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.

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