Preparing for the Virtual Lab School David W. Andrews, Ph.D. Ohio State University
Why Lab Schools? Live observation Hands-0n training Pilot innovative practice Conduct research Demonstrate skills
Lab Schools in History Origins in the mid 1920s WWII & The Kaiser Experiment Half-day to full-day programs Restructured Home Economics
Critical Focus Areas Safety and hygiene Standards Differentiated instruction Program management Child guidance Curriculum development Professional development Inclusion
Contemporary Issues in Lab Schools Rapidly changing knowledge Availability of new knowledge The push for evidence-based practice Changing assessment expectations The “spectrum syndrome” Response to intervention (RTI)
Why DoD Lab Schools? Unique training needs Staff turnover patterns Military family focus Piloting Innovation Enormous scale Customization Rapid response Enhanced image Efficient expertise Patrick Air Force Base
Site-based Lab Schools Program Requirements Highly Qaulified Staff Willing Parents Supportive Administration Space Requirements Observation Capacity Training Rooms Slightly Larger Classrooms Distance Technology
A Peek at the Virtual Lab School Catalogs and qualify existing learning objects Creates new learning objects Establishes online communities of practice for professional development Mobilizes land-grant univeristy expertise for professional development Provides the online training platform for pre-service and in- service professional development
Lab Schools of The Future Enhanced access (handhelds) Providers Parents Credible sources Virtual databases Simulated interactions Networking for scale Qualified staff source DoD Can Lead the Way!