U.S. Social Innovation?

When I think of Social Innovation I usually think of technology or improvements in poverty-stricken third world countries. I think of areas with little or no economic foundation or significance. I think of areas or communities that aren't self-sustaining or could most benefit from innovation. Maybe it's due to my lack of exposure to social innovation but I enjoyed reading improvements and innovations that are being made right here in the U.S.

Last week we discussed the X Prize model that could improve education or illiteracy in poverty areas. Today, an article in the N.Y. Times outlines the improvements being made in Baltimore schools where interestingly, a Cuban immigrant, Andres Alonso, was hired by the school board to bring positive change through reform. Is Social Innovation confined only to creating new technology or can it also include changing behavior in areas of need?

In this Baltimore school district, 84 percent of students are on free or reduced-price meals, which is a measure of poverty. Dropout rates are incredibly high. The murder rate is six times that of New York City. Six administrators had been hired over the past six years.

Dr. Alonso's approach was to change the behavior and culture of these schools. Previously, administrators had focused too much on test scores, but Alonso worked to create a positive perception, get buy-in from faculty and parents, and go to the root of the problems.

In class we defined innovation as "the act or process of inventing or introducing something new." Can we use Dr. Alonso's success in Baltimore schools in other poverty areas in the U.S.? What about other countries? Would cultural differences, traditions, or other barriers prevent similar education reform?