Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction in cooperation with WASA, AWSP, WEA, WSSDA, PSE and the ESD Networks Updated: September 28, 2011 1.

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction in cooperation with WASA, AWSP, WEA, WSSDA, PSE and the ESD Networks

Updated: September 28, 2011 1

Provide: The history and background of the Legislation The specifics of the two bills:

▪ HB 1521 – Statewide Recognition of EXISTING Innovative Schools

▪ HB 1546 – Encourage the Creation of NEW Innovative Schools

The approval criteria, the application and timelines

Discuss why this effort is important Answer questions

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Innovation and STEM are popular legislatively and in education policy circles

Washington is seen as an innovation backwater by some:

▪ No Charter School law▪ Did not get a Race-to-the-Top grant▪ Perception that schools are hidebound by onerous

state laws, district policies, and union contracts

On the other hand, we have lots of innovative schools…

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HB 1521: Recognize and celebrate the great Innovations that currently EXIST

▪ Sponsored by Representative Marcie Maxwell (D-Renton)

▪ State has long history of support for innovative programs▪ Legal, financial, and political

▪ May be done under existing governance structure of local schools boards

▪ Provided examples of innovative schools▪ Directed OSPI to develop a review process for

identifying innovative public schools in Washington ▪ Purpose is to encourage and highlight the

accomplishments of innovative schools

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To what extent does the school: ▪ Implement bold, creative, and innovative educational

ideas? ▪ Hold students and educators to high expectations and

standards? ▪ Provide students with a diverse array of educational

options that respond to their different learning styles? ▪ Have active and meaningful parent and community

involvement and partnerships? ▪ Serve as a laboratory for educational experimentation

and innovation? Has the school been successful?

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Includes:▪ Description of your school ▪ Student and teacher expectations and standards▪ Description of addressing different learning styles ▪ Parent and community involvement ▪ How is it used as an innovation laboratory ▪ Indicators of success ▪ Did you get waivers? ▪ Other available useful documents

Goal was to have a streamlined application

Available online at: www.k12.wa.us/InnovativeSchools

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Applications Due: October 17, 2011

Applications reviewed/decisions made: October 20 – 28

Schools/districts notified by October 31

Website and recognition Early November and beyond

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Your school will be recognized for your successful innovations and hard work

▪ Statewide press release/website▪ Logo for your letterhead▪ Banner for your building

Will be able to share your experiences with your colleagues

▪ Website▪ Statewide conferences▪ Other venues to be determined

Will be a standards-based selection process

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HB 1546: Encourage the creation of NEW Innovative Schools

Sponsored by Representative Mark Hargrove (R-Covington)

School Boards are encouraged to support the expansion of additional innovative schools and program models

Priority on A-STEM schools and models, but others also eligible

A-STEM schools to:  Partner with community, business, industry, and higher education Use project based or hands-on learning.

  A group of schools that share common interests or locations may

be designated as an Innovation Zone.

Applications must be developed collaboratively by the school district, its unions, and industry, parent, business, and community partners.

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Information requested: Activities and innovations to be carried out Expected improvement in student achievement A budget and sources of funding Technical resources needed & who will provide

them Measures for evaluation and accountability Justifications for any requested waivers An agreement that school directors and local

bargaining agents are willing to provide waivers -- or bargain appropriate contract sections--, as needed, of bargaining agreements

Evidence that a majority of staff in an existing school have approved the plan.

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SPI/SBE may waive specified statutes and rules

Examples: Annual 180 school day requirement Restrictions on the commingling of state

categorical funds Other rules that are needed to implement the

school or zone

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Applications Due: January 6, 2012, 5:00 pm

Submit on www.12.wa.us/innovativeschools

ESD Boards recommend approval to the SPI

SPI notify districts of selection by March 1, 2012

Implemented in the 2012-13 school year.

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Educational Service District

Total Number of Schools or

Zones Authorized

for each ESD

Minimum # of A-STEM

Schools or Zones

Puget Sound ESD

10 5

All other ESDs 3 2

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Washington STEM is seeking applications for “Entrepreneurial Awards”

Up to $10,000 for one year

Purpose is to try out innovative ideas and approaches that could lead to more effective STEM teaching and learning

Applications Due: Friday, October 28

http://www.washingtonstem.org/grants-center.asp

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www.k12.wa.us/InnovativeSchools

Includes: The legislation A summary of the two bills The approval criteria The online applications Short guides for completing the applications Will have technical resources and info on

Existing innovative schools (early November)

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Comments from representatives of statewide Education Organizations

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If you are likely going to apply to become a NEW school, please send us your name/contact number:

▪ We are considering coordinating regional or statewide workshops for prospective applicants

▪ [email protected]

What else can we do to assist you?

Questions??17