ODU Lab School Teams in Action

Teams from all 4 ODU Lab Schools engage in hands-on Professional Learning

Our Lab School teams have been actively engaged in curriculum development, design thinking, and site visits to innovative schools, ensuring our approach to education remains cutting-edge and student-centered. Through immersive professional learning experiences, our teams are refining instructional models that will drive meaningful change across our schools and prepare students for the demands of the modern workforce.


Exploring Innovative School Models

Teams from all four ODU College Partnership Lab Schools engaged in a dynamic discussion with the team from Plaza Middle School in Virginia Beach, exploring best practices and innovative strategies for structuring co-located schools.


As part of our efforts to implement best practices, our teams have embarked on strategic site visits to observe successful education models in action. At Plaza Middle School in Virginia Beach, our teams explored the co-located IBMYP Academy at PZMS, gaining valuable insights into interdisciplinary learning and program design. This visit reinforced the importance of integrating multiple subjects to create a cohesive, engaging learning experience for students.
Further expanding our knowledge base, a visit to the Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies Elizabeth City, North Carolina, provided our teams with valuable perspectives on fostering student-driven innovation and real-world applications of STEM learning. Observing students engaged in hands-on aerospace projects demonstrated the power of experiential learning and its role in preparing students for high-demand careers.

The ODU College Partnership Lab School team collaborated with the team from the Northeast Academy of Aerospace and Advanced technologies in Elizabeth City, NC.


Applying Design Thinking to Aerospace Education

Mr. Dedicatoria from Accomack County presents to the team on the innovative design of AAES during our Design Thinking Designers Meeting, offering valuable insights into the school’s forward-focused approach.


In developing the Aerospace Academy, Mr. Dedicatoria applied design thinking strategies to create a forward-looking plan of study that aligns with industry needs while keeping students engaged. This approach fosters a problem-solving mindset, enabling students to tackle complex challenges with creativity and technical proficiency. Simultaneously, our Suffolk team participated in a Curriculum Writing Academy led by Dr. Kate Maxlow, designing innovative STEM experiences that equip students with the skills needed for future success. By emphasizing project-based learning and hands-on applications, both teams are shaping curricula that cultivate critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.


Shaping the Future of Lab Schools


These professional learning experiences continue to shape the vision and implementation of our Lab Schools, reinforcing our commitment to rapidly changing education one innovation at a time. As we integrate best practices from innovative schools, apply design thinking to curriculum development, and collaborate with industry partners, we are laying the groundwork for a transformative educational experience that will empower students and redefine the future of learning.


Stay connected as we continue to revolutionize education through cutting-edge strategies and innovative instructional models!