Heather Bell
RADFORD—Radford High School is one of 13 schools across Virginia to be awarded an innovation grant by Governor Ralph Northam earlier his week.
Northam announced Wednesday the award of high school innovation grants “to thirteen school divisions to develop or implement programs that promote Virginia’s 5 C’s: critical thinking, creative thinking, collaboration, communication, and citizenship while preparing students for careers and postsecondary education” for the 2019-2020 school year.
Radford, Fairfax County, Louisa County, Manassas Park, and Rockbridge County are set to receive $50,000 high school program implementation grants. Buchanan County, Fauquier County, Franklin County, and Goochland County were awarded $50,000 first-year innovation planning grants. Charles City County, Halifax County, Henrico County, and Mecklenburg County will share a fifth $50,000 grant.
According the information released by the governor’s office, “Radford High will continue its three-year transformation from a traditional secondary school into an integrated program that combines core academics with STEM, career and technical education, and training in cybersecurity. The program emphasizes inquiry-based learning and real-world experiences to engage students and promote 21st-century skills, such as collaboration and creativity.”
The funding stream originated in 2018 General Assembly, which authorized “up to $500,000 in competitive grants in 2019 for school divisions to plan high school program innovations approved by the Virginia Department of Education, or to implement previously approved plans. The legislature defined the essential elements of high school program innovation as including the following: student centered learning, with progress based on proficiency; “real-world” connections aligned with local workforce needs and emphasizing transitions to college or career or both; and varying models for educator supports and staffing,” according to the governor’s office.
“Modernizing instructional approaches in our schools helps to improve educational outcomes and adapt to the needs of a 21st-century economy,” said Northam. “These grants will allow our teachers to design innovative programs that pair classroom learning with the professional skills and experiences required for success after high school, regardless of whether Virginia students are college bound or plan to enter the workforce.”
Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane said the grants also foster public-private partnerships.
“I congratulate these divisions for their vision in designing innovative programs to prepare students for successful transitions from high school to college or the workforce,” said Lane. “I also want to thank the businesses in these communities for their willingness to partner with schools and open their doors to students. This type of collaboration will ensure that our students will have readily accessible opportunities to align their skills and personal interests by exploring career paths and work-based learning experiences that prepare them for a successful future beyond high school.”
“Virginia is leading the way in transforming the high school experience,” added Secretary of Education Atif Qarni. “These grants will help students receive relevant instruction and experiences that expose them to in-demand field and equip them to succeed after graduation.”
