School Redesign Initiative

Posted by School District of Philadelphia on August 11, 2014

School District seeks operators of redesigned public schools

The School District of Philadelphia has launched its School Redesign Initiative, an opportunity for teachers, administrators, families and community organizations to develop, lead, and implement bold, new plans for the District’s traditional public schools.

Through the School Redesign Initiative, the District welcomes innovative ideas to redesign a school’s instructional program to better meet students’ needs. The submission process is open to existing principals and teachers, as well as families, community organizations, and other engaged stakeholders, committed to developing and implementing great ideas in education.
Applicants that put forth evidence-based, viable and innovative ideas on engaging all students in 21st century learning – as well as demonstrate a commitment to the school community, a history of successful leadership and strong instructional expertise – will be selected to assume the management of a District school beginning in the fall of 2015. In the interim, selected applicants will spend the year working with the local school community to tailor the academic program to the students’ needs.
Schools selected for redesign will remain District-managed, designed to serve students who live within the attendance boundaries. The District will work closely with the school redesign team to ensure that processes, systems and policies are aligned in support of each redesign effort. The number of schools selected will depend on the number of high-quality proposals the District receives. It is anticipated that between five and 10 schools will be selected for the redesign cohort.

More information about the School Redesign Initiative, including application materials, is available here. As an initial step, redesign groups are asked to submit a letter of intent by August 19th. School Redesign Initiative information sessions will be held through August. The schedule is posted on the School Redesign Initiative website.

http://www.schoolredesignphiladelphia.org/