Idea
Create a Regional Continuous Improvement Center. This innovative idea involves establishing a permanent regional hub dedicated to leading and scaling continuous improvement practices, such as inquiry cycles, coaching, and improvement science training. The center would be supported through BOCES, a lead district, and legislative funding.
Benefits
Local school districts believe this innovation would strengthen core instruction and build capacity among teaching staff, ultimately leading to improved student outcomes. It would also foster collaborative networks among school districts, mitigating isolation, particularly for smaller districts, and providing opportunities to showcase existing structures that can be expanded.
Barriers
Districts identified several barriers to pursuing this innovation, including funding and the need for clerical support. Logistical challenges, such as determining the location of the centers and managing learning facilities, are also concerns. Additional barriers include tracking impact, securing funding for instructors, ensuring equitable contributions based on student population size, and geographic challenges, particularly on the East End.
Recommendations
Districts recommend exploring a model similar to the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) Model, where support is provided by UFT or a community-based organization (CBO). Collaboration with Teacher Centers is also suggested. Legislative and regulatory recommendations include fast-tracking teacher certifications, reviewing and modernizing certification requirements, and partnering with City/State University of New York (CUNY/SUNY) and New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) on certifications or microcredentials focused on innovative teaching. Partnering with the Center for Integrated Training and Education (CITE) is also a possibility.
