Laboratory schools, by their title, imply a setting that allows some degree of flexibility and ability to quickly manipulate variables with an eye on tweaking systems and refining processes related to the instruction and learning. Public schools and thus PDSs are accountable to a hierarchy of administrators, schools boards and state mandates that constrain the flexibility accorded to laboratory schools. Parents of students who attend laboratory schools know and accept the notion that the school is different and that constantly new approaches and curriculum will be developed, piloted, and refined. In light of the above discussion, universities that have laboratory schools or DRSs should be encouraged to know they possess a resource that is valued in teacher preparation circles. Nationally, great efforts are being expended in trying to capture the characteristics and benefits of such entities, but at minimal or no cost.
History repeats itself in the realization that one usually gets what is paid for.