Innovation Fund
In general
Eligible entities
For the purposes of this section, the term “eligible entity” means—
a local educational agency; or
a partnership between a nonprofit organization and—
one or more local educational agencies; or
a consortium of schools.
Program established
Purpose of awards
The Secretary shall make awards to eligible entities in order to identify, document, and bring to scale innovative best practices based on demonstrated success, to allow such eligible entities to—
expand their work and serve as models for best practices; and
work in partnership with the private sector and the philanthropic community.
Eligibility
To be eligible for such an award, an eligible entity shall—
have significantly closed the achievement gaps between groups of students described in section 6311(b)(2) 1
have demonstrated success in significantly increasing student academic achievement for all groups of students described in such section;
have made significant improvement in other areas, such as graduation rates or increased recruitment and placement of high-quality teachers and school leaders, as demonstrated with meaningful data; and
demonstrate that it has established one or more partnerships with the private sector, which may include philanthropic organizations, and that the private sector will provide matching funds in order to help bring results to scale.