2011 Innovation Zones Award Recipients

Barbour County Schools

Bluefield High School (Mercer County)

Braxton County High School

Buffalo High School (Putnam County)

Cabell County Schools (Cabell County)

Independence Middle School (Raleigh County)

Kanawha County Schools

North Marion High School (Marion County)

Smoot Elementary School (Greenbrier County)

Union Elementary School (Upshur County)

Wood County Schools

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Deadline for 2011 Applications was December 1, 2011. Applications are no longer being accepted for the 2011-2012 school year.

Return to this website in the late Spring for information regarding the 2012 application process.

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School Innovation Zones Act

WV Code §18-5B.

In July 2009, The School Innovation Zones Act was created as an opportunity for schools to apply for a funding grant which will support their ability to use creative and innovative ways to improve student learning. In this Act the West Virginia Legislature focuses on giving schools permission for exceptions to county and state board rules and policies that inhibit them from implementing creative and innovative steps and programs that enhance student learning. Schools that are designated Innovation Zones sites provide a testing ground for innovative educational programs by providing information regarding the effects of those innovations, documenting educational strategies that enhance student success, and increasing the accountability of public schools for student achievement as measured by the state assessment and local assessments. Click on this link to read the code in its entirety.

In July 2011, The School Innovation Zones Act was amended to include Policy 3236 Local Solution Dropout Prevention and Recovery Innovation Zones.The purpose of this bill is to reduce the number of high school dropouts in West Virginia.

• Innovation and Dropout Prevention Senate Bill 228

  The West Virginia National Governor’s Association Dropout Prevention Grant Taskforce proposed the creation of Local Solutions Graduation Fund so that schools and communities can apply for funding for projects that increase the number of students who graduate. Because school dropout is a community issue and not just a school issue, the admendment requires that applications be made by schools in partnership with community groups or other state agencies. Encouraging communities to develop collaborative solutions to their local dropout problem will spur innovation at the local level and strengthen relationships between schools, community groups, and the other agencies that work to prevent students from dropout.
  School Dropout Prevention Plan Guidance Document

  2011-2012 Innovation Zone and Dropout Prevention Grant Application (Due December 1, 2011)

  RESOURCE page for new presentations, forms, and guidance documents!

   

  Communities Unite for High School Success

  Innovation Zones Annual Report 2011

Do you have an idea that is anything but ordinary? Or perhaps you need a little inspiration, then take a look at these innovative ideas or read our Did You Know archives to help you get started on your own Innovation Zone plan.

For additional information regarding Innovation Zones, please contact:

• Contact Shelly DeBerry, Coordinator, Office of School Improvement, sdeberry@access.k12.wv.us or call 304-558-3199
• Contact David Price, Coordinator, Office of School Improvement, cdprice@access.k12.wv.us or call 304-558-3199