George I. Sanchez Collaborative Community School: A Focus on Collaborative Learning

With the adoption of 21st-century learning initiatives nationwide, administrators at Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) realized it was high time to implement forward-thinking learning facilities in their district. In 2013, work began on an innovative K-8 project that would be called the George I. Sanchez Collaborative Community School.

Collaborate, Collaborate, Collaborate!

APS’s architectural and administrative teams reviewed 21st-century learning facilities and related methods, and one aspect in particular caught their attention: collaborative learning.

We found that collaboration helps students to develop critical thinking and leadership skills through project-based learning, in addition to supporting social development. We decided to build the George I. Sanchez School as a collaborative learning environment with an emphasis on mobility and flexibility. — Melissa Grant, Facilities Specialist, Albuquerque Public Schools

District staff worked side-by-side with long-time partner School Specialty and its Projects by Design (PbD) group, which has 20+ years of experience furnishing educational facilities. The PbD team sourced a variety of soft seating options, mobile furniture, and other modern solutions designed specifically to facilitate collaborative learning activities in a multitude of unique learning environments throughout the school. The team also applied their deep understanding of 21st-century learning principles to offer expert insights on the best layout for the new institution.

Partnering with Albuquerque Public Schools has been rewarding based on our shared vision for a forward-thinking facility. Beginning with the needs assessment, to the actual furniture and equipment installation, our teams worked closely to deliver the right solutions for the District’s unique requirements. —Scott Evans, F&E Project Specialist, School Specialty/PbD

Supporting Diversity in Learning…Bridging Traditional with Modern

21^st Century Learning supports a broad spectrum of educational experiences, requiring diverse environments. To this end, George I. Sanchez was designed with traditional classrooms, collaborative breakout areas, and spaces for children to socialize and express themselves, with an emphasis on technology integration.

The school’s flexible design includes various “breakout areas”. Classrooms are structured to flow into these open spaces, where teachers can send students out in groups for collaborative projects. Spaces allow students to problem-solve and engage in discussions in comfortable environments that support both group interaction and individual study.

The school relied on PbD to select furniture solutions (from a variety of vendors, including mediatechnologies®) that are adaptable and can be easily configured for breakout areas.  To enable mobility and creativity, the school chose a number of furniture pieces with casters, which allow for easy movement.

Learning Everywhere!

An inviting architectural design and a comfortable layout, conducive to learning, were especially important. Spaces feature soft seating (e.g., oversized ottomans), which students can easily maneuver for activities. The open, bright cafeteria layout mimics a mall food court, with serpentine booths, high tables, and bistro seating.

Another welcome aspect is the markerboard paint on the walls, which turns them into dry-erase boards. Students can create artwork and exchange ideas on these multipurpose walls. Similarly, many mobile tables and desks have built-in marker boards, allowing students to take notes directly on the furniture.

We were impressed with the modern furnishings from Projects by Design. Students are able to utilize the breakout areas to the fullest extent. The PbD team applied their extensive knowledge of 21^st Century Learning to provide us with the right furnishings and layouts that would be most beneficial to our students and teachers. —Melissa Grant, Facilities Specialist, Albuquerque Public Schools

Technology integration is also key to 21^st Century Learning, so it was important for the school to give students who use laptops and tablets the benefits of mobility and accessibility to the infinite resources of the Internet. Much of the furniture has built-in USB ports, power outlets, and monitors, allowing students to “plug in” to learning anywhere.

A Community Impacted

In just its first year of operation, George I. Sanchez has received tremendous support, with students drawn to the facility. Given the outstanding response, school administrators are planning additional collaborative learning facilities in the Albuquerque Public Schools system. The District plans to partner again with the SSI and PbD teams to bring the benefits of collaboration to new student groups.

Learn More

To learn more about our Projects by Design® cost-saving, turnkey solution, visit www.ProjectsByDesign.com.

To contact us, please call 800-305-0174 or email projectsbydesign@schoolspecialty.com.