The School Innovation Zones Act is designed to encourage pilot projects at schools around the state. The law allows for waivers to certain state laws, rules and policies to give teachers and principals greater local control over the curriculum, schedule and staffing in their schools.
Schools that become Innovation Zones essentially become learning laboratories with the flexibility to try innovative teaching strategies. The approach can vary, from changes involving all math teachers in a school or county, for example, or it could be a broader initiative involving the entire school, such as altering the structure of the school day.
Dates and locations for the informational meetings include:
Sept. 24 – The Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, Shepherdstown
Sept. 30 – I-79 Technology Park Research Center, Fairmont
Oct. 5 – The Clay Center, Walker Theater, Charleston
Oct. 7 – Tamarack, Beckley
Two sessions are scheduled at each location. The first session will run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The second session will run from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. If you are interested in attending any of the sessions, please register online at http://wvde.state.wv.us/innovationzones.
Representatives from schools or groups of schools are invited to attend, including teachers, building administrators, business/community/parent school partners, and central office staff. Members of higher education institutions and other educational stakeholders are welcome to attend as well.