CNAMom (Parent): All this innovation status stuff had me going onto the links from DCP for more information. I have some questions. I was kind of surprised that DCF would post in their look before you leapsheet about the district maybe getting around the federal special ed requirements. Maybe they didnt read DCPs resources. In one CDE resource it says In developing an innovation plan, schools and districts should be aware that federal requirements generally cannot be waived under the Innovation Schools Act process, because a state cannot waive federal laws. (Taken from page cde.state.co.us/choice/innovationplanguidance) I think thats great news! Special needs kids wont have to worry about an innovation school impacting them. Im confused now, though. Either DCF didnt know this or, I guess they could be saying that its just a question theyre raising because all the innovation stuff has been less than clear. But why would we bring that question to our SAC meetings if they can just clear it up right here? Some of the other things that have been brought up are a lot more concerning to me. Lastly this part was in another document from the same set of resources. Obtaining innovation status can give schools more autonomies, similar to those received by charter schools, giving them greater flexibility and control over their resources without the responsibility for operations and HR. It also allows the school greater control over budget, schedule, staffing, and school operations, so that these resources may all be strategically aligned with the school’s approach to teaching and learning. Currently, most of the modifications that schools have made as a result of innovation status are in the areas of time, school calendar, and personnel, which allow the schools to increase their instructional time and manage their own staff. Although they could seek flexibility, most innovation schools have chosen to continue implementing their district curricula. (taken from cde.state.co.us/choice/innovationschoolsfactsheet) WHY wouldnt we want more of this? MORE INSTRUCTIONAL TIME?? Yes!! I guess the point of my whole post is why is this bad? I saw the fact sheets and all of that. But I cant find the background facts to support some of the DCP press release (cant the BOE already control the curriculum by state law? where is the stuff about the millions of dollars for a new system?) and I really want to understand why I should fight this. Please help! The braintrust on this page is big!!
Posted on: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 14:09:48 +0000
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