TPSD Seeks ‘District Of Innovation’ Status From MDE

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – One public school district in our area is looking for more flexibility when it comes to teaching students.

That’s one reason the Tupelo Public School District is looking to become a “District of Innovation.”

Students at Lawndale Elementary routinely use science, technology, engineering and math, along with the arts, in their classroom work.

“Our kids are really getting some life skills and daily skills that will not only prepare them for jobs are current now but for jobs they will actually create,” said Principal Melissa Thomas.

Although teachers are encouraged to think outside the box when planning their lessons, educators are bound by guidelines set by the Mississippi Department of Education.

But schools with the “District of Innovation” designation have more flexibility in several areas such as curriculum choices, learning opportunities and seat time.

“Based on state requirements, students have to have 330 minutes of instructional time during the parameters of the school day, what that looks like is that limits opportunities for personalized learning, or if you have students doing internships,” said Stewart McMillan, who is the Innovation Program Facilitator for TPSD.

She is helping TPSD navigate the steps to becoming a district of innovation.

McMillan says it’s all about helping students reach their full potential.

“We would be hopeful and optimistic that this would help improve our performance on tests, but the end goal is really better preparation for life and work, so bigger picture, higher aspirations, higher expectations for all kids,” McMillan said.

Becoming a district of innovation is a lengthy process.

Tupelo Public Schools is on track to submit its application one year from now.

A decision could be made by March of 2020.

As part of the application process, TPSD is asking the public to answer an online survey about the needs of the district.

The survey is online through Friday.