Developing and Advancing Innovative Learning Models

The Developing and Advancing Innovative Learning Models (H.R. 3250) would create a federal grant program to develop, test, evaluate, and expand innovative learning models (ILMs) in elementary, middle, and high schools. The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) would lead activities, providing development grants, research grants, and an evaluation framework to advance ILMs—defined as comprehensive, integrated programs that combine instructional design, pedagogy, operations, and technology—not just standalone tools. The bill emphasizes evidence-based approaches while allowing non-randomized studies, requires strong data privacy protections, and seeks to identify and address federal and state barriers to adoption. In parallel, Title II would provide state and local grants to accelerate adoption and scale of ILMs through a formula-based system, with local implementation supported by partnerships and a focus on equity and student outcomes. The overall aim is to spur innovation in learning models, build the field’s capacity to implement them, and generate data to inform policy and practice. The program would fund multiple stages: early-phase development and feasibility testing; mid-phase implementation and rigorous evaluation (when feasible using administrative data); and expansion to replicate and sustain impacts. An ongoing, independent evaluation would measure program effectiveness, and annual reporting to Congress and the public would share grant activity, outcomes, and policy barriers. Subgrants to local districts would emphasize collaboration with teachers and communities, and address diverse student needs, including students with disabilities, English learners, and at-risk students. The bill includes guardrails to ensure quality, privacy, neutrality, and avoidance of partisan influence.