K-12
The newly released Deck of Spaces™: K-12 2nd Edition is a hands-on tool to facilitate expanded considerations of space design for equity and inclusion in K-12 schools. How can we explore the many ways contemporary school design marginalizes users based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, trauma, and mental health? How do we break down these barriers to learning? This deck of 67 idea cards was codesigned by a national collaboration of experts in learning science and school design. Each idea is firmly rooted in the research-based framework of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and serves as an entry point to discuss sometimes challenging topics affecting students of all variabilities.
Deck of Spaces™: K-12 2nd Edition
How can I use the Deck of Spaces?
Influence Space Design:
The Deck of Spaces™ can be used to start the conversations necessary before a redesign of your classroom, a remodel of your school, or a new environment for your district. The beauty of the cards is they translate between the needs of the many different groups involved in a learning environment: students, educators, administrators, community members, and designers. Rather than starting a meeting entirely from scratch, they provide a jumping off point to encourage focused conversation, prioritization of needs, and new ideas to discuss together.
The conversations prompted by the deck provide next steps for design teams by identifying the key learning needs for educators and students. These overarching concepts are then developed into specific space design choices to ensure success.
Advocate for UDL:
Universal design for learning (UDL) is a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn. Educators all over the world are learning the many facets of UDL and referencing UDL Guidelines to further support their students. The Deck of Spaces™ acts as tool to teach UDL principles and spread the word on how learning spaces can advocate for each and every learner.
Prompt Discussion:
The Deck of Spaces™ can be used to discuss large district needs such as equity, inclusiveness and access. These important priorities are complex and can be difficult to start tackling. The Deck of Spaces™ simplifies the conversation and helps to prioritize your district's big needs by providing examples that relate directly with the UDL Framework.
The cards and process provide every person with the language to express their personal perspective with expertise, while seeing others’ perspectives they may not have otherwise considered. Experience the power of this new tool kit, have some fun while working on critically important challenges in K-12 education, and engage in meaningful discussion with fellow educators, colleagues, students, and stakeholders. You’ll take away new insights and application ideas to make school a welcoming and academically successful experience for all users!
