INFORMATIONAL

We are pleased to provide you with one CD-ROM disk per school 
division containing sample curricula in the areas of 
mathematics, science, and English that have been developed and 
aligned with the Standards of Learning by a consortia of small 
school divisions in several regions across Virginia. The 
Department of Education has compiled these curricula to provide 
a beginning point for local curriculum efforts, and with the 
understanding that considerable staff development, alignment to 
specific instructional materials, and the development of 
additional objectives to foster student readiness may be 
necessary.

These resources are available in two forms: a HTML format made 
available in June that may be found on the Department of 
Education's Home Page (www.pen.k12.va.us/go/VDOE). To access, 
select:  "Popular" then "SOL Resources" then "SOL Aligned 
Curriculum". In addition, a CD-ROM disk using Microsoft WORD 6.0  
(which can be opened on either a MAC or PC platform) will be 
mailed by October 15, 1999, to the contact person designated on 
the materials order form which was enclosed with Supts. Memo. 
No. 113 (Informational, May 21, 1999). Either the HTML or WORD 
version may be downloaded and may be edited or modified. The 
sample curricula provide examples of different formats and 
approaches to curriculum development.

A copy of this memorandum as well as a technical assistance 
bulletin providing suggestions for opening and accessing the 
curricula on the CD will be included with the CD package. 

All contents of these resources are copyrighted. Use by 
commercial companies, private consultants, or organizations
outside of the state of Virginia is prohibited without prior
approval. Under no circumstances may the contents of these  
resources be used in a for-profit endeavor.

As an additional resource, Dr. Robert Hanny, professor of 
education at The College of William and Mary, has provided an 
introduction that offers guidance in terms of appropriate use of 
the resources as well as tips for developing and aligning 
curricula. Questions regarding the content or interpretation of 
the standards should be directed to the appropriate K-8 subject 
specialist, as noted on the technical assistance bulletin. 
Questions regarding the use of the curriculum resources as a 
whole should be directed to Dr. James Heywood, director, 
Elementary and Middle School Instructional Services, at either 
jheywood@pen.k12.va.us or (804) 225-2865. We hope this resource 
will be helpful as you continue to align your local curricula 
with Virginia's Standards of Learning.


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