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SUPTS. MEMO. NO. 59
March 24, 2000 |
| TO: | Division Superintendents |
| FROM: | JoLynne DeMary Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction |
| SUBJECT: | DOE Hour - April 11, 2000 |
The Virginia Department of Education and Prince William County public schools announce a special DOE Hour to be broadcast on all Virginia public television stations on April 11 from 2 to 3 p.m. The broadcast is part of the Teachers' Study Seminar to Israel scheduled for April 6-17. This broadcast will feature an interview with two internationally known journalists in Israel, an Israeli and a Palestinian, discussing the current peace process. In addition, Dr. Curtis Ryan, associate professor of political science at Mary Washington College, will begin the hour by providing a historical perspective of the peace process. The broadcast will feature a live question and answer session with the 15 teachers participating in the study seminar. It also will consist of a visit to the WorldNet: Virginia website. Teachers and students are encouraged to take a virtual tour of Israel via the Internet and follow the 15 Virginia educators as they travel and learn about ancient civilizations, the region's three major religions, and modern middle eastern politics and geography during the study seminar. The purpose of the seminar is to provide teachers with needed resources to teach the Virginia Standards of Learning. During their travels, the teachers will keep journals that will be posted daily to the WorldNet: Virginia website accessed at http://www.pwnet.org and http://www.pen.k12.va.us. Pictures highlighting sites visited and experiences also will be available on-line. Registered participants can take part in the discussion boards and live chats. A brochure describing the World Net: Virginia and the Israel seminar is enclosed for your information. We are also sending a copy of this brochure to all principals in Virginia to share with their teachers. Thank you for your support of the DOE Hour and WorldNet: Virginia. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Beverly Thurston, specialist for history, social sciences, and international education at (804) 225-2893. JLD/BMT/jf Enclosure