INFORMATIONAL

  The General Assembly has asked that I transmit two resolutions
  from the 1998 session in order that you have the sense of the
  Assembly on the issues of add-on endorsements in gifted
  education and substance abuse prevention.

  House Joint Resolution No. 250 (attached) states that the
  House of Delegates with the Senate concurring encourage
  personnel who are working with gifted students to seek the
  add-on endorsement in gifted education.

  House Joint Resolution No. 254 (attached) includes the
  following provision:

     "Within available resources, (i) offenders in the
       criminal justice system shall have access to substance
       abuse treatment both in corrections facilities and the
       community; (ii) a continuum of care, consistent with
       minimum standards, shall be available to all persons with
       substance abuse problems and their families, so that
       these persons can lead a normal life as productive
       members of society; and (iii) the minimal continuum of
       care shall include prevention and education,
       comprehensive assessment, case management, outpatient
       counseling, detoxification, and residential treatment
       services."

  These two resolutions are provided for your information.  If
  you have any questions regarding these resolutions, please
  contact Diane Atkinson, Assistant Superintendent for Policy
  and Public Affairs, at (804) 225-2403.

  PDS/DTA/gjm

  Attachments: A hard copy of this memo and its attachments 
               will be sent to the superintendent's office.