2017-2018 Innovation Awards

In its third year within the iLab, the QTEA Innovation Awards supported a 14 school cohort in tackling equity challenges important to their community. To further deepen this work, the iLab rolled out a new equity-centered design framework that intentionally integrated an equity lens into the design thinking process. This additional frame encouraged even more inclusion of student voice and welcomed more stakeholders to learn from and design with. The second iteration of “Pitch Night” built on the first with schools presenting their ideas for additional funding and support.

Aptos Middle School 

How might we use storytelling to shift mindsets, attitudes, and beliefs of non-black staff, specifically white staff as a means to fundamentally change the way they see, talk to, and teach Black students?

Balboa High School 

How might we create and engaging curriculum around integrating basic computer skills and interesting content? How might we create/design professional development opportunities for teachers of all subject areas that encourage them to incorporate more technology across the curriculum? How might we design a flexible space that responds to student needs? How might we expand our understanding of a wider range of student needs?

César Chávez Elementary School 

How might we help students celebrate and share their multiple intelligences inside and outside of the classroom?

Civic Center Secondary School 

How might we ensure that each and every student has the skills to be successful in their next life setting?

Commodore Sloat Elementary School 

How can we advance digital literacy in our school community to improve academic engagement and achievement for all students, and to close the opportunity gap for English Learners in particular?

Francis Scott Key Elementary School 

How might we enable teachers to develop and implement authentic inquiry based learning by optimizing existing classroom space and ensuring access for ALL students specifically ELL, SPED, and Girls?

Hillcrest Elementary School 

How might we, as the adults at Hillcrest (educators, parents, community members), work together to support students in designing a Black Student Union, in order to develop their sense of identity, belonging, and safety at school while addressing factors that hinder academic achievement?

Independence High School 

How might we maximize deeper learning in the new model without recreating the problems of the traditional school?

John McLaren Early Education School 

How might we create the conditions for our school, families, and community to partner in supporting positive behaviors in our 3-5 year-old Black boys?

Leonard R. Flynn Elementary School 

How might we utilize technology to promote agency, authority, and identity for Flynn students, particularly for our historically underserved students?

Sheridan Elementary School 

How can we advance Digital Literacy in our school community to improve academic engagement and achievement for all students, and to close the opportunity gap for African American students and English Learners in particular?

The Academy San Francisco High School 

How might we invite our community to share themselves (identity, feelings, views) to create opportunities for clear discourse and empathy?

Visitacion Valley Middle School 

How might we create environments and routines that empower our target students to be confident, motivated, independent readers?

Wallenberg High School

How might we increase cultural sensitivity and responsiveness among students and staff in order to foster a school culture that embraces African American students as leaders and scholars on campus?