AugustSeptember+2011


 * __ Virginia Department of Education Update __**

The speed tests allow administrators at elementary, middle and high schools to test Internet connection speeds and report their findings to the Secretary of Technology’s office. The data collected will then be combined with federal e-rate and service provider availability data to determine current connectivity levels and identify sites in need of additional resources. See [|Supts. Memo #192-11] for more information.
 * New Round of K-12 Speed Tests **


 * Pilot Program for Sublime Learning eTeachables for Professional Development **

A one-year pilot program beginning with the 2011-2012 school year will provide all instructional technology resource teachers (ITRTs) with subscriptions to Sublime Learning’s professional development libraries consisting of short, narrated video tutorials with accompanying downloadable template, Flipchart, and Notebook files for immediate classroom use. If you would like for your instructional technology resource teachers to participate in this pilot program, send a list of ITRTs, the school(s) they serve, and their e-mail address to jean.weller@doe.virginia.gov by August 31. Participants must agree to complete three short surveys throughout the year related to the use of these resources in the classroom. See [|Supts. Memo #217-11] for more information.


 * International Space Olympics **

Six high school students from Virginia (City of Richmond, Henrico County, Washington County, Smyth County, and Prince William County (2)) have been selected to participate in the International Space Olympics. Information on this project will be available shortly at []. Thinkfinity is supporting the project by connecting students in the elementary and middle schools of the divisions of the winning participants with their “champions.” They will learn something about the champion’s winning project (at their level—most of the projects are very, very technical) and will be able to communicate with the students while they are in Russia in mid-October. This is in an effort to get younger students to see STEM activities as both fun and practical.