INFORMATIONAL

You are invited to participate in the Comprehensive 
School Improvement Institute, August 1-4, 1999 at the 
Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center.  The theme, 
"Teaching and Learning:  Practices That Work!," will focus  on
practitioners sharing methods and strategies that  raise
expectations and elevate student achievement at the  secondary and
postsecondary levels.

                   Goal of the Institute 
        The Institute will offer information and resources that
focus on improving instruction and student achievement through

*       development of challenging programs of study that 
        support the Virginia Standards of Learning, Virginia 
        State Assessment Program, and Standards of Accreditation
*       emphasis on academic and vocational/technical  knowledge
        and skills
*       facilitation of a seamless transition of students  from
        secondary education to postsecondary education and
        careers 

                Call for Presentations
        Individuals or teams are invited to showcase
promising/successful local practices that support the High
Schools That Work Key Practices, the Tech Prep Goals, and the
Virginia Standards of Learning.  The  presentation application
should be returned by April 23 to:

                      Lolita B. Hall
             Virginia Department of Education
                      P.O. Box 2120
                  Richmond, VA 23218-2120 

Institute Registration Registration (Deadline June 4, 1999)
$75.00 per person Late Registration $95.00 per person

Registration includes continental breakfast daily, dinner 
on Sunday, and luncheons on Monday and Tuesday.  The 
Institute registration form should be returned by June 
4 to:

                        Registrar 
              Division of Continuing Education 
               Virginia Tech, Mail Code 0272
           810 University City Boulevard, Suite D
                   Blacksburg, VA 24061

Hotel Reservations
The Hotel Roanoke and other nearby hotels will house 
Institute participants.  Lodging rates at the Hotel 
Roanoke will be $54 (plus tax) for a single room and $74 
(plus tax) for double/triple/quad room.  Individuals  will be
responsible for their lodging bill, including  taxes and
incidentals, other meals, and travel expenses. 
The hotel reservation form should be returned by June 4  to:

                         Reservations
                Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center 
                    110 Shenandoah Avenue
                       Roanoke, VA 24016

If you need additional information, please contact Dr. 
Neils W. Brooks, Director, Office of Vocational and Adult 
Education  Services, at (804) 225-2847 (e-mail: 
nbrooks@pen.k12.va.us) or Lolita B. Hall, State 
Coordinator for High Schools That Work, at (804) 225-3370 
(e-mail: lbhall@pen.k12.va.us).

PDS/NWB/jts

Attachment:     A hard copy of this memo and its attach-
                ment will be sent to the superintendent's
                office.

Copy:   Division Key Instructional Leaders
        Vocational Administrators
        High Schools That Work Site Coordinators