COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA
Department of Education

December 14, 2012

TO:  Division Superintendents

FROM:  Patricia I. Wright, Superintendent of Public Instruction

SUBJECT:  Virginia Initiative for Science Teaching and Achievement Applications Open for 2013-2014 School Year

Applications are now being accepted for the Virginia Initiative for Science Teaching and Achievement (VISTA) professional development programs for the 2013-2014 school year.  The VISTA program is a statewide partnership with approximately 60 school divisions, six Virginia universities, and the Virginia Department of Education.  Its goal is to translate research-based best teaching practices into improved science teaching and student learning for all students at all levels.  VISTA offers the following professional development programs:

• Elementary Science Institute;
• Secondary Teacher Program;
• New Science Coordinator Academy; and
• Science Education Faculty Academy.

Participants in the elementary and secondary teacher professional development programs receive professional learning opportunities, personalized coaching, and mentoring at no cost to the teacher or the school division. Teachers also receive resources and materials for the classroom.

An online application and additional information about the VISTA programs can be found at http://vista.gmu.edu.   For more information, please contact Molli Logerwell by e-mail at vista@gmu.edu or by telephone at (703) 993-5628.

PIW/EMR/rt