State Board of Education member Colleen Grady comments on Emmy L. Partin's recent piece concerning a board recommendation that school districts be allowed to create so-called innovation schools. Essentially, these would be copies of charter schools, which districts are already allowed to sponsor.
You rightly point out the reason why the recommendation regarding innovation schools is puzzling. During discussions in committee, it was pointed out more than once (by more than one board member) that the recommendation is redundant at best. In addition to sponsoring a community school, districts also have two other mechanisms open to them to spur innovation or release from regulation. Excellent and effective schools already have the ability to be excused from a number of rules and regulations should they request such release. There is also a waiver process in place for school districts who wish to implement "innovative programs."
Colleen Grady
State Board of Education