What's in Your Space?: 5 Steps for Better School and Classroom Design, May/2016

Transformed learning spaces begin with transformed thought 

For two decades, educators have been told to incorporate skills for the global economy, adapt to diverse learning styles, and employ technology. This requires changing our thinking spaces and our physical spaces. How can or should they change to keep pace with and reflect 21st Century teaching models? 

In What’s in Your Space?, the group behind one of America’s most recognized school redesign projects walks you through the process of designing both “thinking” and “learning” spaces to accommodate today’s rigorous learning models. Throughout this book, educators will

1. Reflect upon their craft and role in 21st Century education
2. Understand the nuances of teaching Generation Z
3. Discover design principles to help establish tech-embedded learning environments
4. Collaborate with other educators to craft a scalable plan for redesigning learning spaces

As we shift our thinking, it follows that the spaces in which we work and learn will also be transformed. Discover how to do it well.

“We, as educators, can’t shift fast enough to keep up with the needs of today’s learners, but this book is a great leap in the right direction of doing so!”
Brooke Menduni, Assistant Principal 
Dublin City Schools

“There is something so unique about the framework/approach/lens of the actual physical change, so closely associated with the philosophical and pedagogical changes that can make this transformation real.”
Carol Spencer, Director of Curriculum
Addison Northwest Supervisory Union

About the Authors:

Dwight Carter is the highly respected principal of New Albany High School, a high school in New Albany, Ohio, that is regularly ranked among the top 100 high schools in the nation. Prior to accepting the position at New Albany High School, he was the principal of Gahanna Lincoln High School, in Gahanna, Ohio, and he played a key role in the design of Clark Hall and the implementation of global skills and technology into its curriculum.  In 2013 he was named a national Technology Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). He is also an inductee in the Renaissance National Hall of Fame because of his incredible work in developing positive student culture. Mr. Carter has frequently been a guest speaker in schools, universities, and at local, state, and national conferences that deal with Generation Zs, technology usage, staff development, school culture, and other 21^st Century education topics. He has authored numerous blogs and has written on behalf of NASSP. During his twenty year career, he has also been a high school social studies teacher, a high school assistant principal, and a middle school principal.

Gary Sebach is a LEED accredited professional architect currently serving as the Director of Architecture at OHM Advisors, an architecture, engineering, and planning firm located in Ohio, Michigan, and Tennessee.  Gary has led multi-disciplinary teams through designing all types of facilities, yet his ability to create dynamic and progressive educational facilities and corporate campuses has defined his 30-year career. His experience includes working with Fortune 500 giants including Cardinal Health, IGS Energy, and BMW Financial Services, as well as working with school districts throughout Ohio.  A firm advocate of 21^st Century Education trends, Gary’s designs foster creativity and collaboration while supporting the variety of learning and working styles of students. He recently presented ‘21^st Century Education Through the Lens of an Architect’ at the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) annual conference and was a featured speaker at the 2013 American Planning Association Ohio Chapter presentation ‘From Pavement to Partnership: The Clark Hall Story’.

Mark White is a school leadership and training consultant. Previously, he was the director of education and outreach at Mindset Digital and academic principal in the International Department of the Beijing National Day School in Beijing, China. As the superintendent of the Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools in Gahanna, Ohio, he played a key role in the design of Clark Hall and the implementation of global skills and technology into its curriculum. During his tenure as superintendent, the district earned the state′s highest academic ranking, opened Clark Hall, and achieved financial stability. Mr. White has been a consultant to both the College Board and the ACT and has served on two national education reform committees. He has frequently been a guest speaker at schools and universities and at local, state, and national conferences. Prior to being a superintendent, Mr. White was a band director, high school English teacher and department head, high school assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent.