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Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced recently the award of high school innovation grants to 13 school divisions, including Henrico County, to develop or implement programs that promote Virginia's 5 Cs: critical thinking, creative thinking, collaboration, communication, and citizenship while preparing students for careers and post-secondary education. The grants are for the 2019-2020 school year.
Eight school divisions received initial planning grants, while five divisions were awarded funding to support implementation this fall of previously planned innovative programs.
Highland Springs H.S. and J.R. Tucker H.S. in Henrico County were the recipient of grants in the Design Virginia High School Innovation Network category. Network divisions will focus on college, career, and community readiness to prepare students for post-secondary experiences. Innovations include integrating instruction in multiple content areas with practical application and providing internships and apprenticeships.
The 2018 General Assembly authorized up to $500,000 in competitive grants in 2019 for school divisions to plan high school program innovations approved by the Virginia Department of Education, or to implement previously approved plans. The legislature defined the essential elements of high school program innovation as including the following: student centered learning, with progress based on proficiency; “real-world” connections aligned with local workforce needs and emphasizing transitions to college or career or both; and varying models for educator supports and staffing.
