Photo triptych of individuals against a blue background with gridded graphic embellishments.

Center for Reimagining Education (CRE)

Empowering schools to imagine, design, and create what's next

Our change model

Whether you use our self-directed modules or a multi-year facilitation approach, our Three Lens Framework is designed to guide schools and districts through a transformational process. 

Challenge and disrupt traditional classroom models.

Rethinking traditional classroom models allows schools to adopt evidence-based, student-centered, and measurable approaches. This lens focuses on identifying what works in the classroom and refining instruction to maximize learning outcomes. 

 

Empower students as co-creators and leaders.

Giving students agency as co-creators of learning ensures that education is collaborative, engaging, and meaningful. When students are partners in the learning process, they take ownership of their growth, develop critical thinking skills, and contribute to a more dynamic learning environment.

Use a school-within-a-school approach to pilot manageable innovations that can scale.

A small group of individuals who are willing to think creatively and develop ideas become your voices of change. They champion ideas into meaningful projects that have the potential to reach larger audiences.

Challenge and disrupt traditional classroom models.

Rethinking traditional classroom models allows schools to adopt evidence-based, student-centered, and measurable approaches. This lens focuses on identifying what works in the classroom and refining instruction to maximize learning outcomes. 

 

Empower students as co-creators and leaders.

Giving students agency as co-creators of learning ensures that education is collaborative, engaging, and meaningful. When students are partners in the learning process, they take ownership of their growth, develop critical thinking skills, and contribute to a more dynamic learning environment.

Use a school-within-a-school approach to pilot manageable innovations that can scale.

A small group of individuals who are willing to think creatively and develop ideas become your voices of change. They champion ideas into meaningful projects that have the potential to reach larger audiences.

Models of support

Explore our three models of support to find what works best for you. 
 

Best for districts or schools ready for deep, facilitated change 


Work side-by-side with our team through a multi-year, consortium-based model. This approach includes onsite facilitation, team-based training, and ongoing support tailored to your school or district’s goals. Ideal for those seeking sustained, systemic change.

Best for teams seeking flexibility with expert support 


Blend the convenience of self-paced online learning with the power of personalized coaching. This model combines asynchronous content with virtual or in-person coaching sessions to help teams apply learning in real time and build momentum.

Best for individuals or teams exploring at their own pace 


Access a library of self-directed, online modules designed to spark ideas and build capacity. This fully asynchronous model is perfect for educators looking to explore new strategies independently or as part of a professional learning community. 

Need help identifying the right model?

  • Contact

  • Bart Swartz (bartswartz@ku.edu), CRE Director

  • or

  • Megan Turpin (mturpin@ku.edu), Sr. Instructional Designer


CRE in the News

Students on the University of Kansas campus on the first day of fall classes.

Back-to-school goes beyond the classroom

At the Achievement & Assessment Institute (AAI), back-to-school season is more than new schedules or sharpened pencils. We witness students finding their path with the right guidance, teachers focusing on what matters most with innovative tools and assessments, and families and communities providing the foundation every learner needs to succeed.
Bart Swartz, Director of the Center for Reimagining Education, leads an artificial intelligence workshop for Kansas educators.

Center for Reimagining Education Director Bart Swartz featured in ABC News on how schools are embracing AI

Bart Swartz, Director of the Center for Reimagining Education within AAI, shared with ABC News how his team is helping Kansas schools explore new ways to use AI responsibly and creatively.
Four educators collaborate around laptops in a library during a professional development session. One person is standing and pointing at a screen while the others focus attentively, highlighting teamwork and engagement in a learning environment.

Kansas educators explore the future of learning through AI

Kansas educators are exploring how artificial intelligence can transform teaching and learning. The Center for Reimagining Education (CRE) is partnering with districts to personalize education and prepare students for the future.

Reimagining Education in a New Era

CRE helps schools harness the power of AI, technology, and data to transform learning. As education evolves, we see an exciting moment for teachers and students to shape new possibilities together.

That’s why we partner with educators to design learning environments where students and teachers co-create personalized, scalable solutions that match the needs and strengths of their communities.

What we’ve achieved

CRE has launched multi-year cohorts that explore a model for reimagining what teaching and learning can look like in the modern school, with AI serving as one of the tools that helps bring these ideas to life. Educators receive professional learning, coaching, tools, and access to a vibrant online community. To expand our reach, we’re also developing self-paced modules that guide schools through the reimagination process from concept to implementation.

Why now 

Schools are ready for change. With the right support, we can scale innovations that give every student access to the future of learning.

CRE table facilitator discussing with a small group

CRE staff

Providing quality assistance also requires an engaging group of staff who have been in your shoes. Our staff has more than 100 years of combined experience in education.

Advisory board

Change is only as effective as the people inspiring it. At CRE, we rely on our advisory team to discuss ideas, identify gaps and opportunities, and provide feedback. The advisory team comprises individuals from around the world and across sectors such as education, AI, private business, and nonprofits.

Individuals in a conference room.