August 24, 2005
WASHINGTON — The American Architectural Foundation (AAF) and KnowledgeWorks Foundation have partnered to create a video case study and discussion guide that will educate local leaders and residents about the benefits of creating “Schools as Centers of Community.”
This video showcases the transformative story of John A. Johnson Achievement Plus Elementary School – a struggling St. Paul, Minn. public school that is reborn as a beacon of academic excellence, design innovation, and community involvement. In keeping with the latest thinking in school design and planning, John A. Johnson opens its doors to the community so that it may both benefit from local resources and offer social, fitness, and educational services in return. John A. Johnson is a recent winner of the Richard W. Riley Award for Excellence for Schools as Centers of Community (www.nationalschoolsearch.org).
The “Schools as Centers of Community” model of school planning and design is growing increasingly popular in the United States. Schools are becoming a gathering place – a place of lifelong learning, shared health and fitness facilities, and a host of other services to enhance community and student success. At its core, this is also a question of design. In order to create “schools as centers of community,” architects, educators, designers, local officials, and residents must think differently about our schools and create spaces that reflect a new understanding of the school building.
This 17-minute video and discussion guide are part of AAF’s growing Great Schools by Design resource library. The video, in DVD format, is accompanied by a printed discussion guide that will help local leaders, individuals, and community groups guide conversations about the topics raised in the video. Viewers will learn more about the story of John A. Johnson Achievement Plus Elementary School and discuss how this example relates to their own community.
The Discussion Guide is currently out of print, but you may still purchase a DVD by downloading the form below. In addition, the Schools as Centers of Community video and a full PDF of the discussion guide are available on AAF’s website www.archfoundation.org.
“Creating schools that serve as centers of community is an idea whose time has come,” said Ronald E. Bogle, president and CEO of the American Architectural Foundation. “Schools that are integrated into the fabric of their communities can take advantage of the many resources in the local neighborhood, while providing wonderful services for the community itself. Community involvement in school building projects is essential at a time when the United States is spending nearly $30 billion annually on school construction and renovation.”
Chad P. Wick, president and CEO of KnowledgeWorks Foundation asserted, “By creating school facilities that accommodate a wide range of community activities and support student and community use outside of traditional school hours, communities create new, and more effective opportunities for students, adults, and other community members. It’s important that communities across the country consider this significant strategy for school excellence.”
Launched in 2003 by the American Architectural Foundation, Great Schools by Design aims to improve the quality of America’s schools by promoting good design, encouraging collaboration in the school design process, and providing leading-edge resources to local community leaders. Founding partners for Great Schools by Design are the American Architectural Foundation, Herman Miller, Inc., and McGraw-Hill Construction. Additional funding partners include: Cisco Systems, Inc. and the American Institute of Architects. Program Alliance Partners include: KnowlegeWorks Foundation, American Association of School Administrators, American Federation of Teachers, Council of the Great City Schools, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of Secondary Principals, National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities, National Education Association, National School Boards Association, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
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Discussion Guide and Video This 17-minute video and discussion guide are part of AAF’s growing Great Schools by Design resource library. The video, in DVD format, and discussion guide will help local leaders, individuals, and community groups guide conversations about the topics raised in the video. Viewers will learn more about the story of John A. Johnson Elementary School and discuss how this example relates to their own community. The Discussion Guide is currently out of print, but you may still purchase a DVD by downloading the form below.
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About The American Architectural Foundation
The American Architectural Foundation (AAF) is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that educates individuals and communities about the power of architecture to transform lives and improve the places where we live, learn, work, and play. AAF’s programs include: The Mayors’ Institute on City Design and Great Schools by Design – highly regarded initiatives that help improve the built environment through the collaboration of thought leaders, designers, and local communities. Through its outreach programs, grants, exhibitions, and educational resources, the American Architectural Foundation helps people become thoughtful and engaged stewards of the world around them. For more information, please visit www.archfoundation.org.
About Knowledgeworks Foundation
KnowledgeWorks Foundation is Ohio's largest public education philanthropy. KnowledgeWorks Foundation provides funding and leadership for education initiatives throughout the state and is focused on creating and improving educational opportunities. The Foundation is committed to sharing knowledge gained and lessons learned with others in Ohio and across the nation to help inform public policy. Learn more about KnowledgeWorks Foundation at www.kwfdn.org.
AAF Contact:
Helen Wechsler
(202) 626-7372
hwechsler@archfoundation.org
KnowledgeWorks Contact:
Emily Hedrick, Communications Officer
513-929-1132
hedricke@kwfdn.org
1799 New York Avenue NW · Washington DC 20006 · 202.626.7318 · Fax 202.626.7420 · info@archfoundation.org
