INFORMATIONAL

 You are invited to participate in the Comprehensive School Improvement Institute, 
August 6-9, 2000, 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 elementary/
middle, high school, and postsecondary education levels.

Additionally, an invitation is extended to teachers and administrators to participate
in Pre-Institute Technical Program Updates, August 4-6, 2000.

		Business - Wyndham Roanoke Airport Hotel
		Health Occupations - Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center
		Work & Family Studies - Holiday Inn Tanglewood

The purpose of the Pre-Institute Technical Program Updates is to provide an 
opportunity for teachers and administrators to receive a continuum of current 
technical information and instructional pedagogy.

Goals of the Professional Development Effort 
The Institute and Technical Program Updates will offer information and resources 
that focus on improving instruction and student achievement through the following 
initiatives:
* development of challenging programs of study that support the Virginia Standards 
  of Learning, Virginia State Assessment Program, and Standards of Accreditation
* emphasis on integration of academic and vocational/technical knowledge and skills
* introduction of the guiding practices for comprehensive improvement of middle 
  schools
* 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 Virginia Standards of Learning and the High Schools That Work Key 
Practices.  The presentation application should be returned by April 28 to:

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

Registration for the institute includes continental breakfast and refreshment 
breaks daily, dinner on Sunday, and box lunches on Monday and Tuesday.  Registration
for Technical Program Updates includes meals as outlined in the announcement.  The 
institute and Technical Program Update registration forms should be returned by June
9 to:

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

Hotel Reservations (by June 9, 2000)
Participants must call the hotel of choice, as listed in the announcement, to make 
lodging reservations.  Lodging rates are $54 (plus tax) for a single room and $74 
(plus tax) for double/ triple/quad room.  Individuals are responsible for their 
lodging bill, including taxes and incidentals, meals not included in registration 
and travel expenses.

If you need additional information, please contact Dr. Neils W. Brooks, director, 
Vocational and Adult Education Services, at (804) 225-2847 
(e-mail: nbrooks@pen.k12.va.us) or Lolita B. Hall, program improvement specialist, 
at (804) 225-3370 (e-mail: lbhall@pen.k12.va.us).

JLD/NWB/jts

Attachment

Copy:	Division Key Instructional Leaders
        Vocational Administrators
        Tech Prep Directors
        High School Principals/Guidance Counselors
        Middle School Principals/Guidance Counselors
        High Schools That Work Site Coordinators
        Teachers/Key Instructional Leaders of Business Program
        Teachers/Key Instructional Leaders of Health Occupations
        Teachers/Key Instructional Leaders of Work & Family Studies
        Governor's Best Practice Center Directors