Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-2801 states that a School of Innovation (SOI) is a school that "transforms teaching and learning" and defines innovation as "a new or creative alternative to the existing instructional and administrative practices." SOI designated schools are engaged in practices intended to improve academic performance and learning for all students. For more information on Schools of Innovation, please visit the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Schools of Innovation web page https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/learning-services/schools-of-innovation.

The SOI process allows schools the flexibility to try different approaches, inviting schools to experiment with ideas to challenge the status quo and explore waiver possibilities to expand access to new learning opportunities. Join a cohort of 50 Arkansas schools designing systems to implement innovative ideas to equip all learners to be better prepared to succeed in a rapidly changing world!

Interested applicants are invited to join DESE and the Office of Innovation for Education (OIE) on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. (via Zoom) for an overview of the SOI application process and have questions answered.  

Please use the link below to register for the upcoming session (October 13, 2021): 

https://uark.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUuce2vqj8pH9yv6ORSsz1aeJSVHAG1lR-N

Schools interested in applying to become a School of Innovation must complete and submit the Intent to Apply Form by Monday, November 1, 2021. The Intent to Apply form is located on the OIE Schools of Innovation Application Portal:  

https://innovativeed.org/soiapp/itas

Information regarding the application timeline is attached to this memo.

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