We feel it is important to point out that our interpretation of SB 130, The Innovation Schools Act, has not been followed in the Innovation application of the West Generation Academy. The Act clearly specifies that there must be evidence that a majority of the faculty is in favor of an Innovation plan, and if contract provisions are waived, then 60% of those covered by said contract have to be in favor of the plan. West Generation Academy has not yet hired a faculty, so there is no evidence of faculty approval or buy-in on any part of this plan.
However, we also feel it is important to point out that unlike other DPS Innovation school, West Generation Academy has not asked for waivers from the Teacher Employment, Compensation and Dismissal Act of 1990, the state statute that covers issues such as teacher employment, transfer, dismissal and licensure. Instead, this plan focuses on waivers that will allow them to truly innovate in the areas of curriculum, scheduling, personnel training and learning opportunities for students.
While we wish they were following the law in the area of a faculty vote, we also wish them well as they pursue a focus on student learning that does not automatically jeopardize the rights of the school’s teaching force.