New School plans to implement our custom year-round calendar in the 2021 school year, as part of a long-term effort to mitigate learning loss brought on by distance learning and the COVID-19 crisis.
On a personal note, I strongly believe that quality early education is the foundation for a better future. As a designer, I’m learning that systemic change does not come easily or quickly. Making even one distinct change, like a school calendar, requires months of research and reflection...and we’ll still need to roll with the punches as we implement. This work expands my ability to facilitate, communicate, and iterate as a designer, and I will continue to be an advocate for equitable education as a result of this experience.