Study: Norwalk schools could benefit from ‘having a variety of spaces’
NORWALK — The Board of Education got a sneak peek at the findings from its latest facilities study this week, which indicated the district may benefit from diversifying its learning spaces.
Early evaluations of Norwalk’s schools led to suggestions to improve school security vestibules, upgrade paint and floor surfaces, installation of new shades throughout buildings and increased transparency around schools for security reasons in the short-term.
The initial findings of the study, done by Newman/ DLR Group, also suggested the district invest in more diversified furniture and learning spaces for more flexibility. This would include breakout spaces for group activities.
The new study is looking at not only what capital improvements need to be made to school facilities, but also what should be done to help enhance learning in different schools depending on their specialized programs and offerings, particularly as the district focuses on school choice, according to Superintendent Alexandra Estrella.
“We’re looking at analyzing the state of our facilities and how we look at work that needs to be done with a different lense, keeping in mind the education needs of schools and aligning the brick-and-mortar to the instructional model and unique features our different programs have throughout the district,” Estrella said at Tuesday’s Board of Education workshop where the initial facilities study findings were presented. “We want to make sure the classroom environment and the school environment at large support the educational models we’re trying to promote and develop throughout the district.”
The findings presented Tuesday were the first part of a series. The study, which began in January, is still underway as the team works on graded assessments of each school facility.
A. Brooks. Fischer, a principal at Newman Architects, said trends are already appearing in the data they’re collecting from a series of co-labs done to bring stakeholders together and collect information on school needs.
One thing the firm suggested from early findings was having more flexibility in learning. This means a variety of learning spaces, from enlarging some rooms to create open group work, to having private study rooms, and different types of furniture like wiggle chairs.
Board member Erica DePalma expressed concern about the level of distraction that could come from having more open plan spaces, considering how it becomes an issue in many offices.
“I know you said it’s not distracting, but give me some comfort for kids with sensory issues, and ADHD and hearing loss,” she said.
However, DLR Group principal Jana Silsby emphasized the plans though are “not about open concept, but “having a variety of spaces.”
“One of the things we’re finding when we walk through schools is there's one type of space,” Silsby said. “Overall, there’s one type of furniture as well. It’s about making all different types of learning activities happen in an effective way.”