INNOVATOR Archives
INNOVATOR offers a monthly update on school and district transformation from NC New Schools/ Breakthrough Learning. Our e-newsletter aims to inform practitioners, policy makers, and friends of public education on innovation, workforce development, research and success stories from schools, districts and regions across the state. Browse our archived issues by date or subject.
  • INNOVATOR | March 2016   (3/24/2016)
  • - Federal grants boost N.C.'s 'Early College' high school push
    - Lifting the finance barrier to higher ed
    - Expanding access to STEM with 3-D virtual technology
    - Mapping the future for rural communities
    - A shared vision for equity
    - Changing the game for rural students
  • INNOVATOR | February 2016  (2/24/2016)
  • - Extending the walls of the classroom
    - The Education and Workforce Innovation Fund
    - Meet an innovator: Lisa Zannoni, Syngenta global seeds regulatory & stewardship
    - From career academy to the workforce, one student's journey
    - Powering minds through industry connections
    - Planning for powerful student discussions
    - Register now for scaling stem April 4 - 6, 2016
  • INNOVATOR | January 2016  (1/26/2016)
  • - Accelerating the adoption of STEM education
    - Registration is now open for Scaling STEM 2016
    - The STEM mindset
    - Statewide STEM education initiative sets stage for the next generation of learning
    - It's not science fiction
    - Making the link from STEM to humanities
    - Every student succeeds, but how?
    ESSA supports a continued focus on STEM
    - 'Awakening the Force' of STEM education
  • INNOVATOR | December 2015  (12/17/2015)
  • FOCUS ON MATH
    - -From memorization to understanding: Changing the way students learn math
    - Is curiosity dead? Sparking student interest through better questions
    - Math can be puzzling, and that's a good thing
    - Chunk this! Math and science in action
    - 2015 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
    - Registration is now open for Scaling STEM 2016
  • INNOVATOR | November 2015  (11/17/2015)
  • FOCUS ON RURAL EDUCATION
    - Innovation in Action: Strategies for change in rural school districts
    - Overcoming the preparation limitation: What can we learn from low college attendance rates in rural communities?
    - Connecting students with their futures
    - Metacognition: The thinking behind the thinking
    - District Innovation Profile: Jones County is making changes and making a difference
  • INNOVATOR | October 2015  (10/20/2015)
  • - Rising teacher turnover impacts students
    - Network schools celebrated for 100% graduation
    - Rediscovering teaching through learning
    - Teacher's Edge: Planning for tech connections across the globe
    - District Innovation Profile: Rutherford expands services to middle schools
    - Study finds students underperform in schools with large black populations
  • INNOVATOR | September 2015  (9/28/2015)
  • - STEM leaders plan strategy, innovation
    - Survey: Skills gap leaves jobs unfilled
    - Rural education serves as economic driver
    - New year means new strategies for learning
    - Online tools provide new college rankings
    - Baker tapped to lead rural schools initiative
  • INNOVATOR | August 2015  (8/25/2015)
  • - National brand extends reach of innovation
    - Teachers become students for the summer
    - National teacher training expert joins team
    - U.S. high schoolers report feeling unprepared
    - Performance task emphasizes relevance
    - Coaching approach redesigned for educators
  • INNOVATOR | June 2015  (6/18/2015)
  • - College courses save high schoolers thousands
    - STEM Industry Day connects teachers, business
    - Teacher's Edge: Risk versus reward in the classroom
    - SMT Center honors school and business partners
    - Education design leaders to keynote Institute
  • INNOVATOR | May 2015  (5/19/2015)
  • - Bringing competency-based education to NC
