The SUNY Innovative High School Programs study is an evaluative research project that contributes to the understanding of how innovative high school models promote, accelerate and amplify New York’s aspirations for 21st century education. The project relies on a mixed-methods qualitative and quantitative approach to capturing important data that informs comparative analysis and establishes a consistent process for assessing future models as they arise in order for policy makers and administrators to forge informed decisions in the best interest of New York communities.

Through a grant from the Bush Foundation, University of South Dakota and a consortium of partners from across South Dakota, these organizations undertook a seven-year project of redesigning post-secondary programs and opportunities for young professionals entering the field, and mentor teachers with the ultimate goal of creating a corps of highly qualified teachers for South Dakota high needs Local Educational Agencies (LEA). The South Dakota Teacher Quality Partnership (SDTQP) is the nexus of a statewide collaboration between Higher Education and high need LEAs in rural communities. The ultimate goal of the project is to increase the preparedness of teachers to work in high needs schools, thereby increasing the academic performance of the students in those schools.

Rural education conjures images of small agrarian communities spread across large geographic expanses with limited funding and few professional opportunities. All too often rural America brings to mind the perception of inferior education driven by a lack of opportunity, resources, and highly qualified teachers.

During June to December 2009, the PAST Foundation participated in a Progressive Dialogue led by the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to support a process designed to identify ways to advance PK-20 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in New York State. The Progressive Dialogue included an Inaugural Dialogue, held in June 2009, followed by eight Regional Dialogues conducted during October to December throughout the state.