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College Partnership Laboratory Schools

College partnership laboratory schools are public schools established by contract between the governing board of a college or university and the Board of Education. Legislation proposed by Governor Robert F. McDonnell and approved by the 2010 General Assembly (HB 1389 & SB 736) allows any public institution of higher education in the commonwealth with an approved teacher-preparation program to establish a college partnership laboratory school.

The Board of Education is in the process of developing procedures for receiving, reviewing and ruling on applications to create laboratory schools. Under the 2010 legislation, a college partnership laboratory school may be established to:

• Stimulate innovative programs in preschool through grade 12;
• Provide opportunities for innovation in instruction and assessment;
• Provide teachers with an avenue for delivering innovative instruction and school scheduling, management and structure;
• Encourage performance-based educational programs;
• Establish high standards for both teachers and administrators;
• Encourage greater collaboration between pre-kindergarten and postsecondary program providers; and
• Develop model programs.

Laboratory School Planning Grants

Public colleges and universities in Virginia with approved teacher education programs are eligible to apply for Virginia College Partnership Laboratory School Planning Grants. The grant period is April 15, 2012, to September 15, 2012. Award decisions will reflect the number of applications recommended for funding and the amounts requested. Awards will be adjusted if the total for recommended applications exceeds the $600,000 of available funding.  Applications must be received by the Secretary of Education, Office of the Governor, no later than 4 p.m., on February 1, 2012. Applications not meeting the delivery deadline will not be considered.

• News Release, November 3, 2011 – Governor McDonnell Announces Virginia College Partnership Laboratory School Planning Grant Application.
• Virginia College Partnership Laboratory School Planning Grant Application (PDF)

Laboratory School Application

Application Documents:

• A description of the Virginia College Partnership Laboratory School Application Process (Word)
• Virginia College Partnership Laboratory School Application (Word) – The application must be submitted to the Board of Education.
• Criteria Checklist for Virginia College Partnership Laboratory School Applications (Word)

Enrollment

College partnership laboratory schools may not charge tuition and enrollment is open to any school-age student who is a Virginia resident on a lottery, space-available basis.

Governance & Standards

Management of a laboratory school is the responsibility of the governing board established by the partnering institution of higher learning. A laboratory school is designated as a local education agency eligible for federal funds but does not constitute a school division, as defined in the state constitution.

Like all public schools in the commonwealth, college laboratory schools are subject to the Standards of Learning, Standards of Accreditation and Standards of Quality. Teachers must be licensed by the Board of Education or, in the case of instructors in teacher-preparation programs, be eligible for a Virginia teaching license.

Funding

The 2010 legislation authorized the creation of laboratory schools but did not address funding. That will be addressed by the governor and legislature at a later time.

Board of Education College Partnership Laboratory School Committee

The Board of Education established this committee to develop procedures for receiving, reviewing and ruling on applications from Virginia public colleges and universities to establish laboratory schools. The committee also is charged with developing criteria for disbursements from the College Partnership Laboratory School Fund.

• Committee meetings and agendas
• April 21, 2010 presentation to the Board of Education (PDF)

College Partnership Laboratory School Fund

House Bill 1389 and Senate Bill 736 also created a College Partnership Laboratory School Fund for the purposes of establishing or supporting laboratory schools. This special non reverting fund includes appropriations by the General Assembly and gifts, bequests or donations. The fund retains its own interest and balances and is not subject to reversion to the General Fund.

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