Summer Design Program (SDP)

A professional development and school innovation program offered by the Chicago Public Education Fund that supports principals and school leaders in redesigning their schools through design thinking methodology.

Geographic Scope: Chicago Public Schools (CPS)

Focus Areas:

• School redesign and innovation
• Design thinking implementation
• Professional development enhancement
• Technology integration in instruction
• Personalized learning
• Curriculum development
• STEM education
• Blended learning models
• Teacher collaboration and planning

Eligibility:

• Principals and school leadership teams from Chicago Public Schools
• Schools can form teams to participate

What the Program Includes:

• Summer design workshops and learning experiences
• Support from consultants (e.g., Furman Brown of Sensible Innovation, LEAP Innovations)
• Assistance with school redesign planning
• Technology and financial support
• Collaborative problem-solving with peer school leaders
• Post-program follow-up support

Program Examples: Participants have used the SDP to:

• Integrate science and math departments into unified STEM programs
• Redesign professional development for teachers
• Implement blended learning models
• Develop personalized instruction strategies
• Create collaborative lesson planning protocols
• Enhance scheduling and planning time for teachers

Application Process

Steps:

1. Submit an application demonstrating your school's innovation goals and vision
2. Form a school team to participate
3. Proposed application deadline timing: Applications typically launch in late January with summer program delivery

Required Materials:

• School leadership and teacher team representation
• Description of innovation goals and challenges to address
• Commitment to participate in summer workshops

Note: The website indicates applications would be launched "later this month" (January 2016) with details to follow. Specific application form details are not provided in the available content.