more about the benefits to students and staff!

No surprise, but numerous studies point to regular school attendance as a meaningful predictor of academic growth, safe and healthy behavior, and high school graduation. With districts across the country experiencing double-digit increases in percentages of students who are chronically absent, long-term ramifications for student needs--and budgets--are top of mind. In this context, engaging with families regularly, proactively, and positively around student attendance has become arguably the most important universal support that schools can provide. Check out my conversation with Reny Lizardo, Ed.D. around what Irving Independent School District in Texas has done to improve attendance, build new partnerships with families, and set more of their students on a course for success. #attendance #mtss #graduation #powerschool

From Commuter to Resident: Making the Most of On-Campus College Housing In this three-segment series of Let's Talk Ed, Zahi Atallah discusses campus life, housing, and student-oriented activities with Christopher Kadrmas. Together, we explore new trends, approaches, and best practices in on-campus student housing and campus life, aiming to make college welcoming and supportive for all students. In the first segment, "From Commuter to Resident: Making the Most of On-Campus College Housing," Chris reviews strategies for enhancing the residential experience, catering to students to maximize stability and focus on success during their resident status. Next, in "Beyond the Classroom: On-Campus Activities to Enhance Experiences and the Culture," we explore the thought process used to create a diverse array of activities available on campus and how they contribute to a vibrant college experience. In the final segment, "Part-Time Student Full Experience: Campus Life and Activities for Non-Traditional or Part-Time Students," Chris discusses ways to ensure that part-time, commuter, or non-traditional students feel included and supported, promoting retention, completion, and success. Join us in our mission to revolutionize higher education together, ensuring that America's workforce is the strongest, businesses are the most competitive, and leadership is furthered and guaranteed. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to Let's Talk Ed for more discussions on transforming higher education! #LetsTalkEd #GrowthMindset #CampusLife #StudentHousing #CollegeActivities #PartTimeStudents #CommuterLife #StudentSupport #HigherEducation #StudentSuccess #CollegeExperience #InclusiveCampus #Retention #Completion #EducationRevolution #CampusCulture #StudentEngagement #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkforceDevelopment #CompetitiveEdge #EducationTransformation #StudentRetention #FutureLeadership