Polis Introduces Bill to Support Innovative Solutions to Education Challenges

Statement

Representative Jared Polis (D-CO) today introduced the Investing in Innovation in Education Act, which would support and strengthen locally developed best practices to improve student outcomes. The bill would codify and strengthen the current Investing in Innovation (i3) program, which awards competitive grants to applicants with a record of improving student achievement and attainment in order to invest in what works in education. To date, several school districts in Colorado are receiving funds through this i3 program, including St. Vrain Valley School District, which received a $3.6 million "development" grant to implement a school turnaround program in seven schools, and the Denver School District, which received a $25 million "validation" grant to improve teacher and principal effectiveness. The bill has eleven original cosponsors including Reps. Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), André Carson (D-IN), David Cicilline (D-RI), John Delaney (D-MD), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Jim Himes (D-CT), Rush Holt (D-NJ), Ron Kind (D-WI), Jared Huffman (D-CA), and David Loebsack (D-IA).

"Across the country, communities are developing solutions to our nation's most pressing educational challenges," said Rep. Polis. "The Investing in Innovation (i3) program harnesses the power of entrepreneurship and innovation so that these projects can scale to reach more students and families, while also building a research base of best practices from which everyone can benefit."

The Investing in Innovation in Education Act supports strategies to improve early learning outcomes, increase college access and success, address the unique learning needs of students with disabilities, improve the teaching and learning of STEM subjects, and support family and community engagement. Changes to the current i3 program include dedicating 25 percent of funding to grantees from rural schools to address educational challenges specific to these populations, prioritizing early stage applicants to support new educational models, and an added focus on improving teacher and principal preparation and support.

"The Investing in Innovation in Education Act will give a new generation of Americans the chance to develop promising new ideas and to prove their worth based on scientific evidence," said Charlie Barone, Policy Director for Democrats for Education Reform. "Representative Polis and his colleagues understand that nowhere is this more needed in the U.S. than in education."

"As an organization devoted to improving K-12 public education through research-based policies and practices, we believe it is critical for the federal government to drive innovation and support evidence-based programs," said Michele McLaughlin, President of Knowledge Alliance. "We appreciate Rep. Polis's leadership on this issue and look forward to working with him to promote the use of rigorous research to solve today's most pressing education problems."

The bill is supported by a broad group of organizations including AdvancED, Alliance for Excellent Education, Alumni Revolution, Boston Teacher Residency, Citizen Schools, Community Training and Assistance Center (CTAC), Democracy Builders, Democracy Prep, Democrats for Education Reform, Education Northwest, FHI360, Jobs for the Future, KIPP Public Charter Schools, Knowledge Alliance, Knowledge Works, McREL, Measured Progress, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, New Leaders, NewSchools Venture Fund, Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), Public Impact, Results for America, Success For All Foundation, Talent Development-Diplomas Now, Teach For America, Teach Plus, TNTP, University of North Carolina at Greensboro- SERVE Center. University of Oklahoma-Outreach, College of Continuing Education, University of Virginia-Curry School of Education, and WestEd.

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