Georgia Innovative K-12 Learning Models Application

Georgia Innovative K-12 Learning Models Application
The Innovative K-12 Learning Models in Georgia project—a statewide partnership between the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and the Institute for Self-Directed Learning (ISDL)—invites districts to reimagine what’s possible in Georgia’s public schools.

The goal of this initiative is to design new public school models that meet the needs of today’s families and students. Districts selected to be part of this project will design, prototype, and launch learner-centered models that deepen engagement, strengthen community connection, expand enrollment opportunities, and prepare every student to be future-ready—for the workforce, for citizenship, and for thriving local economies.

Districts accepted into the 2026 cohort will engage in a three-year journey:
- Year 1: Design and Alignment – Build vision, design your model, and secure stakeholder support.
- Year 2: Pilot and Build-Out – Prototype your design, gather feedback, and refine your model.
- Year 3: Launch and Scale – Implement your new learning model and share lessons statewide.
For more information about the project, please reference the Innovative K-12 Learning Models in Georgia: Experience Arc and the Innovative K-12 Learning Models Webinar Slides.

To apply for selection as a participating district, complete and submit this form in its entirety by Friday, January 30.

Districts that submit the application before the deadline can request feedback and have the opportunity to resubmit.

Questions about the application and/or the project can be directed to Susan Walker (susan.walker@doe.k12.ga.us) and Caleb Collier (caleb@selfdirect.school).
Section 1: District Information
Select your district from the drop-down menu.
Name of Superintendent

PrefixFirst NameLast Name
Superintendent's Email Address
example@example.com
Superintendent's Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Name of District Staff Member Who Will Serve as Project Lead

PrefixFirst NameLast Name
Title of District Staff Member Who Will Serve as Project Lead
Email Address of District Staff Member Who Will Serve as Project Lead
example@example.com
Phone Number of District Staff Member Who Will Serve as Project Lead
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Anticipated Project Team Members: District superintendents are REQUIRED to participate fully throughout the project, but should assemble a project team to support the work. Provide the names and roles of 5-8 team members who will be part of the district's project team. Describe why these individuals are the right fit for this project. Note that teams might include a mix of principals, assistant principals, teachers, board members, students, parents or caregivers, community partners, funders, and central office staff.

Section 2: Vision and Conviction
1. Why is your district considering this project now? What makes this the right moment for your district to explore new and innovative models of learning?

0/250
2. What are you hearing from your community? What needs or opportunities are families, educators, and students naming that make you curious to design something new? Based on what evidence?

0/500
3. Imagine success. It is fall 2028 and your district's new learning model has just launched. What is happening that makes you proud?

0/100

Section 3: Clarity and Direction
4. Vision in One Sentence. If your district could design any new learning environment to meet local needs and attract new families to your district, what would it look and feel like?

0/50
5. What outcomes matter most? List up to three outcomes your district most wants to improve for students and families.

0/250

Section 4: Conditions for Innovation
When designing new and innovative learning models, communities see the most success when the following conditions are in place:
- Conviction: the courage to reimagine school
- Clarity: shared vision, goals, and non-negotiables
- Capacity: time, people, and skills to design and test
- Coalition: engagement from families, educators, and community partners
- Culture: trust, curiosity, and openness to learn and iterate
6. Conditions for Innovation Self-Assessment: Of the five conditions listed above as conditions for successful innovation, in which is your district the strongest? Based on what evidence? In which area will your district need the most growth or support?

0/500
7. Support: Briefly explain the support you have from your school board, system leaders, and community partners to move this project forward.

0/300

Section 6: Commitment
10. Community engagement: What is your plan for engaging with families, both in and out of the school system, to get feedback on your new learning model?

0/300
11. Participation. Districts selected for the Innovative Learning Models project should be prepared for their project team to meet weekly (virtually and in person) from February–October 2026, share learning statewide, develop a prototype aligned to local priorities, and work behind the scenes to get buy-in from key stakeholders. Do you foresee any challenges that would impact your district's full participation and commitment of time and effort?

12. Save the Dates

You are encouraged to make note of the dates listed below. Districts selected to participate will be required to attend all in-person meetings and virtual design studios.

Meeting 1: In-Person Convening at Trilith (Fayetteville, GA)	March 16-18, 2026	Kick-off with all districts. Explore national exemplars, refine vision, and begin your local Blueprint. Travel, lodging, and food costs are covered.
Meetings 2 - 4: Virtual Design Studios	March – September 2026 April 2, 1-3pm May 1, 10-12pm August 21, 10-12pm September 11, 10-12pm	Facilitated design sessions focused on prototyping, stakeholder engagement, and blueprint iteration. Includes 4–6 hours of group homework before each.
Optional Virtual Inspiration Visits	March – September 2026 April 15, 2-3pm May 8, 10-11am June 5, 10-11 am August 7, 1-2pm September 4, 10-11am	Five optional virtual visits with national innovation leaders showcasing new models.
Meeting 5: Final In-Person Convening (Plywood Place, Atlanta, GA)	October 28, 2026: 9 am - 2 pm	Teams present their final Blueprints and receive feedback from experts, funders, and peers.

Should be Empty:

Georgia Innovative K-12 Learning Models Application

Section 1: District Information

Section 2: Vision and Conviction

Section 3: Clarity and Direction

Section 4: Conditions for Innovation

Section 5: Exploration and Flexibility

Section 6: Commitment