INFORMATIONAL

The Virginia Department of Education and Old Dominion 
University announce the 2000 Teachers' Study Seminar in  Egypt.  
This program offers elementary, middle, and  high school teachers 
and administrators a unique opportunity to focus on Virginia's
Standards of  Learning through on-site lectures and field  
observations in Egypt.  Besides academic lectures,
seminar participants will attend talks arranged by the 
Egyptian Geographical Society, visit historic sites, 
and  travel to Luxor and the Valley of Kings.  The 
seminar will concentrate on specific Standards of 
Learning for social studies, mathematics, science, and 
art.  For example, the history and social science 
Standards of Learning require elementary teachers and 
students to study Egypt.  Additional study of Egypt is 
required in grades eight, nine, and ten.  Mathematics 
and Science Standards of Learning include the study of 
Egypt through the alphabet, calendars, architecture, 
monuments,  geometry, and geology.  The teachers will 
use different technologies, including the internet, to 
provide their students with a "virtual" field trip to  Egypt.  
Participating teachers will return to  Virginia's school 
divisions with fresh insights to carry out a demanding curricula. 

The Virginia study seminar is an eleven-day trip 
scheduled to leave the United States on February 10, 
2000, and return on February 20, 2000.  Fifteen 
teachers and administrators will be selected to travel 
as representatives of the Commonwealth of Virginia.  
Applicants must obtain permission from their school division
and complete an application form to be eligible for the study
seminar.  An announcement of the seminar and an application form
will be mailed to all principals in October.  All finalists must 
be available for an interview on December 11, if needed. 
Selected participants must agree to attend two one-day training
seminars in Richmond before the departure date.  The training
seminars provide essential orientation and  background 
materials for the trip.

The costs to participants will be approximately $1,950 
per person.  Some scholarships may be available.  Costs 
may vary slightly because negotiations for meals and 
lodging have not been completed.

Thank you for your support of the study seminar.  If you 
have questions regarding this program, please do not 
hesitate to contact Dr. Beverly Thurston, specialist for 
History and Social Sciences and International Education, 
at (804) 225-2893.

PDS/BT/eh

 
.