HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WABY) — The Board of Education has approved six new research schools, three of which are affiliated with Hampton Roads or Western Tidewater. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin is a proponent of lab schools as a way to improve the state's secondary education.
Old Dominion University will be joining the Newport News proposed Lab School, the Academy of Maritime Engineering and Environmental Studies developed by ODU in collaboration with Newport News Public Schools, and Chesapeake's Computer Science Lab School (developed in collaboration with Newport News Public Schools). ) is a university partner for two lab schools. ODU works with Chesapeake Public Schools.
Lab School in Newport News “emphasizes student-directed learning through STEM, experiential learning, guided inquiry, design thinking, career and technical education, as well as internship and job shadowing opportunities.” This school helps support the regional maritime workforce.
“The maritime industry is one of the region's key economic drivers,” Dr. Karen Sanzo, director of ODU's Institute for Design Thinking and Leadership Development, said in a statement. “To best prepare the future maritime workforce and foster economic and workforce development in Hampton Roads, it is important to introduce this subject to high school students. is to use evidence-based strategies to do so.
“The Academy of Maritime Engineering and Environmental Studies looks forward to working with the Newport News Public School District to strengthen collaboration in our region and develop both students and teachers.”
Chesapeake Lab School, in collaboration with Oscar Smith Middle School, aims to “empower underrepresented middle school students through innovative opportunities and experiences, combined with an innovative focus on computer science principles.” I am. The program aims to “prepare students for the technology talent pipeline” and increase the number of K-12 teachers who can teach computer science.
“ODU is committed to developing the next generation of computing professionals,” said Sanzo. “We are excited to partner with the amazing experts at Chesapeake Public Schools and Oscar Smith Middle School to create the Computer Science Lab School. Together, we will help middle school students prepare for the future of computing. We will identify, design, and implement the most effective educational strategies to ensure you have the foundation you need to get on the line.”
Paul D. Camp Community College is also collaborating with Isle of Wight County Public Schools on a proposed Maritime Trades Academy Lab School designed to be a high school to university pipeline between Paul D. Camp and the Isle of Wight. It is working. School Department. The initial major corporate sponsor will be Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipyard.
“Isle Maritime Trades Academy is not only an avenue into a career path for Lab School students from the Isle of Wight and surrounding districts, but also an avenue for them to explore something bigger than themselves: national security. “We will also make it possible to become a department,” he said. Cory L. McCray, President of Paul D. Camp Community College. “Students in the lab will ultimately have the opportunity to help build naval vessels that ensure the nation's defense and security. Additionally, IMTA is committed to meeting the needs of Newport News Shipyard partners over the next five years. We will help fill the estimated 20,000 employees.”
Lab School's other university partners in other parts of Virginia include Emory & Henry College, George Mason University, and Roanoke College.
The lab schools proposed by Emory & Henry include the university and four Southwest Virginia school districts: Bristol, Virginia, Virginia Highlands and Wytheville Community Colleges, A. Linwood Holton Governor's School, Southwest Virginia This is in partnership with the Center for Higher Education. .
The partnership will create the Southwest Virginia Healthcare Excellence Academy Lab School, a high school career academy for students in grades 10 through 12, and prepare future health care professionals to address the region's workforce shortage. It plays a role in training.
George Mason's Lab School is a partnership between the university and Northern Virginia Community College and Fairfax County Public Schools to create the Accelerated College and Employability Skills Academy Lab School, or ACCESS Academy. was planned to be established. Its mission is to provide previously underserved students with new paths to in-demand, high-paying careers, helping them complete two-year and four-year degrees. That's it.
Explore@RC, Roanoke College's lab school, is a partnership between the university and Salem City Schools in the southwestern part of the state that offers three career-oriented pathways: education/global learning and STEM/healthcare and communications/civic engagement. It is a feature. . Our students' jobs are relevant to their chosen career paths and directly tied to the workforce needs of the Roanoke region.
“With the addition of these six Lab Schools, the Board of Regents has created a rich and forward-looking opportunity that will reach students across Virginia,” Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in a statement. “These schools are establishing innovative pathways for students to explore potential careers and better prepare for the future, with a special focus on responding to local needs and demands. These Lab Schools not only shape the future of our students, they also shape the future of Virginia.”
State Education Secretary Amy Gudera said the program prepares students for post-secondary education and “meaningful career options.”
School Board President Grace Turner Creasey said she is inspired to see how the school is progressing and “looks forward to seeing the impact it will have in the coming years.” he said.
In the current budget, the state of Virginia, along with dedicated funding, will advance the development of lab schools “designed to foster the development of innovative educational programs for Virginia's pre-K through 12th grade students.” They are affiliated with the following organizations: We work with local employers and community organizations to emphasize that academic success is the key to life after school.
It is unclear whether the new two-year budget will include funding for the lab because the governor and General Assembly have not yet reached a budget agreement.
Two years ago, the General Assembly approved $100 million to launch a new Lab School, a partnership between the public school sector and higher education institutions with innovative lesson plans.
“The six schools approved…are a direct result of the innovative thinking of higher education institutions and school sector representatives, who transformed their vision and, with the support of their communities, developed these labs. We made the school a reality,” the Superintendent of Public Instruction said. Coached by Lisa Koons. “We are grateful to everyone who worked to create the foundation for these strong programs and to those who worked behind the scenes to make these lab schools a reality for Virginia students. These lab schools are ready to help students across the commonwealth meet industry demands and standards for the in-demand careers of the future.”
