What is the Innovation Solutions Lab (ISL)?

The School Innovation Department annually hosts a competition that awards funding for proposals that demonstrate innovation in addressing school-based problems of practice. Multiple awards up to $10,000 each are awarded to school-based teams to implement their innovative solution(s).

Who can apply?

Teams must be school-based and comprised of 3-6 individuals. Teams may include teachers, academic coaches, support staff, administrators, parents, and students. Teams must include a principal or assistant principal.

How does my DCSD school-based team apply?

Teams attend a mandatory workshop to identify a problem of practice. Additional technical support sessions are offered through the School Innovation Department. Use the application link, project plan, and budget template linked below to apply.

Get Ready for Pitch Day!

Finalists will present their innovative proposals to a panel of judges at Pitch Day! Invitations will be sent to finalists by Monday, November 4, 2024.

ISL Key Dates

  • August 19, 2024: Application Window Open

  • September 4, 2024 – October 2, 2024: Applicants attend a mandatory situation appraisal session to identify a problem of practice. Register for course #5606 in the Frontline professional learning platform.

  • October 8, 2024: Application Deadline
  • November 20, 2024: Pitch Day at DeKalb School of the Arts