Innovation School Support
Finding creative solutions
Why Innovation?
The Colorado Innovation Schools Act was passed in 2008 with the goal of improving educational performance through greater school autonomy in staffing, scheduling, programming, and resource allocation and increased diversity in approaches to student learning in schools. With increased autonomy comes increased accountability for improved academic achievement outcomes.Get Smart School supports innovation because it affords leaders the autonomy to make decisions at the building level to better serve their students.
Innovation Resources
Get Smart Schools has been working hard on providing structure and support for schools seeking innovation status. Below is a list of resources we have created to help provide information and guidance for schools and districts.Suggested timeline for innovation school application reviews
Proposed school training calendar
Model District Review Process
Model application
Model application guidance
Budget template
Model application scoring rubric
Model zone application
Model zone scoring rubric
Model zone application guidance
Watch this video clip from the GSS Innovation Video for Leadership Teams. Contact innovation@getsmartschools.org if you would like a copy of the video and guide to help facilitate the conversation about moving to innovation status with the leadership team at your school!
Innovation Consulting
Get Smart Schools has developed a unique support system for schools that are considering or pursuing Innovation status. GSS Innovation Consultants are experienced Innovation advisors that are ready to support school leaders through the application process. GSS Innovation Consultants specialize in the following critical areas: writing the application, coaching for the school leader, facilitation of discussions and planning, and budgeting guidance.GSS Innovation Consultants undergo a selective screening process and receive specialized trainings hosted by Get Smart Schools. Once trained, these consultants are part of the GSS Innovation Consultant Pool and schools are able to search for consultants with the particular skill-set to help implement their innovation plan. GSS also reviews and evaluates the consultants as they work with schools to ensure the highest quality of support.
Request a list of consultants and their areas of expertise by contacting us at innovation@getsmartschools.org.
