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Innovation

PAUSD aims to inspire all PK-12 students to become independent, lifelong learners equipped with the skills, confidence, and self-awareness required for personal growth. We promote an educational approach that prepares students for a self-sufficient life, thoughtful self-reflection, and heightened social awareness. By focusing on instructional choices, such as curriculum, teaching methods, grading practices, and fostering a sense of belonging, we strive to establish learning environments that encourage students to discover their passions, while nurturing their creativity and innovation through self-guided learning and intrinsic motivation.

Enhance curriculum and instruction to Improve student outcomes and future readiness
Curriculum & Instruction
         

Goal: Enhance curriculum and instruction to Improve student outcomes and future readiness

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

  1. Increase the number of students earning industry certification by 3%, as tracked through the College/College Indicator (CCI). 

  2. Increase the number of certification pathways by 10%. 

  3. Increase the number of secondary teachers trained in EBG as a pilot team from 32 to 45.

  4. Launch the new elementary progress report 

  5. Establish the number of teachers participating in AI Literacy and new emerging technology professional development at 30%.

Strategies:

  1. Increase future student employability through K-12 Career Pathway programs, engaging students from early grades in creativity programs and middle school career exploration, culminating with industry certification for high school.

  2. Add additional Evidence-Based Grading pilot groups to the existing core subject (ie English, Math, Science, and Social Science) pilot teams to foster student agency and skill sets.

  3. Implement a “Year of Planning” towards NAFTrack Certification for Palo Alto Middle College High School students.

  4. Explore additional industry certifications and pathways to post-secondary Associate Degrees for Palo Alto Middle College High School students.

  5. Revise the Elementary Progress Report to provide more meaningful evidence of student learning to families and streamline teacher completion.

  6. Enrich educational experiences for students through professional development for staff on the use of AI and emerging technologies.

    1. AI guidance and policy that supports teaching learning

    2. Department and grade-level support

Enduring Skills
          

Goal: Foster comprehensive student development and readiness for post-secondary success

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

  1. Award graduating seniors the Seal of Civic Engagement at 85% or above.

  2. Increase creativity and enduring skills in elementary students as measured by participation level and usage of Innovation Labs and Creativity Cart Program.

  3. Increase performance levels of at-promise students In Palo Alto Middle College High School as measured through holistic measures (e.e Academic, SEL, attendance).

Strategies:

  1. Support students in service-learning to promote youth civic participation and build authentic relationships within the school and local community.

  2. Expand Innovation Labs at three additional elementary schools, complementing the Creativity Cart Project.

  3. Incorporate student voice to inform innovative and equitable educational choices.

  4. Expand field trips and interactions with local tech companies, startups, and research institutions to provide students with real-world learning experiences.

  5. Implement a continuous feedback loop to regularly assess and improve Palo Alto Middle College High School, with a focus on supporting at-promise students.

Partnerships
          

Goal: Enhance student engagement and success through expanded real-world learning opportunities and community partnerships

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

  1. Increase student Work-Based Learning program participation rate by 3%.

  2. Diversify the membership of the Industry Advisory Committee to represent 10 Industry Sectors included in the Career Themed pathways.

Strategies:

  1. Promote visibility of processes and outcomes for innovative projects.

  2. Build partnerships with local organizations to expand students' opportunities for learning at all grade levels and enrich staff experiences. 

  3. Cultivate industry partnerships to provide additional real-world experiences for all students, including field trips and access to career speakers. 

  4. Connect industry experts to classrooms, including Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways, Dual Enrollment courses, and early career exposure at the Elementary level.