Introduction

The Laboratory Schools have a very long and proud history at Illinois State University. On February 18, 1857 Governor William H. Bissell signed the bill creating Illinois State University. Less than three months later, Charles Hovey directed a committee that visited other normal and high schools. The committee reported that one of the tasks of the normal school was to:

Give students practical skill by actual service under instruction in the school of practice, or model school. They should here be taught that there can be no real success in practice without a rational theory to which such practice can, at every step, be referred. They should be made to see and feel that there must be a reason for every process in education as well as in medicine, or engineering, or mechanics.

Today, the Laboratory Schools, Metcalf and University High School, at Illinois State University continue to serve as clinical experience and practice sites for pre-service teachers and experimental teaching activities. The schools provide a "living laboratory" for research and applied practices to improve teaching and other educational practice. This tradition is reflected in the four-part mission of the Illinois State University Laboratory Schools, which states:

• Provide a school in which excellence in education theory and practice can be observed, studied, and practiced by teacher candidates and other pre-service school professionals.

• Provide an environment in which research and development activities may be conducted.

• Provide a comprehensive, high-quality academic program for Metcalf and University High School students.

• Promote effective, high-quality education throughout the teaching profession and to aid other educators in the process of improving the quality of education in their schools.

Both laboratory schools at Illinois State University, Metcalf and University High School, engage in multiple activities that support all parts of the stated mission.

Metcalf Elementary

The Thomas Metcalf School provides a wide range of educational programs to 480 students enrolled in preschool through grade eight. A basic curriculum, consisting of instruction in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies is offered to all students at Metcalf. An extensive collection of quality literature enhances the instructional program. A strong arts program, taught by specialists in music, art, and drama, is available to students beginning in kindergarten. Physical education is taught by specialists at all grade levels. Foreign language instruction, French and Spanish, begins in fourth grade. With computers in every classroom and labs throughout the building, students are surrounded by technology. Formal keyboarding is taught in third grade followed by instruction in word-processing and multi-media. Internet access is provided through the University's computing department. A comprehensive co-curricular program with over 30 offerings in academic areas, athletics, and the arts, complements the instructional program. Future teachers, enrolled in education programs at Illinois State University, learn from observing these extensive educational offerings and from working with the exemplary faculty who implement them. Metcalf takes great pride in its ability to engage learners in a variety of learning experiences.

University High School

University High School is a modern, well-equipped educational facility serving 590 students in grades 9-12. With students enrolled from 35 different school districts, University High School is a very diverse community of learners. Because the school is committed to providing a laboratory environment in which the very best classroom practice can flourish, the curriculum is innovative, strong, and is continually reviewed. The freshman curriculum, for example, is interdisciplinary in nature, and reflects the belief that learning is enhanced when connections can be made between and among content areas. In the other grade levels, courses are offered at both the regular and accelerated levels, and numerous advanced placement courses are available. University High School strives to keep pace with changing technological challenges by offering Internet access to students through the University. Firm in the belief that co-curricular programs enhance the experience of the high school student, University High School also offers over 60 programs in both academics and athletics. At University High School, students can choose from a wide range of curricular and co-curricular offerings. The school is proud of the level of commitment and involvement reflected in the activities of our students.

Special Education Programs

The Laboratory Schools serve as a regional center for delivering instructional services to students with physical disabilities, hearing impairments, and visual impairments. Using a team approach, faculty design programs to meet individual student needs. A variety of support services are available to students including: Physical and occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, mobility instruction, audiology, interpreting, adapted physical education and aquatics, and adapted art. Special education teachers and assistants collaborate with classroom teachers and other University personnel to promote a sense of belonging for all students. The decision to place a student in any of these programs begins with a referral to the special education director in the student's home school district.

For Your Information

Enrollment in the Laboratory Schools

Students are selected from applications received at each school. To fulfill the research and teacher education mission, the student population at Metcalf and University High School is representative of schools across central Illinois. The total enrollment of the Laboratory Schools is capped at 1,000 students by state law. This total does not include students enrolled in preschool or special education. Of that number, the maximum number of students that can be admitted from McLean County Unit #5 is 642. The maximum for Bloomington District #87 is 246. In addition, up to 50 students may be admitted from any other school system in the state. Typically, students are not admitted after the school year has begun. Applications are available in the main office of each building starting February 1. Please pick one up, or call to have one mailed.

Fees

A complete fee schedule is available at each school. Students pay an initial materials and activities fee of $175. Additional fees are charged for field trips and selected course offerings. Students are assessed fees for participating in co-curricular activities at University High School. They also purchase their own textbooks. Fees are waived or reduced for families who meet the federal eligibility criteria for free and reduced lunches.

Transportation

Students living within the district boundaries of McLean County Unit #5 may use the transportation service provided by that district. Students enrolled in one of the special education programs through a cooperative agreement with local schools are transported by the home district. The families of all other students assume responsibility for transporting children to and from school.

Citizen Involvement

Parents are always welcome in the Laboratory Schools. In fact, parental involvement is often cited by prospective families as one of the attractive characteristics of the Laboratory Schools. Three active parent organizations, the Parent-Teacher Organization at Metcalf (PTO), the Boosters at University High School, and the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), supply a rich talent pool of volunteers and facilitate communication throughout the system. These tireless organizations sponsor many exciting activities for students and families which ultimately enrich the educational experiences of students in the Laboratory Schools.

Contacts

Robert Dean, Superintendent, Laboratory Schools, (309) 438-8542, e-mail Dr. Robert Dean

Jeff Hill, Principal, University High School, (309) 438-8346, e-mail Jeff Hill

Amy Coffman, Principal, Metcalf School, (309) 438-7621, e-mail Amy Coffman