Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 10, 1993 TAG: 9311110507
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: New River Valley bureau
DATELINE: DUBLIN LENGTH: Medium
Governor's School Director Margaret Duncan told her school's board Tuesday that it makes sense to start with Pulaski County High, since the Governor's School is on its campus, to solve any problems that come up in networking procedures.
She has sought bids on the necessary telephone lines and other requirements for the venture, and will report to the board at its Dec. 7 meeting on the cost.
The Governor's School would then offer the program to schools in the other counties it serves, including Giles, Floyd, Wythe, Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth and the city of Galax.
``We feel that the Pulaski County High School Science Department needs to move into the 21st century, and we would like to access some of the software that is over here,'' said Barbara Layman, a teacher in the department.
She and three other teachers at the high school are working on a plan for where they want the school`s science program to be by the year 2000. ``If the re's any feasible way to tie into their server, it would put us ahead a tremendous amount,'' Layman said.
``Obviously it fits into our long-range plan to upgrade our program in math, science and technology,'' Pulaski Superintendent William Asbury told the board. ``Faculty have just not been able to keep up with the rapid explosion of science and technology.''
``It's a good opportunity to fulfill what I see as a part of the mission of the Governor's School,'' said Wythe County Superintendent James Vaught.
The Governor's School has been offering in-service training to teachers both within and outside its service area in those areas. Some new ventures include a CD-ROM workshop from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Dec. 3 for up to 24 teachers, three per school division, and another workshop on technological applications in education from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 8.
Duncan said she would like to see Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Abingdon, who has taken several legislative initiatives toward increasing the use of fiber-optic cable capable of handling computer data transmissions in Southwest Virginia schools, look into how the Governor's School proposal might work into his program.
``We're working with the phone company right now,'' Duncan said. ``I find it very exciting and I think it's a way we need to go,'' she said. ``
I think it'll open up some avenues for the school.''
by CNB