Open education often lives in the “space between”—but one of the least examined divides is between K–12 and higher education. Why have these OER ecosystems largely developed in parallel, and what would it take to align them toward a shared national agenda?
This interactive panel brings state leaders into conversation across sectors to surface the tensions and opportunities at that boundary. K–12 OER is shaped by standards alignment, district adoption, and system-level funding, while higher ed centers faculty autonomy and affordability. Where do these models clash—and where might they connect?
Panelists will engage the audience in tackling shared challenges—accessibility, sustainability, awareness, and responsible AI use—while exploring practical points of alignment, from pre-service teacher preparation to dual enrollment course design. The goal: move beyond comparison to identify where collaboration is necessary, and possible.
Attendees of this session will be able to:- Identify key policy and practice differences shaping OER in K–12 and higher education.
- Examine why these systems have evolved in parallel—and where alignment is emerging or possible.
- Compare state and organizational strategies for sustaining OER across distinct governance and funding models.
- Explore shared challenges across sectors.
- Apply cross-sector insights to opportunities such as pre-service teacher preparation and dual enrollment.
- Engage in dialogue to identify practical strategies for building a more connected, national OER agenda.
