Intro to the Innovation Framework
The innovation increases efficiency, provides an unmet need and creates new value. Conditions for the user are positively impacted as a result of the application of the innovation.
Innovation is a problem-solving approach that seeks to create solutions that are not only creative but also practical. Sound innovation is found at the intersection of three key factors: desirability, feasibility, and viability. Desirability ensures that the solution addresses real user needs and desires making it attractive and valuable to the target audience. Feasibility considers the technical and logistical aspects, ensuring that the
solution can be realistically implemented with the available resources and technology. Viability focuses on the economic aspect, ensuring that the solution is sustainable and can deliver long-term value, whether in terms of profitability, cost-effectiveness, or social impact.
Note: Throughout the innovation framework, the use of the word innovation is being defined as having a positive impact, considers ethical practices and is sustainable.
Download the Full Innovation Framework (PDF)Download the Full Innovation Framework (PDF)
Traditional K-12 education has a dominant focus on teaching state content standards across the core subject areas of eEnglish, mathematics, social studies, science and arts. This emphasis, combined with social-emotional development, serves as foundational knowledge for college and career readiness.
However, to move beyond just college and career readiness towards a more comprehensive role of being a contributor to the advancement of society, students must be explicitly taught the skills of innovation. Students must see themselves as innovators from an early age and this mindset must be cultivated in the formative years of a student’s life.
Innovation involves embracing uncertainty and purposefully acting upon creative ideas. This a mindset that often is not inherently present and must be cultivated.
Students must see themselves as producers. In order for this to take place, educators must create an environment that supports innovation alongside content standard knowledge acquisition. That means fostering a culture of creative thinking and risk-taking and giving students the freedom to experiment and fail with their developing knowledge.
Education has been billed as the pathway to a productive life. To reach the full potential of a productive life, to create – to produce – to innovate.
Students who embrace innovation will be leading the charge into the future not known.
Purpose of the IYC Innovation Framework
The purpose of the IYC Innovation Framework is to help educators create environments in which students see themselves as innovators able to advance the society in which they live as not just live in the society. The knowledge and skills in the framework are aligned to the IYC Educator Core Values.
The IYC Innovation Framework, consisting of four domains and fifteen standards, codifies the teacher actions that lead to student dispositions and mindsets need to create environments that foster students’ identities as innovators. The domains are:
a. Innovative Instruction
b. Student-Centered Culture
c. Innovative Curriculum
d. Community-Responsive Design
The IYC Innovation Framework is used to support and highlight teachers’ areas of strength and opportunities for continued growth.
a. School teams should read the framework and discuss their understanding and identify clarification points.
b. Teachers independently self-assess their practice on the continuum for each standard.
c. Teachers, grade level teams and/or departments can set goals based on their assessment.
d. Administrators, coaches or teacher leaders can provide professional development to increase skill and knowledge development aligned to the identified standards.
e. Design learning experiences and assessments that incorporate the innovation framework standards.
Note: The framework is used in conjunction with each school’s existing teaching and learning framework and is not a replacement.