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Innovation Division

UTLA has worked with LAUSD to form a new Innovation Division (I Division). The goals of the Innovation Division are to:

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 Develop and model an alternative system of support and leadership to schools and classrooms
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 Access and expand civic and community capacity for sustained support of schools
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 Model a new method of school governance and accountability
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 Provide an opportunity for faculty, administrators, parents, students, and community to choose a model of increased autonomy plus increased accountability

In the Innovation Division teachers at each school will develop and implement standards-based curriculum. School leadership councils will control budget, staff hiring (including the principal), curriculum, assessments, professional development, and scheduling in consultation with a network partner.

Each participating school must have a network partner such as the mayor’s Partnership for L.A. Schools, an academic institute (such as Loyola Marymount University or Cal State Northridge), or other community-based groups (such as the Urban League or the Bradley Foundation). To Join the iDivision, parents and certificated staff (in separate votes) have to approve. For UTLA members, a majority of members assigned to the site (not just who voted) have to vote yes. iDivision schools must make a 5 year commitment to the program.

Schools will be part of a separate LAUSD Innovation Division and will no longer be part of the same local District. They will also have more control over their public funds. Network partners may raise philanthropic dollars to fund new programs.

UTLA is working with the District to give the iDivision schools the best chance for success.

Schools in the iDivision to date.

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