Section 28A.630.080. Application—Process—Criteria for waivers.

(1) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall develop a process for school districts to apply to have one or more schools within the district designated as an innovation school, with a priority on schools focused on the arts, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (A-STEM) that actively partners with the community, business, industry, and higher education, and uses project-based or hands-on learning. A group of schools that share common interests, such as geographical location, or that sequentially serve classes of students as they progress through elementary and secondary grades may be designated as an innovation zone. An innovation zone may include all schools within a school district. Consortia of multiple districts may also apply for designation as an innovation zone, to include all schools within the participating districts.

(2) Applications requesting designation of innovation schools or innovation zones must be developed by the school district in collaboration with educators, parents, businesses, industries, and the communities of participating schools. School districts must ensure that each school has substantial opportunity to participate in the development of the innovation plan under RCW 28A.630.082.

(3) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall develop common criteria for reviewing applications and for evaluating the need for waivers of state statutes and administrative rules as provided under RCW 28A.630.083.

[ 2011 c 260 § 2.]

NOTES:

Findings—Intent—2011 c 260: "(1) The legislature finds that:

(a) School district boards of directors are encouraged to support the expansion of innovative K-12 school or K-12 program models, with a priority on models focused on the arts, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (A-STEM) that partner with business, industry, and higher education to increase A-STEM pathways that use project-based or hands-on learning for elementary, middle, and high school students; and

(b) Particularly in schools and communities that are struggling to improve student academic outcomes and close the educational opportunity gap, there is a critical need for innovative models of public education, with a priority on models that are tailored to A-STEM-related programs that implement interdisciplinary instructional delivery methods that are engaging, rigorous, and culturally relevant at each grade level.

(2) Therefore, the legislature intends to create a framework for change that includes:

(a) Leveraging community assets;

(b) Improving staff capacity and effectiveness;

(c) Developing family, school, business, industry, A-STEM professionals, and higher education partnerships in A-STEM education at all grade levels that can lead to industry certification or dual high school and college credit;

(d) Implementing evidence-based practices proven to be effective in reducing demographic disparities in student achievement; and

(e) Enabling educators and parents of selected schools and school districts to restructure school operations and develop model A-STEM programs that will improve student performance and close the educational opportunity gap." [ 2011 c 260 § 1.]

2011 c 260 § 2.