Name: The Power of Less: Achieving Coherence Through Subtractive Design
Start: 2026-05-13T10:45:00-0400
End: 2026-05-13T12:00:00-0400

The Power of Less: Achieving Coherence Through Subtractive Design

Wednesday May 13, 2026 10:45am - 12:00pm EDT

Inman Square, Lobby Level

Session Description: Education leaders often default to "additive bias," layering initiatives until systems become cluttered and ineffective. This interactive session reorients leaders toward achieving coherence through strategic subtraction. Drawing on Leidy Klotz’s research, participants will audit their agencies for "zombie programs" and redundant processes using a practical "Proving and Improving" laboratory. Attendees will leave with a roadmap to reduce initiative fatigue, reallocate resources, and create space for high-impact practices to flourish.

Intended Audience: Districts, charters or other local education agencies; State education agencies; Philanthropies and Foundations; Data analysts or independent researchers; Managers of data or technology teams; Senior leaders (including cabinet-level leaders and executive directors); Nonprofit organizations; Service providers

Speakers

Sean Berkstresser

Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, Tulsa Public Schools

Sean Berkstresser is the Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer for Tulsa Public Schools, where he oversees the monitoring and execution of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing district performance and student outcomes. He was appointed to the role in 2024.

Berkstresser leads a team dedicated to continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making, strategic planning, and charter school authorization. In this role, he aligns organizational strategy with district goals and collaborates closely with senior leadership and cross-functional... Read More →

Akisha Osei Sarfo

Director of Research, Council of the Great City Schools

Akisha Osei Sarfo, Ph.D. is the Director of Research for the Council of Great City Schools (CGCS). The Council supports and advocates for the nation's largest 82 districts including over 7 million children. In her role, she helps guide and develop the work of research directors across... Read More →