College Partnership Laboratory School Fund? Read More
HOW VA Schools are Stimulating Innovative Programs in Preschool through Grade 12
Section 22.1-349.1(B) states that Lab Schools are designed 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.
Additional details about enrollment, governance structures, and accountability can be found in § 22.1-349.3 et seq. Lab Schools are subject to all federal and state laws and regulations and constitutional provisions prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, gender, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services.
Lab Schools are designated as public schools in Virginia. Like all public schools in the Commonwealth, Lab Schools are subject to the Standards of Learning (§ 22.1-253.13:1), Standards of Accreditation (8VAC20-131), and Standards of Quality (§§ 22.1-253.13:1 et seq.). Additionally, teachers must be licensed by the Board of Education or, in the case of instructors in educator preparation programs, be eligible for a Virginia teaching license.
College Partnership Laboratory School Fund
Section 22.1-349.2 of the Code of Virginia establishes the College Partnership Laboratory Fund (the Fund) for the purposes of establishing or supporting Lab Schools. During its 2022 Special Session, the General Assembly appropriated $100 million into the Fund to be allotted for the following uses:
- $5 million for planning grants to support eligible entities in the design of new college Lab Schools and to assist in drafting and submitting a Lab School application to the Board.
- $20 million for initial start-up grants for approved Lab Schools to make one-time purchases for expenses necessary to launch a Lab School.
- $75 million (or the balance of the fund) for per-pupil operating grants to support ongoing expenses for the operation and maintenance of a Lab School.
Additional information on each grant program and for applying for grants from the Fund can be found in the sections below.
