The Innovation Funding Initiative is part of OCDE’s strategic effort to support promising ideas that can be tested, refined, and shared across schools throughout the county.
FVSD is proud to be among the first cohort of districts participating in this new initiative and looks forward to collaborating with educators across Orange County to strengthen teaching and learning for students.
The new initiative supports bold and innovative ideas designed to strengthen student engagement and learning across Orange County. FVSD’s proposal — the Math Learning Lab Model — was selected from a competitive pool of 29 applications submitted by 22 school districts.
Each selected district will receive up to $525,000 over three years to develop and implement their projects beginning in July 2026 and continuing through June 2029.
“This initiative is about creating the conditions for bold ideas to take root and flourish,” said Dr. Stefan Bean, Orange County Superintendent of Schools. “Our districts are already exploring creative ways to support students. This investment helps elevate those ideas and creates opportunities for educators to learn from one another.”
Supporting Strong Math Instruction
FVSD’s Math Learning Lab Model focuses on strengthening Tier 1 mathematics instruction across classrooms while improving grade-level coherence and ensuring equitable learning opportunities for all students.
The research-based model moves beyond traditional one-time professional development sessions and instead creates a sustainable, districtwide system of collaborative learning for teachers.
Through structured classroom “lab cycles,” teachers will work together to:
-
Observe authentic student thinking during math lessons
-
Analyze student work and problem-solving strategies
-
Revise and refine instructional approaches
-
Re-teach lessons based on student learning
-
Participate in ongoing coaching and follow-up collaboration
The learning labs are aligned with the 2024 California Mathematics Framework, which emphasizes student-centered learning, mathematical reasoning, and deep conceptual understanding.
Improving Outcomes for All Students
The Math Learning Lab Model is designed to strengthen instruction for all learners while closing achievement gaps for key student groups, including English Learners, socioeconomically disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities.
Effectiveness will be measured through student progress on statewide and local assessments, including SBAC Math and curriculum-based measures.
By embedding professional learning directly into classroom practice, FVSD educators will be able to continuously refine instruction based on real-time student learning.