MUSD’S FURNITURE REFRESH PROJECT

Transforming Classrooms for the 21st Century

Get ready to take a seat … because elementary schools are preparing to receive 21st Century classroom furniture this summer!

Manteca Unified School District’s Board of Education has committed millions to install innovative furniture district-wide, designating more money and resources directly into the classroom. MUSD’s investment in the “furniture refresh” project supports the District’s ongoing modernization efforts so that classrooms reflect evolving instructional practices. In a global workforce driven by new technology, Manteca Unified wants to ensure our students are prepared for their future –which means adapting and evolving with the times.

For instance, did you know many of the top jobs in 2012 did not exist in 2022? And many of the jobs students will have do not even exist yet? The children of today will soon be the leaders of tomorrow, using technologies that have yet to be invented to find solutions for problems that haven’t emerged.

The furniture, which features more inclusive designs for all students, implements cutting-edge innovations, including whiteboard desks, collaborative seating, and ergonomic chairs. Each grade level will receive a specific set of furniture tailored just for their needs, placing student need at the center of all decision-making. For example, early learning classrooms are designed for young minds and built to withstand healthy, dynamic movement. Since children have a developmental need for body movement, flexible student seating will allow them to shift positions while continuing to learn. For older students, shared learning spaces will foster a sense of community and civic engagement as they work in teams and learn to problem solve for subjects such as science or math.

Data also indicates that students who learn in classrooms with flexible furniture have more positive feelings about school overall.

Jenni Andrews, Executive Director of Elementary Education comments, “MUSD is excited to implement our new, innovative, and flexible furniture to all UTK-8th grade classrooms. To help students succeed, it’s critical to create classroom environments that nurture a love of learning!”

Providing learning environments that support diverse learning needs is essential. The California Department of Education confirms that classrooms that support active learning increase student engagement compared to traditional row-by-row classroom seating. Healthy movement, color, visual aids, and interactive furniture facilitate student growth while helping children feel active and alert – even seated.

Camp Elementary’s pilot program utilized their updated furniture to reach new educational horizons!

In the planning phase, several MUSD teachers served on an internal advisory team to choose the classroom furniture at each grade level. They even helped pilot the flexible furniture in their classrooms this year!

Pilot teacher Ms. Meranda shares that one noticeable benefit of the dynamic furniture is that it allows students to work out feelings through movement. She states, “If I ask a student that is fidgeting or feeling anxious to sit [still], they’re only going to think about that, whereas if they can rock or [gently move], it helps them center themselves.”

Another opportunity the new furniture creates is for students to switch stations quickly, allowing them to interact with different classmates more frequently. “I used to do an activity that was limited to 6 students in a group. Today, with my new furniture, I was able to mix them up for any subject! It’s a great tool.” shares Ms. Baldeon, a 5th-grade teacher who piloted the furniture.

The furniture will be installed during the summer break, using expert teams to remove old desks and chairs and install new furniture. When students return to school in August, their classrooms will be unlike ever before!

After the TK-8 installation, Phase 2 for grades 9-12 will follow shortly after. Watch this video to see how teachers in the French

Preparing students for the 21st century isn’t only about the latest technology or skills for the global economy. Twenty-firstcentury education is also about creativity, cultural awareness, problem-solving, innovation, civic engagement, communication, productivity, collaboration, accountability, exploration, initiative, leadership, and of course, working hard to meet daily learning goals. This summer, MUSD is making classrooms as dynamic as the world around us.

The furniture will be installed with the help of expert teams to remove old desks and chairs and install new furniture. When students return to school in August, their classrooms will be unlike ever before! After the UTK-8 installation, implementation for Phase 2 for grades 9-12 is planned for next summer. Several high school teachers will pilot the 9-12th grade furniture during the 2023/24 school year!