In 2009 the West Virginia Legislature, in cooperation with Governor Joe Manchin, enacted HB 109: the School Innovation Zones Act, a policy that allows the state board of education (WVBE) to designate individual schools as ‘Innovation Zones.’
Schools, groups of schools, or individual academic departments may apply for Innovation Zone status. So may institutions of higher learning. The designation provides for possible exception from certain state rules and regulations.
West Virginia is one of eleven states without a chartering law. This legislation represents an effort by education leaders with support from the teachers union to provide an alternative platform for innovation inside the public system.
The law is designed for conversions of existing schools only. An Innovation Zone Selection Committee of the WVBE reviews applications brought by school leadership. In framing an Innovation Zone application the school leadership may request exemption from any state or county policy, rule, statute, or interpretation—except from those pertaining to state testing.
The state has been focusing for some time now in public and private circles on the notion of creating ‘21st century schools,’ reflective of the work done by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. There are restrictions, if not hindrances: An application to designate a school an innovation zone must demonstrate that the educational model is both ‘proven’ and scalable. The idea for the innovation must come from the staff already at the school site, and enjoy the support of 80 percent of faculty. The application must show teacher collaboration and leadership in the new model.
There is growing public support and leadership for a statewide innovation sector, and energy is building among private organizations.
Laws and policies:
School Innovation Zones Act (H.B. 109, passed 6/2/09)
Resulting Education Innovation Zones policy from W.V. Department of Education
Website:
http://wvde.state.wv.us/innovationzones/faqs.html
*Image: West Virginia Department of Education
*Image: Route 21, Partnership for 21st Century Skills
