INFORMATIONAL

  Old Dominion University is initiating a distance learning
  program to meet the needs of teachers of special education
  students in the areas of  learning disabilities, emotional
  disturbance, and mental retardation.  This new program is
  funded through a grant by the Virginia Department of
  Education.

  Old Dominion University will broadcast course work via
  satellite technology to more than 25 receptor sites across
  Virginia.  Each course will address one or more of the
  licensure requirements for endorsement in learning
  disabilities, emotional disturbance, and mental retardation. 
  Each course will be taught in the same manner without regard
  to site,  tests, classroom activities, and assignments. 
  Homework will be standardized.  All courses will be taught by
  full-time faculty and/or qualified clinical adjunct faculty
  aided by graduate assistants.   A minimum of ten courses per
  year will be broadcast from Old Dominion University to each of
  the distance learning sites.  

  Eligible participants are teachers employed in Virginia who
  are assigned to teach special education students, do not hold
  the appropriate endorsement, and have been issued a two-year
  Special Education Conditional license.  Participants must be
  recommended by their employers and be assigned mentors.  The
  cost to the participant will be $100 per course, plus
  textbooks, materials, and supplies.  Participants may take
  four courses per year.  

  Attached is the administrative manual which provides details
  regarding the program and the application process including
  teacher registration and mentor application forms, and a map
  showing distance learning sites.  If additional information is
  needed, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Thomas A.
  Elliott, Assistant Superintendent for Compliance, at (804)
  371-2522, or Mrs. Sandra Aldrich, Education Specialist for
  Special Education Personnel Development, at (804) 225-2096. 

  RTL/rt
  Attachment



  THE COMMONWEALTH SPECIAL EDUCATION ENDORSEMENT PROGRAM
                 A DISTANCE LEARNING APPROACH
                 PROGRAM APPLICATION PROCESS

  EACH PARTICIPANT MUST:

  1. Have a two-year Special Education Conditional License in
     learning disabilities, emotional disturbance and/or
     mental retardation.    

  2. Complete the teacher registration form.

  3. Obtain the completed mentor form and appropriate
     signatures.

  4. Submit a copy (if completed) of the evaluation of
     transcripts for endorsement by the Virginia
     Department of Education.

  5. Submit copies of official student transcripts and 
     a self-addressed stamped postcard.

  6. Submit the teacher registration form, mentor form,
     evaluation of transcripts (if available)   and copies
     of official student transcripts with the self-addressed
     stamped postcard to:

          Dr. Cheryl Baker
          Child Study Center
          Old Dominion University
          Norfolk, VA 23529

  Applications will be reviewed and notification of acceptance,
  course registration procedures and an administration manual
  will be sent to the participant.  


  Questions regarding the grant program should be addressed to
  Sandra Aldrich at (804) 225-2096 or e-mail
  saldrich@paunch.va.us.  Questions regarding the application
  process and registration for courses should be addressed to
  Dr. Cheryl Baker at (757) 683-4383 or e-mail
  CSB100@eagle.cc.odu.edu.