How innovative designs inside classrooms could improve learning loss, absenteeism at Houston schools

By Re'Chelle Turner

HOUSTON – Imagine a classroom where every student, no matter their needs, feels at home, engaged, and ready to learn. The vision is becoming a reality with new classroom designs aimed at tackling absenteeism and learning loss.

One company, KI invited KPRC2 Re’Chelle Turner to look at ‘classrooms of the future’.

The furniture company is redesigning classrooms to be more comfortable and flexible, creating spaces where students want to be, rather than a place they have to be.

Think back to your school days—you might remember rows of desks and uncomfortable chairs. For years, KI has been listening to educators and students to create more engaging and dynamic classrooms.

Emily McGinnis, a former teacher, and principal who is now the Marketing Manager for KI, gave Turner a tour of the innovative model classrooms during a conference at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

“Welcome, first of all, to Chaos Space. And this section right here is our Learning Zone section. So, we’re trying to showcase how, in classrooms, you can have the tables that push together for collaboration. You can have the area where you can do more maker space and labs and the fun experiments and things,” she said.

She emphasized that the way a classroom is designed can directly impact student learning. KI’s layouts allow students to move, collaborate, and feel comfortable throughout the day, which enhances their engagement and focus.

“We’ve totally changed where kids are getting the chance to move and feel comfortable in their seat,” she said. “Because think about it: They’re in that space all day. And, you know, they need to feel comfortable. And if you’re not comfortable, you’re not engaged, and you’re not learning.”

Question–absenteeism is really big now in education. Talk about some of the challenges not only schools here in Texas are facing but schools across the nation?

“Yeah, so my background, I was a teacher and principal for a lot of years. And, you know, absenteeism was still kind of a problem then, but it has just really almost doubled in some areas. And a lot of it is, you know, kids don’t feel like they have a space, or they belong,” she said.

She emphasized that the way a classroom is designed can directly impact student learning. KI’s layouts allow students to move, collaborate, and feel comfortable throughout the day, which enhances their engagement and focus.

“Especially after COVID and the pandemic, they were at home learning. So, we’re trying to create spaces that feel safer and more comfortable and inviting. And trying to make learning fun again. You know, it’s lost a lot of the joy,” she said.

KI’s research found that 80% of teachers are concerned about student engagement. With this in mind, the company is transforming classrooms to meet the needs of today’s students, and two Texas school districts are set to receive these makeovers.

KI’s efforts aim to reimagine what education can look like helping every child feel seen, valued, and ready to learn.

To learn more about the transformation and how you can vote for the districts involved, visit Third Annual Classroom Giveaway | KI.

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