Generation Schools celebrates 7-0 vote by Denver School Board to approve Innovation Plans

On January 29, 2012 the Denver School Board voted 7-0 to approve an Innovation Plan for both West Generation Academy and West Leadership Academy. Last spring, Generation Schools Network submitted a proposal to launch West Generation Academy at the West High School campus in Denver in response to DPS’ Call for Quality Schools. This proposal was also approved by a unanimous vote by the DPS School Board this past June.

Shortly thereafter, Generation Schools Network also began partnering with the College Board School, West Leadership Academy, also slated to open in the shared West High School campus. West Leadership Academy will implement many of the elements of the Generation Schools model and both academies will share an aligned calendar and school day.

Both innovation plans provide the schools with autonomy around schedule, budget and professional development; ultimately providing students with 30% more instruction time each year and teachers with 20 days of built-in professional development annually along with up to two hours of common planning time each day.

In commenting about the plans, board member Arturo Jimenez said, “This is really the essence of innovation…. It’s a very practical and a very visionary way to run the schools. Dr. Robert Villarreal and Teresa Klava and every one at the West Campus including the West team, I really appreciate you providing this wonderful example of how to collaborate.”

Andrea Merida shared her thoughts saying, “This is incredibly out of the box.”

DPS Board President, Mary Seawell praised Generation Schools saying, “West Generation Academy offers true innovation in delivering a great education to students.  It is rare for a strong community, a school district and labor to all agree on the best opportunity for students.  West Generation Academy has created a school all of us believe will be truly exceptional.”

Of the vote, Generation Schools Founder, Furman Brown shared that; “We couldn’t be more delighted to see the structural reforms we advocate take root in the district through these two new academies.  Our goal all along has been to give both students and teachers the absolute best chance for success.”