The task of a focused conversation and its facilitator is to release the genius, wisdom, and experience of the group on a topic and guide it towards a considered conclusion. Various purposes for holding a focused conversation on high schools and the recommendations of the Iowa Learns Council are: (1) Highlight the attention the community is paying to the local high school program; (2) Clarify the perception of the participants as to the strengths, concerns, and possibilities they may have regarding the current high school experience; (3) Identify directions for the local community to consider as its leadership continues to pursue this topic; (4) Identify possible priorities that participants may have for graduates of the local school district; (5) Set the stage for more in-depth conversations; and (6) Provide the local school board and the Iowa State Board of Education with input on current thinking at the local level regarding high school programs and students.