News & Resources
How can we improve our schools? What will help our children learn? Read about innovations in education and what they mean for your school, your children and your community.
Finally some good budget news for schools!
Last week, Governor Jerry Brown released the latest state budget projections showing that California will get $6.7 billion more in revenue than originally anticipated.
Parent Guide: What are the A-G Requirements?
Did you know it’s possible to graduate from high school, but not be eligible for a California state university? Find out what you need to know to stay on track!
Parent Guide: What is competency-based learning?
Some Bay Area schools, such as Summit Schools and San Jose Unified’s Burnett Middle School, are doing away with traditional grades and assessing students based on “competency.” Learn more about this innovation and how it’s being piloted.
Going straight to 4-year colleges = big pay-off for marginal students
We’ve all heard the conventional wisdom: “He’s just not ready for that college. If he went now, he would fail – he can’t cut it there.” Two recent studies challenge this thinking, looking specifically at students that are right on the cusp of eligibility for four-year schools.
Parent Guide: What is the Common Core?
In the news, on social media or from your child’s school, you might be hearing a lot of talk about the Common Core. What’s it all about?
More districts are extending learning time…but not many in California
A very interesting new report is out that finds that districts across the country are increasingly lengthening the school day and the school year – practices that have previously been far more common in charter schools. High-poverty students benefit the most from extended learning time.
Innovate Parent Leaders Honored as Statewide Volunteers of the Year
Congratulations to Enrique Esparza and Maritza Leal, who are part of a group of parents who have been working to bring new school options to their community for over two years.
GreatSchools CEO on the need for public data on how schools are doing
Bill Jackson of GreatSchools makes a case for why publicly available test scores are an important measure for parents to have.
Parent Guide: What to Expect on the New State Tests
This year, students across California are officially taking the state’s new standardized tests for the first time. Learn how they’re different from the old tests and what to expect.
Parent Guide: What are LCFF and LCAP?
California is moving toward a new way of funding schools that’s much simpler and fairer. Learn what this means for your child and your school.
Parent Voices: Raising children in Silicon Valley
Most Silicon Valley parents say they’re very satisfied with their child’s preschool or school, but one in five wish they could send their children to a different school.
Local Voice: New standards and tests are worth the effort
“Real magic is happening in thousands of classrooms all over our state as a result of the new Common Core standards,” writes Gina Dalma, senior program officer at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, for Edsource. “These new standards, along with teachers prepared to implement them and the assessments to see whether students are benefiting from them, hold real promise for offering our kids an education that will prepare them for college, careers and life.”
San Jose charter is finalist in STEM contest – Vote by March 25!
Downtown College Prep Alum Rock High is one of 15 schools across the U.S. to reach the finals in Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow contest. Students designed a water conservation project.
Joanne Jacobs to write for Innovate’s new blog
Innovate Public Schools is excited to announce that veteran education journalist Joanne Jacobs will be contributing regularly to our recently launched blog.
One School Shares Their Experience Doing a Test Run for the New SBAC Assessment
Cornerstone Academy in San Jose recently gave the new SBAC a test run and they share their tips for other schools to get ready for the test.
Innovate Staff To Present “Common Sense School Design” at Upcoming Conference
Innovate staff will be sharing their expertise in how to design and run a high-quality public school in a series of three deep dive workshops at the California Charter Schools Association Conference, March 16-19 in Sacramento.
March 11: What is the Future of Redwood City?
Elected officials are making important decisions right now about Redwood City’s growth and schools. Parents with Innovate Public Schools are hosting a Community Action Forum in Redwood City with Mayor Jeffrey Gee, Santa Clara County Supervisor Warren Slocum and others.
New Videos Help Parents See if Their Children Are On Track
GreatSchools has launched a series of free, new videos to help you understand what your child is expected to learn from kindergarten through 5th grade and what that looks like!
Partnering to Support Rising Principals at Rocketship
This year, Innovate kicked off a yearlong leadership development series to support Rocketship principals to foster the mindset, leadership skills, and school design strategies needed to ensure that their schools serve students exceptionally well from day one of the upcoming school year.
Innovate Public Schools’ 2015 Year in Photos!
Innovate Public Schools aims to make the Bay Area a place where every child in every neighborhood has access to world-class public schools. This year, we worked hand in hand with parents, educators and community leaders to make that vision a reality. We have much to...