INFORMATIONAL

I am pleased to inform you that Solve It, a mathematics program for K-5 elementary 
school students, will be distributed to each school division beginning November 15, 
1999. Solve It is being offered by the Virginia Mathematics and Science Coalition, 
with support provided by a number of major Virginia corporations.  Please identify 
an individual in your school division to assist with the distribution of the Solve 
It materials to individual schools.  

The Solve It program consists of a set of six to ten mathematics problems and 
activities for students in each grade level K-5.  The problems and activities have 
been developed to actively engage both students and their families in enjoyable and 
rewarding mathematics activities. These activities are aligned with the Virginia 
Mathematics Standards of Learning and have been designed to be worked on 
independently outside the classroom.  Teachers are asked to set criteria for 
completion of the program, collect students' finished programs, and distribute the 
student  incentives enclosed in the teachers' materials.

The coalition is a nonpartisan citizens' group committed to improving mathematics 
and science education in Virginia.  I would like to take this opportunity to 
express my appreciation and that of the Department of Education for this important 
contribution by the Coalition and Virginia's corporate community.  Should you have 
questions regarding these activities, please contact Dr. Carol Rezba, K-8 Mathematics
Specialist, at (804) 225-2676.  

PDS/CR/pl