VA Team Shares Ideas at Global Lab School Event

Rhode Island – A 13-member delegation from Virginia recently attended the International Association of Laboratory Schools (IALS) Conference, where educators and researchers from seven countries across five continents gathered to explore the latest advancements in lab school education. The three-day event provided an opportunity for Virginia’s representatives to showcase the groundbreaking work happening in the state’s College Partnership Lab Schools while also learning from international experts about diverse approaches to hands-on, research-driven education.

The Virginia delegation highlighted innovations in STEM, Computer Science, Maritime Engineering, Environmental Science, and Aerospace programs, demonstrating how these specialized lab schools are shaping the future of K-12 education and strengthening the workforce pipeline. Beyond sharing their own successes, the team engaged in discussions about global best practices, gaining insights into how laboratory schools operate in different cultural and educational contexts.

Lab School Teams tours the Chariho TECH School in Rhode Island.

“This conference was a remarkable opportunity to connect with educators from around the world who share a commitment to innovation in education,” said one Virginia delegate. “We not only shared the exciting developments happening in Virginia’s lab schools but also gained valuable perspectives that will help us continue to evolve and improve.”

Our team even received a tour of the Compass School, a K-8 school that’s fully sustainable on a working farm.

With attendees representing institutions from North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, the IALS Conference served as a hub for collaboration, fostering partnerships that transcend borders. The event reinforced the role of laboratory schools as incubators for new teaching methods, cutting-edge research, and hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for the future.

Virginia’s participation in the conference underscores the state’s commitment to pioneering new educational models and ensuring that its College Partnership Lab Schools remain at the forefront of innovation. As the delegation returns home, they bring with them fresh ideas and international perspectives to further enhance the impact of lab schools across the Commonwealth.