    - Partner districts named in rural education effort
    - Teacher's Edge: Unpacking the "co" in co-planning
    - Summertime filled with education for educators
  • INNOVATOR | April 2015  (4/23/2015)
  • - Student-led innovation tied to skills, creativity
    - Governor, GSK launch statewide STEM initiative
    - #ScalingSTEM brings makers to the Triangle
    - Teacher's Edge: Pumping process into life sciences classroom
    - New research arm to enhance innovations
  • INNOVATOR | March 2015  (3/18/2015)
  • - Northeastern NC gets STEM-focused charter
    - Innovative high schools count few dropouts
    - Mayor on a mission to expand opportunities
    - Report: College completion a hurdle for many
    - Teacher's Edge: More rigorous learning means more support
    - STEM conference highlights promising practices
  • INNOVATOR | February 2015  (2/18/2015)
  • - School grades and New Schools approach
    - National study on academic performance and economy
    - Meet an Innovator: Tanya Head of Bladen County
    - Teacher's Edge: Design Thinking
    - FutureReady: Rebecca Stanley on "Making"
    - Scaling STEM advance
  • INNOVATOR | January 2015  (1/22/2015)
  • - Innovation and excellence schools recognized
    - Competency-based learning report
    - Data snapshot on student survey re post-hs prep
    - Teachers Edge: Literacy in math classes
  • INNOVATOR | December 2014  (12/16/2014)
  • INNOVATOR | November 2014  (11/19/2014)
  • INNOVATOR | October 2014  (10/14/2014)
  • INNOVATOR | September 2014  (9/11/2014)
  • INNOVATOR | August 2014  (8/19/2014)
  • INNOVATOR | June 2014  (6/11/2014)
  • INNOVATOR | May 2014  (5/20/2014)
  • INNOVATOR | April 2014  (4/22/2014)
  • INNOVATOR | March 2014  (3/11/2014)
  • INNOVATOR | February 2014  (2/12/2014)
  • INNOVATOR | January 2014  (1/14/2014)
  • INNOVATOR | December 2013  (12/10/2013)
  • INNOVATOR | November 2013  (11/21/2013)
  • INNOVATOR | October 2013  (10/16/2013)
  • INNOVATOR | September 2013  (9/24/2013)
  • INNOVATOR  (8/29/2013)
  • -Janet Mason on innovation in Rutherford
    -Graduation rates climb (chart with link)
    -Rural innovation initiative gains momentum
    -Teachers gain from summer externships
  • INNOVATOR  (6/27/2013)
  • -Students shine at Summer Institute
    -Pedro Noguera urges change
    -STEM Day
    -AIR study released on early colleges
  • INNOVATOR  (5/30/2013)
  • -Early college graduates gain ground
    -Education and Workforce bill wins support
    -Nat'l early college conference set for fall
    -Teachers learn from ABB externship
  • INNOVATOR  (4/30/2013)
  • -Work-based learning gains momentum
    -SERVE findings on early colleges
    -Tech hub announced
    -Gergen/Martin on NC New Schools
  • INNOVATOR  (3/27/2013)
  • -Emily DeRocco on workforce development
    -Carnegie Corp report lauds NC early colleges
    -JFF report cites economic benefits for ECHS
  • INNOVATOR  (2/28/2013)
  • -Community colleges expand access
    -Habit blog on support for teachers
    -Grad Nation report cites progress
    -Clearinghouse report on college attrition
  • INNOVATOR  (1/30/2013)
  • -Tony Habit on new era
    -Report on business engagement (Citi)
    -Suspensions hurt graduation
    -Dropout numbers improve again
    -NCNS suspensions low
  • INNOVATOR  (11/28/2012)
  • -Lynne Garrison on workplace learning
    -NC iRIS initiative gains momentum
    -Dual enrollment helps students in VA
    -Achievement gaps hurt economic growth
  • INNOVATOR  (10/29/2012)
  • -Habit on new brand, Vision 2015
    -NC STEP expands to more schools
    -Twitter Chats start for teachers
    -JFF reports on dual enrollment
    -Grad rates for black males, poor students
  • INNOVATOR  (9/25/2012)
  • -Habit on Pathways to Prosperity
    -Study on middle-skills jobs
    -Schott report on black males
    -EOC pass rates compared
  • INNOVATOR  (8/15/2012)
  • -Teacher column on summer externship
    -ABCs/Graduation rate results
    -Southern economy report - Georgetown U.
