Districts of Innovation NOTE: To change the image on this slide, select the picture and delete it. Then click the Pictures icon in the placeholder to insert your own image. Informational Presentation

What is a District of Innovation? The 84th legislature passed HB 1842, which authorized a school district to become designated as a District of Innovation (DOI). The law is designed to provide public school districts with more local control. Under a DOI Plan, districts may access many of the flexibilities available to Texas open enrollment charter schools.

What is a District of Innovation? Under a District of Innovation Plan, school districts may pursue specific exemptions from certain requirements under the Texas Education Code in order to pursue innovative practices that give students optimum learning opportunities.

Examples of FLEXIBILITIES that Districts may Seek: Student discipline provisions Teacher certification Teacher appraisal Uniform school start date School day length Class size and/or student-to-teacher ratio for PK – 4th

Possible Exemption Considerations Allow Teacher Certification Alternatives – Career / Tech Courses Flexible School Start Date – School Calendar Maintain Reasonable Class Size – Kindergarten – 4th Grade Option of One Year Extension for Probationary Teacher Contract – Teacher Hires Who Have Taught 5 of the Last 8 Years

District of Innovation Application Process: First Steps…… Board of Trustees approves a Resolution to consider developing a DOI Plan Board holds a Public Hearing to receive community input DOI Planning Committee is assembled to draft a DOI plan

District of Innovation Application Process: NEXT Steps…… DOI Plan is sent to the Commissioner of Education / Posted online for 30 days to receive public comment District SBDM Council holds public meeting to vote on the plan – majority vote

District of Innovation Application Process: LAST Steps…… Board votes on the DOI Plan - 2/3 majority vote Board notifies Commissioner of approval of the DOI plan DOI Plan in affect for 5 years, may be amended during that time period

Possible DOI Timeline for MISD August 14 Board Passed a Resolution Board Held Public Hearing August – September DOI Plan Development Committee Work September 11 Draft DOI Plan Presented in Board Workshop September Plan Sent to the Commissioner of Ed Plan Posted on MISD Website for Comment October 12 District SBDM Committee Holds Public Meeting to Consider the DOI Plan October 16 Board Considers DOI Plan October 17 Commissioner Notified of DOI Approval

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