Innovation Inquiry Grants - Overview

Innovation inquiry grants are the central method for providing multiple entry points for professional learning within a coherent framework. The innovation inquiry grant process is guided by the district’s Innovation and Inquiry Committee. This representative committee has responsibility for developing the grant application forms, reviewing and approving grant applications, organizing the framework for supporting schools’ innovation grants, and annually developing next steps.

At the district level, we intentionally bring innovation inquiry grant teams together to explain and support what innovation and inquiry might look like. This involves coming together in October for an inaugural Innovation Networking session. In February, there is a mid-point Networking session and in late May all innovation inquiry grant teams come together for the Innovation/Inquiry Celebration. Throughout the school year, the innovation inquiry grant teams have support from district teacher consultants.

Each year innovation inquiry grant teams provide information and/or evidence about how the innovation grant has made a difference. For example, the reflection process may focus on the following:

• What are you noticing that is making a difference for learners? 
• How do you know this is making a difference? 

Innovation grants are intended to enhance student learning, while at the same time they are intended to enhance the learning culture of our district.

Innovation Inquiry Grants – Purpose, Criteria, and Grant Areas

The purpose of the innovation inquiry grants is to enhance student learning by supporting:  

• collaborative teams
• professional inquiry
• pedagogical practice
• integration of digital tools

All educators who apply for an innovation inquiry grant are asked to consider the following criteria as they embark on the collaborative inquiry process to enhance professional practice and student learning.

• Engagement and enhancement of student learning. Take time to scan your students ahead of time to help frame your inquiry focus.
• Collaborative inquiry team (minimum of 2 teachers and 1 administrator)
• Engagement in the inquiry process using Spirals of Inquiry
• Connection to the First Peoples Principles of Learning
• Connection to the BC Core Competencies
• Collaboration with a Learning Services Team member to support the inquiry process
• Throughout the school year, collaborate with colleagues across the district at Inquiry events and through digital platforms such as Padlets and Teams.
 

The Innovation Inquiry Grant areas for which school teams may apply:

Inspired Learners
• Formative Assessment
• Planning for Instruction
• Library Learning Commons
• Learning Environments and Spaces
• Outdoor Learning and Land-Based Pedagogy
• Pillars of Literacy
• Numeracy Foundations

Equity and Inclusion
• Social Emotional Learning
• JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) in the School and Classroom
• Truth and Reconciliation
• Activating Student Voice