COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

PRINS. MEMO NO. 23
March 9, 2004

ELEMENTARY / MIDDLE / SECONDARY

TO:	Principals
FROM:	Patricia I. Wright Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
SUBJECT:	2004 Virginia Department of Education Core Content and Instructional Strategies Academies

The Virginia Department of Education is sponsoring the 2004 Core Content and Instructional Strategies Summer Academies. General and special education middle and high school teachers are invited to attend the following academies:

Core Content Session - James Madison University, July 12-16, 2004. The focus of this session will be as follows:

Mathematics Algebra

Science - Earth Science

Language Arts Reading

History and Social Science twentieth century history

Instructional Strategies Session - James Madison University, July 26-30, 2004. The focus of this session will be as follows:

Instructional strategies using the Strategic Instruction Model (SIM) developed by The University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning Institute for Effective Instruction. This program will focus on promoting effective teaching and learning in schools.

Both academies will comply with the criteria of the High Objective Uniform State Standards of Evaluation (HOUSSE). Priority will be given to teachers who need this professional development opportunity to become highly qualified. Applicants will be required to select one content area for the Core Content Session. Although applicants are not required to attend the Core Content Session and the Instructional Strategies Session, priority will also be given to teachers attending both. School divisions and state-operated programs are encouraged to send collaborative teams.

The Virginia Department of Education will provide single occupancy, air-conditioned lodging and meals on the James Madison University campus. Certificates of attendance will be awarded to all participants and content area college credit will be available at the participants expense. Online registration is available at https://www.conted.vt.edu/ssl/doecore/

Applications must be received no later than April 16, 2004.

For further information, please contact Colleen C. Bryant (cbryant@mail.vak12ed.edu), in the office of secondary instruction, at (804) 786-4640 or Diane Gillam (dgillam@mail.vak12ed.edu), in the office of special education instructional services, at (804) 371-8283.

PIW/CCB