Virginias Foundation Blocks for Early Learning Expanded to Include Science and History and Social Science

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 2

January 5, 2006

INFORMATIONAL

TO:

Division Superintendents

FROM:

Patricia I. Wright

Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction

SUBJECT:

Virginias Foundation Blocks for Early Learning Expanded to Include Science and History and Social Science

The Department of Education is pleased to announce Virginias Foundation Blocks for Early Learning: Standards for Literacy, Mathematics, Science and History and Social Science.

In 2004, the Department of Education developed the document, Virginias Foundation Blocks for Early Learning: Standards for Literacy and Mathematics. The purpose of the document was to describe specific indicators for prekindergarten children in the content areas of reading and mathematics. For more information concerning the revision of this document, please refer to Informational Superintendents Memorandum No. 46, dated February 25, 2005, entitled Virginias Foundation Blocks for Early Learning Revised from Guidelines to Standards.

In addition to these indicators for prekindergarten children in the content areas of reading and mathematics, the new document, Virginias Foundation Blocks for Early Learning: Standards for Literacy, Mathematics, Science and History and Social Science, now includes specific indicators for prekindergarten children in the content areas of science and history and social science. Scientific investigation, reasoning, and logic; force, motion and energy; matter; life processes; interrelationships in earth/space systems; earth patterns, cycles, and change; and resources are emphasized in science. History, geography, economics and civics are emphasized in history and social science.

Virginias Foundation Blocks for Early Learning: Standards for Literacy, Mathematics, Science and History and Social Science can be found in pdf file format on the Virginia Department of Educations website at http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Instruction/Elem_M/early.html.

If you have questions, please contact Cheryl Strobel, specialist for early childhood education, via e-mail Cheryl.Strobel@doe.virginia.gov or telephone (804) 371-7578.

PIW/PJK/vdg