    -Youth Truth results
    -NC Teacher Survey results
  • INNOVATOR  (6/12/2012)
  • -New graduates reflect on HS innovation
    -Burley Mitchell wins Robinson award
    -WSE - ECU partnership
    -Hrabowski to speak at Summer Institute
    -HS graduates struggle to find work
    -Gender, parent ed gap in college going
  • INNOVATOR  (5/16/2012)
  • -Red Hat's Jim Whitehurst on ed technology
    -NSP tech panel makes recommendations
    -Early colleges graduate 1,800
    -Ashley Hinson - Meet an Innovator
  • INNOVATOR  (4/19/2012)
  • -STEM Conference coverage
    -Student STEM Symposium
    -STEP candidates chosen
    -WUNC reports on Guilford early colleges
    -David Peele - Meet an Innovator
  • INNOVATOR  (3/22/2012)
  • -Sam Houston on STEM education in NC
    -NERSBA set to open for 2012-13
    -STEM conference advance
    -NC highlighted by America's Promise
    -9th grade promotion rates low, improve
    -Loretta Roland Kitley - Meet an Innovator
  • INNOVATOR  (2/14/2012)
  • -Mo Green on raising dropout age
    -NCNSP school dropout rates continue gain
    -STEP candidates sought
    -NCNSP chosen for 100K in 10
    -Innovative NYC schools show strength
    -Angela Quick - Meet an Innovator
  • INNOVATOR  (1/18/2012)
  • -Habit: New Year, new initiatives
    -Leaders look forward at planning forum
    -STEP initiative wins State Board approval
    -Big study supports value-added measures
  • INNOVATOR  (12/13/2011)
  • - Recognizing quality in NC's STEM schools
    - Educators meet to sharpen focus on goals
    - Latest school data on NC report card site
    - Kenan Fellows seeking innovative teachers
  • INNOVATOR - SPECIAL EDITION  (11/18/2011)
  • -NCNSP awarded $15 million i3 grant
  • INNOVATOR  (11/8/2011)
  • - Help wanted: Workers with advanced skills
    - Leaders honor schools for graduating all
    - STEM strategies shared at symposium
    - NC to host national STEM conference
  • INNOVATOR  (10/4/2011)
  • -Scott Ralls on postsecondary success
    -NCNSP wins federal grant to train teachers
    -Wake NCSU ECHS in Education Week
    -FutureReady blog debuts
    -Link to report on college completion rates
  • INNOVATOR  (9/6/2011)
  • -Scaling innovation to reach more students
    -3 new NCNSP schools open in 2011-12
    -Survey finds grads have high school regrets
  • INNOVATOR Special Edition  (8/4/2011)
  • -ABCs and graduation rate
  • INNOVATOR  (8/2/2011)
  • -Learning Lab school open for first visits
    -Growth in STEM jobs outpaces others
    -Youth Truth survey finds high marks for NCNSP
  • INNOVATOR  (6/30/2011)
  • -CTE role key in secondary school innovation
    -Bertie STEM wins 2011 Innovator Award
    -Summer Institute recap
    -STEM schools graduate first class
  • INNOVATOR  (6/2/2011)
  • -Early college graduates speak
    -ECHS graduates gain head start on college
    -Study estimates cost of remediation in NC
  • INNOVATOR  (5/2/2011)
  • -Business role key for STEM schools
    -Students gain from STEM symposium
    -SERVE wins grant ECHS study, Part 2
  • INNOVATOR SPECIAL EDITION  (4/11/2011)
  • -Wayne ECHS finalist for Obama grad speech
  • INNOVATOR  (4/8/2011)
  • -Harrison: ECHS expand opportunities
    -Tim King to speak at Summer Institute
    -JFF Report on ECHS first graduates
    -All4Ed report on benefits from more grads
  • INNOVATOR  (3/25/2011)
  • -Many Voices draws crowd and ideas
    -JFF report on NCNSP early colleges
    -Fewer dropout factories, report notes
  • INNOVATOR  (3/16/2011)
  • -NC poised to lead in STEM education
    -Industry Innovation Councils launched
    -Nat'l survey shows gap on readiness views
    -NCNSP schools in news for few dropouts
  • INNOVATOR  (2/25/2011)
  • -Superintendents who lead for innovation
    -Perdue launches Career & College Promise
    -Hillside New Tech hosts business leaders
    -NCNSP schools have fewer suspensions
  • INNOVATOR  (2/11/2011)
  • -Habit: Harvard report on college-for-all
    -CMA to be STEM anchor (Herald-Sun)
    -Laptops help South Granville schools
    -Innovative school staff take regional honors
    -Herald-Sun spotlights Matt Sears
  • INNOVATOR  (1/28/2011)
  • -Habit: Charters should promote innovation
    -NAEP science results show little gains
    -College student learning weak, study finds
    -CA early assessment shows promise
    -College advising corps in NCNSP schools
  • INNOVATOR  (1/14/2011)
  • -Habit: NC innovation still strong
    -N&O on new ECHS at Wake-NCSU
    -EdWeek on ECHS support vs. good results
    -Cumberland's plans international ECHS
    -Robotics competition draws NCNS schools
  • INNOVATOR  (12/17/2010)
  • -Habit on Obama visit to Forsyth Tech
    -Student views on teaching quality accurate
    -STEM "dose" influences adult choices
    -Kenan Fellows seek applicants (repeat)
    -Good news from NCNSP schools
  • INNOVATOR  (12/3/2010)
  • -NCNSP students more likely to choose college
    -More principals of the year from NSP schools
    -NAEP 12th grade results show modest gains
    -JFF reports on early college high schools
    -Kenan Fellows seeks applicants
  • INNOVATOR  (11/12/2010)
