COLLEGE OF EDUCATION WINS FEDERAL GRANT

Old Dominion University's Darden College of Education will be one of the training sites for a half-million-dollar federal grant aimed at increasing the number, quality and diversity of teachers in technology education.

The $512,000 National Science Foundation grant, titled "Pathways to Teaching," will run from July 1, 2004, through June 30, 2007. J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College (JSRCC) in Richmond is the student population instructors will work with to attract teaching majors to ODU and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Project activities include the development of JSRCC's career education (teaching) course as a dual-enrollment course and for online delivery targeting high school students, particularly those in technical centers. During two summers, middle school summer camps will recruit students into the teaching field and provide opportunities for JSRCC pre-teachers to be immersed in teaching.

A math/science practicum will engage JSRCC in seminars and in math and science tutoring in Richmond City Public Schools. Two manuals and three videos will provide students with essential education information. AAS students at JSRCC will be encouraged to become teachers in their technology area and transfer and seek teacher licensure. Collaboration between JSRCC and ODU and VCU will enable the development of pathways for AAS graduates to receive the baccalaureate degree.

Other features of the project include on-site advising in the high schools, campus visits and mentorships, all designed to provide transition and articulation for high school students coming to JSRCC. Scholarships will be offered to high school students and to JSRCC graduates. Education conferences and summer colloquia hosted by JSRCC will bring students and faculty together to focus on teaching technology education.

For additional information, contact John M. Ritz, Department of Occupational and Technical Studies, Old Dominion University, at 683-4305.