Students as School Design Consultants, Guest Post by Flexible Pathways Lead Teacher, Dov Stucker

As a place-based program,

Burlington City & Lake Semester (BCL) always seeks projects that can only be done right here, and right now. The program leans into whatever issues are clear
and present, bringing student voices into authentic community decision-making. Over the past few years, BCL students have consulted with city professionals on urban design (e.g., Moran Frame), City Hall initiatives (e.g., Burlington’s Equity Report and BTVStat), and policy dilemmas (e.g, the BPD’s police practices). 

In the Spring of 2022, the clearest call for student engagement and impact was the process of redesigning school itself. Not surprisingly, students didn’t need to be convinced that this particular topic is relevant. After all, they are inherent experts on the BHS/BTC 2025 Project, since they are its end-users. 

On the morning of February 16th, 22 students met with more than 15 community partners at the BCA Center on Church St., where they collaborated on five simultaneous design challenges. Together, the group deliberately leveled the typical power hierarchy between young people and adult partners, which yielded an expansive reimagining of what school could be. Even more radical, it unfolded through play. Each small group worked with markers, pipe cleaners, and legos, designing learning environments that embodied one of three core values. Together, we used a “what if” mindset to invite new possibilities: What if school was designed for wellness, for belonging and connection, or based on learners’ interests?

At the convening, we established a culture of curiosity and collaboration.

As soon as we broke into design groups, ideas flowed…

...new insights surfaced…

...and the empowerment was palpable. 

It was really fun to work with community partners as equals and to be able to all have a say in our design. All of the designs for schools were really interesting and preferable to the school system now. Many groups said that school should be a place that students want to go. Why hasn’t the school system changed? Why does it stay the same even when so much is changing in the world? 

~Anders

During our design project with my group, there was so much flow and creativity and art, and everyone’s brains were working together. I really enjoyed it, and felt very connected to the community partners we worked with.

~Elodie

I like how the community partners joined us as if they were students. This way, we got insights from different groups and people…I also like how when we considered what makes a good school, we brainstormed through experiences and what we have seen. We won’t be experiencing the new BHS as students, but we get to say that we were an important part of building it for the next generations. A lot of us have younger siblings who will attend this new school too, so we need everyone’s voice in the community to make sure that we make a strong, welcoming school for everyone. 

~LJ

Director of Property Services, Marty Spaulding, offers context about designing learning environments. 

Architect Nathalia Ellis listens as Adrien shares his insights.

A typical student spends 8,884 hours over nine years at school. There are a variety of subjects, and people; everything should be welcomed. It should have both outdoor and indoor activities. The school should be a communal space where each kid has an equal environment to roam. There are many varieties of learners and types of learning. I think schools should be equipped for everyone…and be made for all learners.

~Pheonix

Students can feel connection and belonging when their values matter. If the school had a room that focused on mental health, for example a meditation room, that would be good for kids who feel stressed and need some time to relax. The school should also have big windows that let in natural light because natural light just overall makes everyone happier. Outside learning should also be in the design because students are more creative when they are in an outside setting. 

~Adrien

Everything matters when it comes to education. Not only does it count what subject matter you’re learning, but it matters the environment in which you’re learning… School should be a place where learners thrive. It should not be a place that feels hostile or draining…or a place where I dread going. But I believe and hope that we can change school and education so that it evolves.

~Chenoa

For more student quotes and insights, check out these two BCL Blog posts: Reimagining School,  and What BHS Should Be