Virginia Advanced Study Strategi

Who We Are

Virginia Advanced Study Strategies(VASS) is a non-profit state organization created September 2007, by a partnership between Virginia and the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI). The mission of VASS is to encourage high school students throughout the Commonwealth to prepare for exciting careers in math and science by enrolling in challenging Advanced Placement classes. Businesses throughout the nation are very concerned to find that too few students in the United States are accepting the challenge to become scientists, engineers, and technicians, thus putting our nation's position as an international leader at risk. Using seed money from NMSI and several Virginia businesses, Virginia Advanced Study Strategies supports the development of new AP classes, and strengthening of existing programs, in a variety of ways:

A staff of AP content directors in math, science, and English provide training for teachers in curriculum, instruction and assessment to help them prepare for the AP classes and tests. Intensive training each summer is followed-up by continuous communication and support throughout the school year.

VASS staff work with local schools to identify and support a lead teacher in math, science, and English at each local project who interact directly with the content directors to secure resources necessary for the local students to have success in their programs.

VASS collaborates with Virginia universities to link college professors and resources with the AP classes.

VASS provides incentives for AP teachers and students to accept the extra challenge of these rigorous programs.

VASS covers the cost of AP tests for students in the program.

Virginia Advanced Study Strategies
National Math and Science Initiative in Virginia
820 Bruce Street, South Boston, VA 24592

Office: 434-572-5474 Fax: 434-572-5555
vassinfo@svhed.org

Summer Training Information

VASS is holding AP teacher training at Longwood University July 20-24, 2009. This training is specially designed for the AP teachers who are part of the VASS program in Virginia, so you will have the opportunity to meet your colleagues from around the state and begin or continue the process of learning from one another as well as from the wonderful presenters who will work with you in the training sessions.

Information on registering for this training has been emailed to teachers. If you think you should have received the email and have not, please contact the VASS office at 434-572-5474. Teachers will be registering using an online survey at Quia.

The following information will be helpful to teachers who will be attending Week 1 or Week 2 of summer training, called Virginia Forum 2009, at Longwood University

Map of Longwood University, site of Virginia Forum 2009

Walking Trails at Longwood University

2 mi.

3 mi.

5 mi

Math and science can make your dreams come true! Click on the photo below for a new brochure to download for all parents and educators of children in grades 6 – 12.

Virginia Advanced Study Strategies is located in the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center in South Boston, Virginia.

www.college.gov

"I am pleased to announce the launch of an exciting, innovative new resource-www.college.gov. College.gov was designed by students for students and features first-person accounts of students who overcame challenges to going to college such as peer pressure, lack of family support, and financial barriers. It provides relevant, comprehensive information about why to go, how to go, and how to pay for college or other postsecondary education programs. Young people who may not have considered higher education a viable option will be engaged, informed, and inspired to create their own "roadmap" to college." Undersecretary of Education Sara Martinez Tucker