HF 58 Summary

• Removes the "research" requirement from innovation zone partnerships, allowing them to implement innovative education programs based on proposed hypotheses without mandatory peer-reviewed research support.

• Adds two new innovation models: (10) new models of evaluation and assessment using multiple indicators including problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration; and (11) improving teacher and principal mentoring and evaluation.

• Removes the research methodology requirement from innovation zone plans submitted to the commissioner and eliminates the requirement to remove the research methodology from plan descriptions.

• Changes commissioner responsibilities from "must" to "may" for approving plans after advisory panel review, analyzing zone progress, and suspending or terminating non-compliant plans.

• Modifies reporting requirements to allow the commissioner to summarize and categorize innovation zone plans "to the extent practicable, and using existing resources" for submission to legislative committees by February 1 of odd-numbered years.