  • -NCNSP schools in principal of year honors
    -Report urges action on black male crisis
    -PISA math results show US lags
    -Students, teachers differ on readiness
  • INNOVATOR  (10/29/2010)
  • -Mitchell column on Leandro - accountability
    -Habit commentary on Waiting for Superman
    -NCNSP schools among NC's top grad-rates
    -State of South report cites NCNSP efforts
    -AIR study on costs of freshman attrition
  • INNOVATOR  (10/11/2010)
  • -ECHS students outpage college-age peers
    -State Board OKs accountability revisions
    -SERVE study findings released
    -ACT finds gaps narrow with readiness
    -Gathering Storm follow finds little progress
    -Good news from NCNSP schools
  • INNOVATOR  (9/28/2010)
  • -RTTT boosts STEM schools in NC
    -NC helping lead STEM nationally
    -Dropout report highlights NC
    -OECD/College Board reports on value
    -Good news from NCNSP schools
  • INNOVATOR  (9/7/2010)
  • -NCNSP enrollments grow
    -Avery High goes innovative
    -Cumberland/Guilford cited in grad report
    -NC looks to require ACT
    -National effor to improve assessments
  • INNOVATOR  (8/16/2010)
  • -NCNSP schools show progress on ABCs
    -NCNSP 2010 grad rates outpace state
    -Facelift for NCNSP's website
    -Students learn computer rehab
  • INNOVATOR  (7/2/2010)
  • -Mitchell urges support for redesigns
    -TWC survey finds strength in NSP schools
    -2010 Innovator Award to six schools
    -YouthTruth results favor NSP schools
    -NYC's small schools make gains
  • INNOVATOR   (5/24/2010)
  • -ECHS graduate first full cohort
    -Habit testifies before Senate panel
    -JOBS commission calls for more ECHS
    -Good news from NSP schools
    -Ed attainment slips for young adults
  • INNOVATOR  (5/3/2010)
  • -ECHS week highlights innovative approach
    -Pender ECHS student wins Morehead-Cain
    -NCNSP grads named NC Teaching Fellows
    -NCNSP teachers named Kenan Fellows
  • INNOVATOR  (4/12/2010)
  • -SERVE study finds progress in NC's ECHs
    -ECHS conference in Raleigh draws leaders
    -Disadvantaged gain most from college
    -NAEP reading scores flat in NC
  • INNOVATOR  (3/24/2010)
  • -9th grade promotiion up in NCNSP schools
    -JFF paper focuses on NC's ECHS
    -Computer work hooks Bertie STEM students
    -Report probes dropout causes, perceptions
  • INNOVATOR  (3/9/2010)
  • -NCNSP drop out rates fall
    -New Tech teachers win awards
    -NC finalist for Race to the Top
    -State Board member Kathy Taft dies
  • INNOVATOR  (2/15/2010)
  • -NY Times highlights SandHoke, NC ECHS
    -Charlotte Observer on NYT story, NC ECHS
    -Daniel Pink links creativity, education at EIF
    -NC posts gains on AP exams
  • INNOVATOR  (2/1/2010)
  • -Innovate 2010 to celebrate 5 years of HS change
    -Students tell leaders about ECHS impact
    -Wake ECHS pair wins science contest, trip
    -OECD study links scores, economic gains
    -Duncan to speak at Emerging Issues meet
  • INNOVATOR special edition  (1/13/2010)
  • -Gov. Perdue announces education agenda
  • INNOVATOR  (12/14/2009)
  • -ECHS teacher posts TeacherTube videos
    -Suspensions few in innovative high schools
    -EWHS grad rates noted in local press
    -NCNSP tapped for RttT meeting in Baltimore
  • INNOVATOR  (11/23/2009)
  • -ECHS student grades best college peers'
    -Report says NC gaining in college readiness
    -NGA guide on innovation cites NCNSP work
    -Durham's Carl Harris goes to Washington
    -Student praises ECHS in Lexington paper
  • INNOVATOR  (10/27/2009)
  • -Stanly ECHS helps students choose careers
    -USDOE officials visit NC early colleges
    -3 innovative schools honored for grad rate
    -Atkins teacher wins national award
    -Ted Sizer obituaries (links)
  • INNOVATOR  (10/12/2009)
  • -Energy literacy focus of STEM conference
    -Dropout prospects worsen, study finds
    -Dalton convenes JOBS commission
    -NC, other states, struggle with math exam
  • INNOVATOR  (9/28/2009)
  • -Redesign 2.0 launched in Granville, Scotland
    -Warren high schools featured on WUNC-FM
    -New data links economics, education
    -College access focus of new guide for HS
    -Readiness new accountability focus
  • INNOVATOR  (9/14/2009)
  • -Growth in innovative high schools in NC
    -Redesigned Schools 2.0 in planning
    -Small schools in Philly show promise
    -Dropout costs are high, report says
  • INNOVATOR special edition  (8/7/2009)
  • - ABC results for innovative high schools
  • INNOVATOR  (7/31/2009)
  • -Common academic standards get first look
    -NCNSP Facebook page makes debut
    -Stimulus funds urged to stem dropout crisis
    -Bigger federal role urged to spur innovation
  • INNOVATOR  (6/26/2009)
  • -Redesign schools graduate first full cohort
    -Newton-Conover wins Innovator Award
    -Summer Institute helps schools shape stories
  • INNOVATOR  (6/5/2009)
  • -SERVE study finds ECHS progress
    -NC joins national push for common standards
    -New report on views of teachers, principals
  • INNOVATOR  (5/15/2009)
  • -ECHS graduation (REaCH, Cross Creek etc.)
