Planning for the Future of Learning in Corvallis

Leaders of the Corvallis School District have embarked on an educational planning process that will create guidelines for how education will be delivered well into the 21^st century. These guidelines will eventually inform long-range facilities planning with the delivery of educational programs as a priority. In addition to educators, a diverse collection of voices and perspectives were invited to participate in the initial phase of this process at a “Future of Learning Summit” on March 31. This process will continue through the spring, with a report to be provided to the school board in June.

This is a community that values education and there is no shortage of interest in how to provide the best outcomes for all students. Building on our foundation of academic excellence, commitment to equitable opportunities for all students, and the great diversity in our community. We are excited to imagine a future that looks different from our current system. We have become more student-centered and our educational system must reflect that.

At the March 31 summit, educational and community representatives participated in a fast-paced session. Community attendees included parents and students and representatives from Oregon State University, Head Start, local arts and social service organizations, the Boys and Girls Club of Corvallis, and Linn Benton Community College. Participants explored core educational concepts that align with community values and expectations for our children. Facilitated by Architects of Achievement consultant Victoria Bergsagel, participants were provided a glimpse of the future of education. An example included San Diego, California’s High Tech High School, where students are focused on active, inquiry-based learning in a school building that more closely resemble the Google campus than a traditional educational building.

Themes that emerged from the day included personalized and authentic learning experiences and adaptive and flexible learning environments that integrate collaborative workspaces and the outdoor environment.

This is the first of many steps that we are taking to thoughtfully plan how to best meet the educational needs of students that are coming of age in a time of globalization and rapid change. Before we make any decisions about our facilities, we realize that instruction is at the heart of any future school buildings.