HF 17 Summary

• Removes the requirement that innovation zone partnerships must research proposed education programs and instead allows them to implement innovative programs based on proposed hypotheses.

• Adds new example innovation models including new evaluation and assessment methods using multiple indicators beyond state tests, and allowing high school diplomas for students meeting postsecondary or career certification requirements.

• Changes commissioner approval language from "must approve or reject" to discretionary review, and changes requirements for plan remediation and suspension from mandatory to permissive actions.

• Removes the requirement that the commissioner analyze innovation zone progress and report to the legislature and instead makes reporting discretionary, limited to available resources.

• Makes the research methodology requirement optional in innovation zone plans submitted to the commissioner.