Innovation Zones Announcement
2013-14 School Innovation Zone and Local Solutions Dropout Prevention and Recovery Zones Applications
are due October 1, 2013.
Download Application
All grant applications are to be submitted to Rebecca Derenge at rderenge@access.k12.wv.us.
The following are priority areas identified for this year’s application. Guidance documents and resources are linked to each priority. Applications for Drop-out Prevention grants that choose to focus on a priority area must show a clear correlation between the priority area and the outcome of drop-out prevention.
During the 2013 legislative session, Governor Tomblin sponsored several key education reform initiatives through Senate Bill 359 and charged the WV Board of Education with supporting the successful implementation.
For further information about the application process please contact the Office of School Improvement 304-558-3199.
2012 Innovation Zones Award Recipients
2011 Innovation Zones Award Recipients
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
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.
|
