Welcome to the iZone
The NYC iZone is an initiative intended to allow schools to innovate in order to achieve dramatically improved outcomes by rethinking the standard assumptions that underlie ‘business as usual’ in education.
In Approach, you'll find information about the Innovation Zone; the conceptual framework underlying the initiative is fleshed out on the Framework page. The Schools section will list current schools and emerging innovative practices. Innovative practices for schools are discussed and presented on each school's page. Our Learning section spotlights best practices from teachers and students in iZone schools. If you are looking for information about our January, 29th 2010 iZone Conference, visit the Conference page. Finally, a list of the various resources consulted to direct the initiative are listed under Resources and professional development opportunities can be found on our PD page. Or you can check out our Newsletter, which is updated a few times a month.
In Approach, you'll find information about the Innovation Zone; the conceptual framework underlying the initiative is fleshed out on the Framework page. The Schools section will list current schools and emerging innovative practices. Innovative practices for schools are discussed and presented on each school's page. Our Learning section spotlights best practices from teachers and students in iZone schools. If you are looking for information about our January, 29th 2010 iZone Conference, visit the Conference page. Finally, a list of the various resources consulted to direct the initiative are listed under Resources and professional development opportunities can be found on our PD page. Or you can check out our Newsletter, which is updated a few times a month.
Our Vision
- Transform our schools from a traditional, industrial model to one that reflects and embodies 21st century skills, tools, and experiences, so that our students graduate ready for success in college and in the workforce, regardless of race, language or socioeconomic background.
- Personalize each student’s learning experience to meet their diverse and individual needs to the maximum feasible extent.
Challenging Assumptions
Schools in the iZone seek to challenge the following assumptions about current practice:
- Schools are comprised of similarly-operated classroom units in which one adult delivers content to a room of between 12 and 34 students, for a set number of minutes per day and days per year
- Adults dictate a course of study to children, who receive and process information for adults to evaluate
- As part of one job, teachers manage classroom organizations; research and deliver content; differentiate the course of study according to student needs; assess performance; and deliver feedback
- Special education students are best grouped and planned for according to class size requirements