On the Same Page

The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

On the Same Page

October 1, 2004
David W. Magill, Director of UCLS

I can't help it. I still get excited when school opens. Some of the best memories of my childhood flood back during the first week of a new school year. There is something about the combination of freshly waxed floors, school supplies, smiling faces both new and old that keep alive the joyful anticipation of youth

Delivering a message to faculty and staff is part of my "head of school" tradition and is a highlight of my first day. The message usually addresses the "state of the school," education in general, and focuses on specific questions that I believe should be part of our collective consciousness.

"Building Cathedrals" was the title of this year's remarks. I told a story set in medieval times and let it serve as a visionary metaphor for the work that we do. (See Building Cathedrals.) Too many of us have a tendency to get caught up in the specialization of our work and neglect to appreciate the big picture. Leadership has a responsibility to draw attention to the big picture and to refine its features continually to keep it fresh.

From its inception, Lab School's vision has been John Dewey's. It was a powerful vision and was radically different from that which was being practiced at the end of the nineteenth century. His vision was put into practice in an experimental school for young children on 57th Street and in many ways continues to inspire and direct our work.

Since the time of Dewey, we have grown to become one of the largest independent schools in the country. We educate children from the age of three until the age of 18. Our high school program is greatly influenced by the demands of higher education, and we are privileged to be part of one of the great universities of the world. It did not take a recent Wall Street Journal article to point out that Lab School graduates are among the best in the nation. Colleges and universities have known that for years.

These things did not happen by chance; they happened because our faculty and staff improved upon and updated the vision of our founder. They happened because of the support of parents, alumni, and the University of Chicago. Since I could not find evidence that our vision was articulated clearly in recent years, I have taken every opportunity to share it at the beginning of the 2004-2005 school year.

Acting upon the core of our mission statement and remaining an "experience centered, rigorous, and well-rounded education for a diverse community"
Having high expectations for student achievement
Placing high value on our partnership with parents and the community by providing extended-day and year-round programs
Creating and maintaining a school culture and climate in which character and leadership are promoted
Identifying, hiring, and retaining quality faculty and staff
Being introspective and continually seeking improvement

Beginning in November, I will be elaborating on each part of this vision and sharing examples of what these bulleted components mean to me. With experience comes some security that my opinions are right, but I am never too experienced to learn. So, consider this an invitation to help me grow and respond to these attempts to keep us "on the same page".

p.s.: The Goals and Objectives for 2004-2005 can be viewed by clicking here.