    -Perdue video blog on ECHS support
    -Instructional coaches debrief
    -House panel tackles high school reform
  • INNOVATOR  (5/1/2009)
  • INNOVATOR  (4/17/2009)
  • -9th grade promotion rates better than state's
    -NRM ECHS students exhibit their progress
  • INNOVATOR  (4/3/2009)
  • -Tech focus of Leadership Retreat
    -Grad project delayed until 2011
    -Alliance urges more global benchmarking
    -Newspaper series lauds Finland, Singapore
  • INNOVATOR  (3/20/2009)
  • -Perdue's budget supports 12 new ECHS
    -Grad rate report lauds NC as national leader
    -Chicago uses early-warning system
  • INNOVATOR  (3/6/2009)
  • -State Board OKs plans for 12 new ECHS
    -NRM ECHS students take charity initiative
    -NC, BW Fund offer award in math, science
    -Obama calls for sharp focus on education
    -Grad Nation offers advice on dropout crisis
  • INNOVATOR  (2/20/2009)
  • -Isaac Bear ECH students excel in college
    -Cross Creek ECH OKd as 4th Learning Lab
    -Scotland LPS restaurant on WUNC-FM
    -Achieve report tracks HS reform progress
  • INNOVATOR  (2/6/2009)
  • -High school innovation helps cut dropouts
    -Study links course completion, dropouts
    -Guidance, support key to college attainment
    -More students pass AP tests, gaps persist
  • INNOVATOR special edition  (1/29/2009)
  • -Bill Harrison named CEO of NC public schools
  • INNOVATOR  (1/23/2009)
  • -Caldwell, Wayne schools to be Learning Labs
    -NGA, CCSO issue follow up to 2005 report
    -Legislative panel sets high grad rate goal
    -Colo grads often need college remediation
    -MIT adopts innovative teaching (NYT)
    -Providence students want better schools
  • INNOVATOR  (1/9/2009)
  • -Regional kudos for Kenan STEM teacher
    -State Board OKs retests for ABCs, NCLB
    -Good teaching, not test prep, readies kids
    -US News op-ed argues for HS bailout
    -Adult literacy rates continue to lag in US
  • INNOVATOR  (12/19/2008)
  • -Hillside New Tech to be Learning Lab school
    -Global benchmarking key to US schools
    -College Board focusing on completion rates
    -New England states team up to innovate
    -TIMSS points to progress, challenges
  • INNOVATOR  (12/5/2008)
  • -NC network to promote tech-rich schools
    -Stanly ECHS honored for working conditions
    -Dropout panel approves recommendations
    -Guide helps states on graduation readiness
    -NAEP may link to readiness measures
    -Survey says HS students cheat, lie and steal
  • INNOVATOR  (11/21/2008)
  • -JF Webb shows progress on state ABCs
    -Gates Foundation unveils new ed agenda
    -Education group offers ideas to Obama
    -US adults faulty in civics knowlege
  • INNOVATOR  (11/7/2008)
  • -Innovative high schools make ABCs gains
    -Fed set common graduation-rate reporting
    -Educational gains stall for youngest adults
    -East Wake student lands Siemens contest
    -NC Innovation day spotlights transformation
  • INNOVATOR  (10/17/2008)
  • -Graduation by Design demonstrates innovation
    -GSK grant benefits NC's STEM schools
    -NC pushing for 21st century skills
  • INNOVATOR  (10/3/2008)
  • -State Board OKs plan for accountability changes
    -Ohio effort developing readiness skills
    -California study shows dropout peril
    -NJ college students want harder high school
  • INNOVATOR   (9/19/2008)
  • -Laptop initiative leverages technology
    -Learn and Earn wins Harvard award
    -Remediation rates raise concern
    -Report details 21st century skills
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