Flexible classrooms allow for the design of smaller classroom buildings. Teachers can utilize them to engage in "response intervention" for behavior problems and as safe zones during school lockdowns with limited visibility from public corridors. They can provide a space for makeup exams and joint classroom projects. Educators and staff can monitor several classrooms at the same time. According to Ebrahim Nana, president of Nana Wall Systems, Inc., "Teachers have come up with over 100 ways to use flexible classrooms to enhance learning opportunities." When used in cafeterias, flexible spaces can provide many food-serving areas with one single clean-up area. For science or art configurations, central lab sinks, cabinetry and storage areas can save construction costs and reduce classroom footprints.

Here are some components that are important when planning a flexible classroom:

• Acoustic performance and sound-dampening qualities
• Swing doors as an option for easy access
• Visibility from adjacent classrooms by careful placement of glass panels
• White boards as an option for wall panels

In addition to interior configurations, new movable panels with higher energy performance values allow teachers to expand the learning environment outdoors (weather permitting).