Page 36 - LearningSCAPES 2021

SESSION ABSTRACTS Friday, October 15, 2021 - 8:30 am – 11:00 am
Education Reimagined: Four ideas for the future we could start now
There is no better time to think harder about what future school could be than right now. The global health pandemic paused many earlier efforts to rethink the future by disrupting education as we knew it before 2020. Technology, wellbeing and the role of schools in students’ learning are some of those issues that are at the heart of new considerations for schools of tomorrow. In many ways we need to think again how we think about the future. In this keynote I argue that we need to have good common understanding of the state of education today to be able to reimagine education for the future. Based on that big picture I suggest four ‘moon shot’ ideas that could be considered today. Every crisis leaves new opportunities. In reimaging education those opportunities should be utilized without delay.
Learning Objectives:
• Understand some of the key challenges and opportunities in today’s education;
• Become aware of the educational lessons learned from the past two years;
• Realize how American education compares to education in some other countries; and
• Reimagine education for the future by relying on contemporary knowledge and thought-leadership.
Friday, October 15, 2021 - 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Social/Emotional Learning Through Curriculum and School Design
1 LU / HSW
The welfare and wellbeing of students impacts entire communities. Schools that focus on mental health and social/emotional learning with their students foster deeper connections and develop skills like listening, teamwork, and relationship building. This type of instructional strategy can also positively impact the mental health of students by fostering connections and communication. In this conversation, we will share the story of how a mental health organization partnered with local schools to implement research-based strategies. We will share how Grandville Public Schools in Grandville, Michigan, piloted this program of instructional strategy in all grades, the ways it has evolved since its launch in 2011, and the impact it has had in the built environment.
Learning Objectives:
• Learn components of an evidence-based mental health program for schools.
• Understand a framework for individual action that can impact others’ mental health.
• Understand age-appropriate programs that districts can implement to produce a positive campus climate and create mental
health awareness.
• Identify both large and small design elements that support social and emotional learning and development.
Jeff Hoag, Architect / K-12 Practice Leader, GMB Architecture + Engineering
Jeff leads the K-12 Education practice at GMB Architecture + Engineering. He is passionate about designing spaces that empower teachers and equip students to learn. Jeff is a member of the Safe Schools Preparedness & Response Task Force which recently updated the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) School Safety Best Practices Guide. Jeff earned his Master of Architecture degree from the University of Michigan.