Institutional Innovation

[Jamie Britto]

Sounds like an oxymoron doesn't it? Don't institutions typically stymie innovation? Aren't innovators rebels with a cause?

But that's what I'm looking for, schools that have developed a culture or process for continual innovation.

My school would like to visit some as we prepare for our next strategic plan (which is no longer a plan but something more malleable after Rob Evan's writing, Strategic Thinking.)

Please let me know what you think of my list. Anyone here know anyone at these schools? Any you would add to the list?

Right now my initial lists includes:

1) Carol Baur School, Mexico City
interesting programs based on Piaget and brain research. They start prek at 2 years old, devote a year with six year olds to acquire English and have some of the best constructivist math and science programs I have ever seen.

2) Lakeside School, Seattle
Known for global education, our director of international studies and academic dean were very impressed with their program. I think they also have support from Bill Gates or Microsoft.

3) Crossroads School, Los Angles
Recently "excluded" the AP program from their curriculum

4) Urban School, San Francisco
First noticed their tellingtheirstories.org project, appears to be a good example of thoughtful innovation and curriculum design

5) High School of the Future, Philadelphia
Supported by Microsoft, touted by Will Richardson, and housed in a LEED certified building, their goal was "holistic reform of secondary education."

Thanks,

Jamie

[Demetri Orlando]

Hey Jamie,
I've tried to keep a list of innovative schools I've heard mentioned. It's on the wiki at: http://schoolcomputing.wikia.com/wiki/Innovative_Schools
It's not that these schools have necessarily created a culture of continual innovation, but that they have been discussed as being different than the norm for various reasons (and in various directions.)
I hope you will post info [video?] and thoughts about the schools that you do visit (and/or add to the list of schools on the wiki page.)

[Susan Carter Morgan]

Jamie, I have not visited this school in New York City, but I have a friend who sends her daughter, and she loves it.
http://www.sofechalk.org/home.aspx
And what about Chris Lehmann's school: Student Leadership Academy?