TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL EARNS TOP INTERNATIONAL AWARD
New career academy takes learning to a new level
HOUSTON, TX –
The
Carl
Wunsche Sr. High School
won the international James D. MacConnell Award, the most
prestigious award from the
Council
of Educational Facilities Planners International (CEFPI).
Wunsche is recognized as the premier example of an outstanding,
comprehensive school planning process, which results in a healthy,
high-performing learning environment that enhances student
achievement.
The
school, designed by SHW Group, is the result of four-month visioning
process that included school board members, district administrators,
teachers, parents and students.
Once this
vision was articulated, SHW Group’s architects designed a unique
career academy that integrates instruction in core subjects
(English, math, science and social studies) with studies in career
fields to provide students with a relevant, real-world context for
21st century learning. This design empowers educators to teach in a
new way.
The
school is organized around three academies, each serving about 500
students: legal, business and child studies; technology; and medical
and biological services. Hands-on education is offered at the
on-site, working childcare center, veterinary clinic, culinary
kitchen and automotive garage. There is also a television studio
with broadcast-quality cameras and production equipment and a
state-certified courtroom, as well as a plethora of computer labs
for graphic design, engineering, AutoCAD and other programming
courses.
“Three
successive career pods are arranged as either open office cubicles
or glass-encased spaces,” explains Bill Wadley, SHW’s lead designer
for Wunsche. “Students are able look into each other’s learning
environments and observe the interactive learning taking place.”
“This
makes learning exciting,” says Debi Koch, Wunsche principal.
“Students get to show off their work, and other students are
motivated by what they see. It fosters a sense of respect among our
students and adds to the feel of collaboration and openness.”
Last week
Wunsche received the 2007 Caudill Award – the state’s highest award
for education architecture. The Caudill Award is a joint honor from
the Texas Society of Architects, the Texas Association of School
Boards and the Texas Association of School Administrators.
About the
MacConnell Award
Created
in 1991 to honor the late Dr. MacConnell for his significant
contributions to educational facility planning and the Council,
CEFPI
considers the James D. MacConnell Award to be its most prestigious
recognition.
Founded
in 1921 as the National Council on Schoolhouse Construction, today
CEFPI is an internationally recognized professional organization,
acknowledged for its leadership in planning, designing,
constructing, and maintaining educational facilities.
About SHW
Group
Founded
in 1945,
SHW Group
is an architectural firm specializing in learning environments where
ideas are sparked, minds are engaged and future leaders are
inspired. SHW’s work spans 23 states and three countries. We
believe educators have the power to change the world through each
student they impact. Our mission is to make significant and lasting
contributions to communities by creating efficient learning
environments that maximize potential and inspire excellence.
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