INFORMATIONAL

 The Virginia Department of Education and the Armonk Institute announce the 2000 
History and Social Science Teachers' Study Seminar to the Federal Republic of 
Germany.  This program offers middle and high school teachers a unique opportunity 
to focus on Virginia's History and Social Science Standards of Learning through 
on-site lectures and official meetings in Germany.  Besides site visits, seminar 
participants will attend talks arranged by the Armonk Institute, visit schools, and 
travel to Frankfurt, Berlin, Freiberg, and Bonn.  The seminar will concentrate on 
four major themes in the History and Social Science Standards of Learning: Germany's
role in 19th century Europe, the effect of World War II on German social and 
political thought, the rise of Germany as an economic power since 1945, and 
Germany's foreign policy in the 1990s.  Participating teachers will return to 
Virginia's school divisions with fresh insights to carry out a demanding curricula.

The Virginia study seminar is a two-week trip scheduled to leave the United States 
on September 30 and return on October 14, 2000. Ten middle and/or high school 
teachers and/or social sciences contact persons will be selected to travel as 
representatives of the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Applicants must complete an 
application form to be eligible for the study seminar.  An announcement of the 
seminar and an application form will be mailed to all social sciences contact 
persons in May.  

All finalists must be available for an interview in June. Selected participants must
agree to attend a one-day training seminar in Richmond during late summer 2000.  The 
seminar provides orientation and background materials for the trip.

The Armonk Institute is providing all financial support for this program.  
Participants must cover incidental and personal expenses.

Thank you for your support of the study seminar.  If you have questions regarding 
this program, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Beverly Thurston, specialist for 
history and social sciences, at(804) 225-2893.

JLD/BMT/jf