The How and Why of Laboratory Schools

Michael R.L. Odell, Ph.D. is a Professor of STEM and holds a joint appointment in the College of Education and Psychology and the College of Engineering. He is the co-Founder of the University of Texas at Tyler University Academy Laboratory Schools and is the School of Education Faculty member that oversees the school model and the curriculum. He also serves on the school board. In the School of education he is the CPED affiliated Co-Coordinator for the Ed.D. in School Improvement program and the Co-Director of the UTeach STEM Teacher Preparation Program. He has been instrumental in implementing innovative program including the UTeach STEM Teacher Preparation program replication, which has doubled the number of STEM teachers produced by the university. Dr. Odell was instrumental in growing the research enterprise at UT Tyler and in the College of Education. In addition to his faculty appointment, Dr. Odell has held several administrative positions at UT Tyler including the Director of the School of Education and the Vice President for Sponsored Research. Teresa Kennedy, Ph.D. is a Professor of Bilingual STEM Education at the University of Texas at Tyler. As part of her role in the School of Education, she works to prepare preservice teachers to work with diverse students in the Laboratory School setting. She focuses primarily on preparing preservice teachers to work with English Language Learners. Barbara B. Meyer, EdD, is Associate Professor in the School of Teaching & Learning at Illinois State University. She served as Interim Director of the ISU Laboratory Schools (2020-2022), contributes to laboratory school research and teacher preparation initiatives, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the International Association of Laboratory Schools. Jill Sarada, EdD., serves as the Director of Falk Laboratory School, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and former President of the International Association of Laboratory Schools (2021-2023; 2016-2017). Jill actively works to support learning and collaboration among the educators of Lab Schools with the broader educational community.

"As the Director of Thammasat Secondary School, I endorse this comprehensive exploration of laboratory schools. This book brilliantly captures the essence of these unique institutions, highlighting their pivotal role in child-centered education, research, and innovation. It offers insights into the challenges and opportunities facing laboratory schools globally, making it an essential resource for educators, researchers, and policymakers. The diverse case studies and forward-looking perspectives presented here will undoubtedly inspire and guide the future of education, reinforcing the vital contribution of laboratory schools in shaping equitable and progressive educational landscapes."----Dr. Sahawarat Polahan, Assistant Professor, Thammasat University, Thailand "As a laboratory school director, it is both encouraging and inspiring to read about all the wonderful accomplishments and advancements from other laboratory schools across the globe. The impact of laboratory schools can be attributed to the tireless work of educators who are in the business of providing a voice for children regarding their own success while modeling effective practices in the classroom for preservice teaching students. The How and Why of Laboratory Schools: Innovations and Success Stories in Teacher Preparation and Student Learning serves as a great narrative for those wanting to know why we have laboratory schools, what they are and how they are shaping the landscape of education for the future."----Eric Kirkman, EdD, Director, Kilby Laboratory School, University of North Alabama "The How and Why of Laboratory Schools is an essential read for anyone in the field of education. It affirms the vital contributions of laboratory schools to the educational community and inspires a renewed commitment to fostering environments where innovation and research thrive. This book is a powerful reminder of the immense potential within laboratory schools. It is a call to support and expand laboratory schools, ensuring that their legacy of innovation and excellence continues to benefit future generations."----Dr. Grace Carro, Dean College of Education, University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras Campus