DISPOSITION 1: Innovation from a Strong Foundation

Innovation Bolstering a Strong Foundation

Innovation is about continuous improvement, recombination of ideas, and a culture of learning. Innovation flourishes from a strong, solid, and shared foundation.

Resting on a strong foundation of research-based instructional approaches with guaranteed and viable curricula at every level, we both expect and support academic excellence by design in every aspect of our system. We have a clear conviction that our decisions and progress be rooted deeply in access for all. Innovations in process, product, or practice in St. Vrain do not compromise the stellar instructional and business practices we have worked so hard to build over the years. Some narratives might describe innovation as a lightning strike or light-bulb moment, but we know it to be a skill which we need to hone through practice. Critically, innovation rests firmly on our foundational mission, vision, values, and beliefs: that every student in our system deserves to have a strong competitive advantage through systemic instructional excellence, and that the public school system is a powerful contributing partner for economic success in our community. During hiring, we seek candidates who fit our culture, and who believe in both their own and in the system’s vast potential for excellence. Those who will work hard to make that potential a reality.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS FOR THE READER:

• What does success look like for our division/organization? How are we communicating that vision to our stakeholders? • How available are our innovative programs to all students/all educators? Are some populations better informed or better served than others? • During hiring, are we discovering candidates’ inspirations and motivations, and evaluating their dedication to excellence for the whole system?

OUR CURRENT INQUIRIES:

• How might we share impactful practices with colleagues regularly and across the organization in order to promote the collision and integration of ideas? • How are we measuring and defining our impact in both foundational and innovative ways?

RELATED IDEAS AND RESOURCES:

• Productive struggle is important for learning and transfer. Do not rescue students (or educators or administrators or partners) from their learning. • Examine information pathways in your system to identify functional and high-stakes information and who has access to both. • Craft interview questions that get at the heart of your mission/vision/core values in order to hire effectively. (Example: Robyn Jackson, School Leadership Reimagined)