Education Minister Peter Fassbender is encouraging schools throughout the province to submit their proposals for the Innovation Partnership and/or Innovation Inventory as the first intake period is quickly coming to a close.

With innovative learning opportunities and teaching practices happening in B.C. classrooms every day, these two initiatives will look to share successes from the system and create a network of schools and educators as they explore more innovative, flexible learning opportunities in their communities.

Schools accepted into the Innovation Partnership will have access to a variety of supports as they focus on moving innovation from theory to everyday practice. This includes engagement with likeminded schools/districts, access to research support and possible exemption from ministry policy/regulation. The Innovation Inventory will build a catalogue of innovative practices from both public and independent schools, with the goal of facilitating further discussion, sharing and innovation between schools and districts.

To be considered in the first intake, schools have until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, to submit their proposals. Schools are welcome to make submissions at any time, however those submitted after the June 17, 2015, deadline will not be considered until the second intake is announced this fall.

An Innovation Partnership Working Group (IPWG) has been established to guide the K-12 Innovation Strategy and oversee the day-to-day operations of the Innovation Partnership. The IPWG is a collaboration of education partners including the BC Teachers’ Federation, BC Schools Superintendents Association, BC Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association, the Federation of Independent School Associations of BC and the Ministry of Education.

Quote:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education -

“Nurturing innovation in our schools and communities is an absolute priority if we’re to provide the kind of learning opportunities our young people need to succeed now and in the future. We want to continue to work together with schools and educators across the province to ensure we - as a system - remain focused on initiatives that directly benefit student learning.

“I want to thank the education partners involved for setting such clear criteria for participation in these initiatives and I hope schools throughout B.C. take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

Quick Facts:

• The Innovation Partnership and Innovation Inventory are key components of the K-12 Innovation Strategy announced at January’s ‘BC’s Focus on Learning’ forum in Vancouver.
• In addition to schools, districts and independent school authorities, the IPWG will consider proposals from groups of schools committed to working collaboratively to improve student learning.
• Different proposals are required for the Innovation Partnership and Innovation Inventory given they have different purposes and submission criteria.

Learn More:

For more information on the Innovation Inventory/Innovation Partnership, including proposal guidelines, visit www.k12innovation.ca

K-12 Innovation Strategy: http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2015/01/teachers-and-students-to-benefit-from-new-innovation-strategy.html

B.C.’s Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca/

Media Contacts:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963