Below are some frequently asked questions about the Mass IDEAS School Model Design Studio. Applications for the July 17-19, 2018 Studio were due Friday, June 1, 2018.
What can we expect from the studio?
This session will support teams to:
Articulate the problem(s) they are trying to solve with their school models;
Identify who will be served by their models and determine what additional stakeholder engagement is needed;
Understand and apply key levers for high-quality, innovative learning design as they create their school models; and
Develop action plans for their continued work following the event.
The Studio will also help to prepare teams who choose to apply for Mass IDEAS’ planning grant opportunity (application available in fall 2018).
How do we know if the School Model Design Studio is right for our team?
We are looking for diverse teams who:
Want support to build out their school models (whole-school redesign or new school design) in order to transform learning in Massachusetts.
Aren’t interested in “nibbling around the edges;” want help boldly thinking outside the box in order to provide high-quality, innovative education for all students.
Are interested in any Massachusetts public school governance options (district, charter, turnaround, innovation) and any K-12 grade span.
Know that their school models will be made stronger by incorporating others’ perspectives and input, and are actively seeking critical friends to provide this feedback.
Are an average size of 3-5 members.
Include diverse membership, including members from school faculty, families, students, central office staff, community members, partner organizations, and/or local industry and business community.
Will participate energetically in the School Model Design Studio’s professional learning community.
Who should we include in our team?
We are looking for diverse teams. Teams can include a combination of district/CMO staff, school faculty, students, parents, community members, partner organizations, and/or local industry and business community. In addition to members’ roles, we strongly encourage team diversity along multiple axes of identity, including gender, race, age, sexual orientation, nationality, and other identities.
What is the deadline to apply?
Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Friday, June 1st.
How can my team get support to complete the application?
Mass IDEAS offered four conference call “office hours” to answer any questions you may have about the application or the School Model Design Studio.
Monday, May 14th: 4:00-5:00 pm
Thursday, May 17th: 9:30-10:30 am
Wednesday, May 23rd: 1:00-2:00 pm
Tuesday, May 29th: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Is there a fee for our team to participate in the School Model Design Studio?
There is no registration fee for the Studio. We pay for lodging, training, and related on-site materials during the event.
My team is interested in redesigning a specific program, initiative, or grade at my school. Is the School Model Design Studio right for us?
Teams should apply to participate in the School Model Design Studio only if they want support for whole-school redesign or to create new schools. Mass IDEAS’ School Design Institutes help teams that want to do more targeted redesign. Join our mailing list so we can notify you about future School Design Institutes.
Will there be future opportunities following the School Model Design Studio?
Teams may choose to use the School Model Design Studio to help prepare to apply for Mass IDEAS’ planning grant opportunity. In the planning grant opportunity, teams from across the Commonwealth will be supported for more than a year with coaching, professional development, and a professional learning community to plan their whole-school redesigned or new school models, accompanied by planning grants of up to $150,000. Join our mailing list so we can notify you when the planning grant application becomes available in fall 2018.