Frequently Asked Questions
What is iDesign Schools?
iDesign Schools (formerly iDivision) was created by the LAUSD Superintendent of Schools and the Board of Education as an alternative support system for schools interested in using greater decision-making authority as a strategy in the pursuit of increased academic achievement. iDesign Schools work with non-profit organizations, known as Network Partners, who manage the day-to-day operations of iDesign schools. The ultimate goal is to impact the entire district through best practices, insights and tools derived from iDesign Schools. iDesign Schools share the LAUSD vision that all children will be college-prepared and career-ready. Currently 18 diverse schools will join iDesign Schools on July 1, 2008. Back To Top
What characterizes an iDesign school?
iDesign Schools recognize that the unique needs of its students are often unmet under the current traditional system and seek greater input and autonomy in operating their schools as a means of increasing academic performance. An iDesign school chooses to join a Network Partner in the management of its day-to-day operations and both are held accountable for the results. Back To Top
Are iDesign schools still part of LAUSD?
Yes. All iDesign schools are part of LAUSD. All iDesign school teachers, administrators, and staff remain LAUSD employees. Existing collective bargaining agreements remain in place. Back To Top
What does iDesign Schools do?
iDesign Schools is comprised of a small team of "talented" educational leaders who provide a support system to help Network Partner and schools identify the unique insights and tools needed for effective school-based management that ultimately improves academic achievement at participating schools. iDesign Schools staff is responsible for: 1) overseeing the operational support of schools (facilities, purchasing, transportation, etc.); 2) holding Network Partners accountable; 3) tracking and sharing successful practices throughout the entire school district. Back To Top
What does a Network Partner do? How will they help the schools?
Network Partners are external not-for-profit organizations with proven experience in education management and a goal to work collaboratively with schools and iDesign Schools to seek out and make available resources and tools each school needs to serve students. Network Partners sign a five year contract to manage the day-to-day operations of a family or families of schools which includes providing instructional leadership, technical assistance and support. Back To Top
How were the Network Partners and Families of Schools chosen this year?
In its first year, the LAUSD Superintendent of Schools invited four organizations to dialogue with families of schools. The first three Network Partners were chosen based on their existing relationship with the local schools and and/or urban school reform, their capacity to manage a family of schools, and their commitment to bring additional resources to the schools. Back To Top
How are Network Partners held accountable?
iDesign Schools administers an annual scorecard to document the success of the Network Partner and the schools. The scorecard is a public, transparent document showing student achievement, graduation rates, school safety, as well as other measures of school progress. (See “Measuring Success”) Back To Top
What is the relationship between schools, Network Partners, iDesign Schools, the Local District and LAUSD?
iDesign schools will no longer report to their Local Districts. Instead, iDesign schools report to their Network Partner. Network Partners are accountable to the Board of Education through a five-year renewable contract. Back To Top
How do I become an iDesign school?
All iDesign schools are LAUSD schools that enter iDesign in conjunction with a Network Partner. If you or your school is interested in joining iDesign Schools, please contact iDesign Schools for more information. Back To Top
How do I become a Network Partner?
Beginning in 2008-2009 school year, Network Partners will submit an application to a panel of experts in order to be accepted into iDesign Schools. Please contact iDesign Schools for more information. Back To Top