WASHINGTON—December 4, 2006—A new video and resource guide titled “Schools Designed for Learning: The Denver School of Science and Technology” offers educators, architects, and community leaders valuable insight into designing school facilities to support student learning.
The American Architectural Foundation, KnowledgeWorks Foundation and Target have partnered to produce the 17-minute video about the Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST), a public charter high school in the Stapleton neighborhood of Denver where learning takes place in a high-tech, engaging environment. A 4-minute short version of the video is also available. The design of DSST’s building is flexible and engaging, supporting the multiple ways that students and teachers collaborate and learn in today’s schools. The school facility encourages a variety of learning styles and helps build critical 21st century skills.
DSST integrates cutting-edge technology into the school facility—the building is a wireless environment, and each student works with a laptop computer. Students at DSST constantly interact with technology and each other in their education, activities that are in line with the school’s mission to provide its diverse student body with an outstanding liberal arts high school education focused on science and technology.
The resource guide accompanying the video provides an overview and history of DSST, a checklist of strategies to design a school that supports student achievement, and suggestions about how to create an effective community discussion about the video.
“With billions of dollars being invested in new schools, it is critical that we design schools to enhance student learning,” said Ronald E. Bogle, president and CEO of the American Architectural Foundation. “Students who learn in dynamic environments that support the latest thinking in education are better prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century.”
Chad P. Wick, president and CEO of KnowledgeWorks Foundation stated, “We cannot ignore the impact of school facility design on student learning, behavior, and academic success. We hope that this video case study will inspire communities to consider new approaches to education and the design of learning spaces.”
“At Target, we’re excited to help foster a dialogue around how design can enhance the learning experience,” said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. “We believe that great design promotes creativity and innovation and can have a positive and lasting effect on academic achievement and quality of life in our schools and communities.”
“Schools Designed for Learning: The Denver School of Science and Technology” video and resource guide are part of AAF’s growing Great Schools By Design resource library. The first video in the series, “Schools as Centers of Community: John A. Johnson Elementary School” received wide distribution nationally and has won both a Telly Award and a Cine Golden Eagle Award.
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. Target is the Presenting Sponsor of Great Schools By Design. KnowledgeWorks Foundation is a partner on the Great Schools By Design video series and was a partner on the National Summit on School Design. Co-Founding Sponsors for Great Schools By Design are McGraw-Hill Construction and Herman Miller, Inc. Additional partners include: the American Institute of Architects and Cisco Systems, Inc.
“Schools Designed for Learning: The Denver School of Science and Technology” and accompanying resource guide may be viewed at no charge on the AAF Website: www.archfoundation.org. To order a hard copy of the DVD and the accompanying printed guide for $20, please contact AAF at (202) 626-7318 or email info@archfoundation.org. All funds received support AAF’s national educational and outreach programs. In addition, the 4-minute version of the video can be viewed on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLvoNrjryeg.
Learn more and view the video & resource guide
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.
About Target
Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,494 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today’s best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences, and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at Target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target (NYSE:TGT) gives back more than $2 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs.
Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests, and team members to help meet community needs. With AAF, Target is a presenting sponsor of Great Schools By Design. For more information, please visit www.target.com.
Contact:
Helen Wechsler
(202) 626-7372
hwechsler@archfoundation.org
1799 New York Avenue NW · Washington DC 20006 · 202.626.7318 · Fax 202.626.7420 · info@archfoundation.org