Dr. Raechel French
Director of Planning ServicesAustin Independent School DistrictRaechel French is the Director of Planning for Austin ISD. She holds a double degree in Environmental Design and Psychology from Texas A&M University and a Masters of Science in Human-Environmental Relations from Cornell University. Following a Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarship, she completed her PhD through the University of Melbourne's Graduate School of Education, focused on better supporting teachers and principals in their transition to more innovative learning environments. In her current role, Raechel interfaces with all design teams and campus leaders, ensuring spaces function from a practical and academic perspective.
Measure What Matters: POE Playbook for K–12 Learning Environments
Design teams spend months (sometimes years) creating learning environments that support student success. But once those spaces are in use, how often
Design teams spend months (sometimes years) creating learning environments that support student success. But once those spaces are in use, how often do we actually measure what’s working? This interactive workshop introduces a practical, evidence‑b
Design teams spend months (sometimes years) creating learning environments that support student success. But once those spaces are in use, how often do we actually measure what’s working? This interactive workshop introduces a practical, evidence‑based approach to Post‑Occupancy Evaluation (POE) tailored for K–12 schools. Using the CAUSE Coalition’s open‑access POE framework, attendees will learn how simple, survey-based tools can capture both
Design teams spend months (sometimes years) creating learning environments that support student success. But once those spaces are in use, how often do we actually measure what’s working? This interactive workshop introduces a practical, evidence‑based approach to Post‑Occupancy Evaluation (POE) tailored for K–12 schools. Using the CAUSE Coalition’s open‑access POE framework, attendees will learn how simple, survey-based tools can capture both human outcomes, like belonging, engagement, and teacher efficacy, and the real-world spatial experience.
Through a hands‑on “POE sprint,” participants will:
- Identify the right questions for a project
- Learn how to interpret results
- Turn findings into actionable design and operational insights
Exploring how POE can strengthen future designs, support accountability, and build a repeatable feedback loop that benefits students, educators, designers, and districts alike. And leave with a clear, practical playbook for integrating POE into their K–12 projects without needing a research background.
