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by Dana Laursen, Director, Education Strategy and Evaluation — May 27, 2009
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The term "innovation" seems to be omnipresent in education stories, blog posts, and policy these days. Some professionals are beginning to question what it really means to be "innovative."
While we continue to sort through the nuances of "innovative" education practices, some districts are examining the results of significant school improvement efforts aimed at student achievement gains utilizing methods that are both replicable and effective. Many of these programs include creative, multi-use applications of technology, data-driven instruction, and models that incorporate extensive professional development options as well as continuous improvement strategies.
Columbus City Schools, featured in the most recent PLATO Learning Webinar, has implemented a progressive school improvement model incorporating all of these features since the program's inception in 1999. Each year the district has incorporated a number of effective practices including afterschool and summer school transitional programs, Winter Institutes, a Virtual High School, a credit recovery model, a dual enrollment program, Summer Bridge, and tutoring options. As highlighted in the Webinar, Columbus City Schools has experienced significant growth in student achievement. Staff members are also actively engaged in defining and targeting both proven and new directions for their schools.
Funding Update
Recently, the US Department of Education moved the release date to July 1, 2009 for $919 million in Enhancing Education through Technology funding for school districts across the country. The funding includes the regular 2009 allocation as well as $650 in ARRA funding. An additional $100 million has been proposed as part of the President's 2010 budget.
States are currently developing application processes for competitive grants to stimulate the use of technology to improve teaching and learning including many efforts aimed at implementing 21st Century Classrooms.
The grant awards are anticipated to support innovative technology supported strategies to promote career and college readiness as well as 21st Century skills. Texas has published the state's application, entitled Target Tech in Texas (T3) Collaborative Grant. Expect other states to post their applications soon as well.
What is your school or district doing now or plan to do in the future to support innovation and school improvement?
