SVRTC held their monthly meeting on Wednesday, November 16th, welcoming seventeen school divisions with a total of 31 members present: Amelia, Appomattox, Brunswick, Charlotte, Cumberland, Danville, Dinwiddie, Franklin City, Halifax, Hopewell, Lunenburg, Martinsville City, Mecklenburg, Pittsylvania, Prince Edward, Prince George and Sussex
Mark Saunders, Director of Technology and Virtual Learning with Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) , provided members with information in regards to the evolving support that will be provided to schools, teachers, and students in regards to the legislation (HB 831) passed on computer science standards in grades K-12. A timeline of the work that has been done was shared, as well as the remaining items that need to be in place to support Virginia schools. VDOE is currently seeking to fill a computer science position at the state level to coordinate the remaining pieces of the project. In addition, Mr. Saunders shared with members the Educational Technology Plan for Virginia, as well as requirements and deadlines for Virginia schools to update their division technology plans. His presentation was shared and made available online.
A second guest speaker during the meeting included Dr. Mani Aguilar, a clinical audiologist with Longwood University’s Speech, Hearing and Learning Services (SHLS). Dr. Aguilar informed members of the many services they provide to people of all ages. Members were able to test some of the actual hearing devices available to those in need, while Dr. Aguilar explained how each worked.
The next SVRTC meeting will be January 18, 2017. An agenda will be emailed out to divisions before the next meeting.