New Mexicans have long valued wisdom from our local communities. We urgently need culturally-responsive, student centered ways of re-engaging students inside and outside the classroom and the Innovation Zones Initiative is where that work happens. By sharing this responsibility, we ensure that our schools are more responsive to the needs of our children and young adults – an essential remedy in the Yazzie/Martinez lawsuit.
Innovation Zone Overview: New Mexicans have long valued wisdom from our local communities. We urgently need culturally-responsive, student centered ways of re-engaging students inside and outside the classroom and the Innovation Zones Initiative is where that work happens. By sharing this responsibility, we ensure that our schools are more responsive to the needs of our children and young adults – an essential remedy in the Yazzie/Martinez lawsuit.
For Innovation Zones, the vision is clear:
Students will be successful because of, not in spite of, who they are and where they come from.
Innovation Zones integrate the Six Essential Practices for Community Schools:
- Collaborative Leadership, Shared Power and Voice
- Powerful Student and Family Engagement
- Expanded, Enriched and Relevant Learning Opportunities
- Meaningful Community-Connected Classroom Instruction
- Integrated Systems of Support
- Culture of Belonging, Safety, and Care
Resources:
- Innovation Zone Intent to Apply Form due by May 2, 2023
- Innovation Zone self-assessment rubric, for presentation development
- Innovation Zone Slide Deck
- Innovation Zone Presentation Planning Graphic Organizer
- Innovation Zone 2023-2024 Budget Planning Worksheet
- Recording of April 18, 2023 application webinar for new and returning IZ cohort members
- Innovation Zone Spring Budget Workshop session notes
- NM PED RFPS, RFIS, RFAS web page
- Frequently Asked Questions
For more information:
Contact CCRB Interim Director Breezy Gutierrez, Breezy.Gutierrez@ped.nm.gov OR Dr. Tim Hand, Founder, Ocotillo Strategies, timothy@ocotillostrategies.com.
New Mexico College and Career Pathways Alliance
The New Mexico College and Career Pathways Alliance is focused on developing and advancing the vision and strategy for systemic high school transformation in New Mexico
On behalf of the New Mexico Public Education Department, LANL Foundation is currently accepting applications for membership to the alliance. The deadline to apply is March 27, 2023 at 5pm. To learn more and to submit your application, please visit the following page:
New Mexico High School Transformation Coalition
The New Mexico High School Transformation Coalition is tactically focused, identifying barriers to transformation, then developing tools and resources and mobilizing the key people across systems and organizations to enact needed change.
On behalf of the New Mexico Public Education Department, LANL Foundation is currently accepting applications for membership to the coalition. The deadline to apply is March 27, 2023 at 5pm. To learn more and to submit your application, please visit the following page:
Remarkable work is taking place across New Mexico to meet and support K-12 students’ basic needs and to provide them with authentic opportunities that improve their educational and professional outcomes. We invite you to explore the map, learn who is doing the work, and reach out to collaborate with leading partners throughout the state.
Additionally, the Innovation Zones Initiative created a Youth Council, which works closely with the other two groups to ensure that youth voice and leadership are reflected in our state’s efforts to transform the high school experience, while creating new college and career pathway opportunities for all students. The Youth Council is facilitated by our partner Future Focused Education. To learn more or to apply to serve on the Council, click here (link coming soon!)
