Students will develop math skills based on everyday problems while receiving exposure to a variety of famous Virginians, historical sites, and geographical data of their home state and its history. Students will be able to follow Vern's adventures across the state and communicate with the character they are reading through electronic mail. Resources such as the computer labs, library books, educational games, and learning aids will be used during instructional sessions and shared with families to keep. This project provides opportunities for such interaction by using computer technology and adaptive equipment to pair students in a special education class for students with severe disabilities with students in a third grade class. Students in both classes use the computer to create interactive stories and friendship books to share.
Students communicate via the Internet with scientists and with their partner school.
Oral and written communication in Spanish is required. A model classroom at O.B. Gates Elementary has been set up to demonstrate best practice with young children who exhibit characteristics and patterns of development consistent with autism. The classroom focuses on developing communication skills and addressing sensory needs. The MCD Awards program is administered by Robin C. Byrd in Business and Government Relations at the Central Office.