District of Innovation

  • What is a District of Innovation?

    The District of Innovation concept, passed by the 84th Legislative Session in House Bill 1842, gives traditional independent school districts most of the flexibilities available to Texas’ open-enrollment charter schools.1

    What can a District of Innovation do?
    Potential benefits of becoming a District of Innovation include:

    Local control: Districts decide which flexibilities best suit their local needs.

    Customization: Districts can create an innovation plan for a level of school, grade level, or a single campus.

    Autonomy: Districts must submit a district of innovation plan to the commissioner of education, but approval is not required.
     
    Flexibility: Districts will have the flexibility to implement practices similar to charter schools, including exemptions from mandates such as:
    • School start date
    • 90% attendance rule
    • Class-size ratios
    • Site-based decision-making processes
    • Certain student discipline provisions
    • Use of planning and preparation periods
    • Teacher appraisal requirements
    What is Argyle ISD's District of Innovation Plan
    House Bill 1842... provides an opportunity for Texas public school districts to modify state requirements at the local level to better meet the needs of their unique student populations, in order to prepare them for success and lifelong learning.
     
    As a District of Innovation, Argyle ISD will be able to implement our new strategic plan with the increased flexibility and freedom necessary to personalize learning experiences. An essential tenet of personalization is that every child experiences school differently. In a way, personalization provides a unique "school" for every child. Thus, we must have the ability to make important educational decisions for our students at the local level.
    Read the full text of Argyle ISD's District of Innovation Plan
    Additional Information and Resources
    Texas Association of School Boards District of Innovation Information Page1
     
    TEA District of Innovation Website