The Horizon Room, presented by the Learning Counsel, is a collaborative forum for K–12 educators to discuss challenges, share practical solutions, explore innovations, and test new ideas with peers. Focused on what’s immediately on the horizon for schools, these Open Mic sessions are designed to surface trends, explore emerging models, and build actionable strategies for today’s pressing educational issues.
Each session draws on the Learning Counsel’s research, field experience, and partnerships to provide timely insight and peer-led discussion. Expect concise briefings, practical examples, and open conversation about the operational and instructional implications of current trends in education.
Not a member of the Network of Expo Achievement Schools? No problem. The Horizon Room Open Mic Sessions are open to all educators. Membership can deepen your access to resources and ongoing collaboration, but everyone is welcome to attend these sessions and benefit from peer exchange and real-world problem solving.
ALL TIMES: 3:00pm EST
| Date | Topic & Registration | Description |
| 08/10 | Research Briefing on Leadership — Priorities for Fall 2022
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This kickoff Open Mic highlights the major pressures shaping district and school leadership decisions for the coming term. Topics include workforce strain, shifting funding pressures, pandemic recovery effects, and system capacity. Attendees will review research-informed priorities and discuss practical leadership moves to stabilize operations and prepare for evolving student and community needs. |
| 08/24 | Managing Devolution and the Teacher Shortage
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Staffing shortages are driving organizational devolution in many districts. This session focuses on structural interventions to mitigate risk, including staffing models, role redesign, and support systems that reduce burnout and preserve instructional quality. Bring examples of what’s working and questions about practical implementation. |
| 09/14 | In-The-Box Thinking
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Rather than defaulting to “out-of-the-box” solutions, this conversation explores how creative thinking within existing constraints can yield scalable improvements. Participants will examine how to optimize current schedules, staffing, and technologies to increase relevance and instructional impact without requiring wholesale system redesigns. |
| 09/28 | Strategy vs. Tactical Programs in K12
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Many schools respond to pressures with tactical program additions that don’t address underlying system needs. This session distinguishes strategic planning from short-term fixes and illustrates systems thinking approaches to align programs, budget, and community goals for sustainable improvement. |
| 10/12 | What are Hybrid Logistics and Hybrid Hyflex Models for Schools?
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Hybrid Logistics and HyFlex models offer pathways to personalization, flexibility, and increased teacher efficiency. This discussion covers practical design elements—scheduling, blended delivery, staffing, and technology requirements—that help districts move beyond a 19th-century industrial model toward more flexible, student-centered learning experiences. |
| 10/26 | K12 Visioning Disconnects
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Effective visioning requires clear links between long-term strategy and daily tactical decisions. This session helps leaders assess whether their vision is guiding practice and policy—or whether it remains aspirational only. Bring your strategic questions and examples to explore how to align vision, mission, and measurable actions across the district. |
| 11/16 | Master Schedule Flexibility to Attract and Retain Students
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With student attrition rising, schedule design and program flexibility are key retention levers. This session examines models for increasing learner agency—choice, pacing, and personalized pathways—while preserving instructional coherence, and provides practical tips for adapting master schedules to meet diverse student needs. |
| 11/30 | What is a K12 Process and Tech Model Architecture?
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To deliver personalized learning at scale requires a clear process and technology architecture. This session covers components of effective K–12 tech models—data flows, integrations, identity and access, and governance—plus practical approaches for auditing hardware and software to ensure alignment with learning objectives. |
| 01/11 | K12 Digital Inventory Issues
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Many districts have accumulated extensive digital resources without systematic audits to measure usage and impact. This conversation focuses on inventory management best practices, streamlining the tech stack, and evaluating digital materials for instructional effectiveness to reduce waste and improve outcomes. |
| 01/25 | Selective App and Process Retirement to Unburden K12 Administration
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Lifecycle management for digital tools—including criteria for retiring, consolidating, or upgrading apps—helps districts reduce administrative load and increase teacher focus on instruction. Share your retirement processes and learn how other districts manage transitions with minimal disruption. |
These Open Mic sessions are intended to be practical, peer-driven, and focused on immediate, actionable steps. Whether you are a district leader, school administrator, instructional coach, or classroom teacher, the Horizon Room offers a chance to learn from research, exchange solutions, and build community around strategies that address today’s most urgent K–12 challenges.