Virginia Department of Education Broadcast
Highlights Civics Education and Involved Students
“School Matters” Airs Sunday Oct. 17
on Virginia Public TV Stations

Civics education and politically active students are highlighted in School Matters, a 30-minute program produced by the Virginia Department of Education (DOE). The magazine-style show is scheduled to air on Sunday, October 17, at 1 p.m. on Virginia public television stations.

The program includes features on the successful “We the People” team of aspiring constitutional scholars from the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies in Richmond and the team of Maggie Walker students responsible for organizing Virginia’s participation in the 2004 National Student/Parent Mock Election.

The program also includes reports on students who play an active role in state government by serving on the Board of Education’s Student Advisory Committee and as pages during the Virginia General Assembly.

DOE Communications Director Charles B. Pyle hosts the broadcast, which includes an interview with Dr. Larry Sabato of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics. Dr. Sabato discusses the importance of civics education and how young people can be encouraged to participate in the political process.

The program also includes a profile of history teacher Barbara W. Weaver of Thomas Eaton Middle School in Hampton. Ms. Weaver is Virginia’s Preserve America History Teacher of the Year. Laurie Sullivan, the 2004 Virginia Teacher of the Year, will offer tips for parents. Ms. Sullivan teaches science and mathematics at Kate Waller Barrett Elementary School in Arlington County.

School Matters is scheduled to air on the following public television stations: WCVE/Channel 23 (Richmond), WHTJ/Channel 41 (Charlottesville), WNVT/Channel 53 (Falls Church), WBRA/Channel 15 (Roanoke), WMSY/Channel 52 (Marion), WSBN/Channel 47 (Norton), WVPT/Channel 51 (Harrisonburg), and WHRO/Channel 15 (Norfolk).

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