
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, April 13, 1990                   TAG: 9004130469
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: Shenandoah bureau
DATELINE: COVINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

ALLEGHANY PROGRAM GAINS RECOGNITION

An Alleghany Highlands public schools program to give high school seniors a "hands on" teaching experience has gained more statewide recognition.

The Teacher Assistant Program, which already has won a citation from the Virginia Education Association for its effectiveness and originality, now has been featured in the winter edition of The Career Education Edge, a quarterly publication of the state Department of Education.

Seniors who are considering a teaching career are released by the program from classes at Alleghany High School. About one day per month, a student serves as a student teacher at Central Elementary School in Low Moor.

Under the direction of teacher Judy Underwood, the students perform actual instructional tasks. The students, known as TAs, observe and work with teachers in all grades at the school.

The students "work" the same hours as the school's teachers. They complete tasks such as directing a music lesson, teaching reading skills, or tutoring in special education classes. They must also return to the high school and complete any work missed.

The program is now in its fifth year and school officials credit it with changing the career plans of many students.

by CNB