Current Program Details... TILT: Teaching Inquiry with the Latest Technology TILT is designed as an annual two-stage train-the-trainer program. Stage one focuses on training a team of teachers from each of eight regional Governor's Schools for Science, Mathematics and Technology through a series of four two-day, hands-on laboratory experiences at Virginia Tech. In Stage Two these teachers will host workshops at their respective schools for middle and high school teachers from their regions. TMSL: Technology Management for School Leaders TMSL is supported by the VAESP and NASA LaRC and is designed to assist K- 12 principals, assistant principals and key instructional leaders in learning to manage information and instructional technologies from a district and school perspective. The program consists of a series of seven focus areas: Using the Internet, Using Presentation Packages, Understanding and Evaluating Networks, Evaluating Hardware and Software Instructional Solutions, Evaluating School Management Software, Providing Professional Development in Using Instructional Technologies and in Developing School/District Technology Plans. Connect II Connect II provides a variety of outreach options for "connecting" the university researchers to K-12 students, teachers and adminstrators throughout Virginia. Options are divided into two main categories: (1)direct communication in real time and (2) asynchronous communication. Direct communication options include satellite, compressed video, and internet transmission of voice/video. Asynchronous communication options include e-mail, homepage internet directories through The Institute and each participating research program, virtual laboratory activities via internet or Cds and electronic field trips. GEMinI: Gender Equity and Minority Issues GEMinI: The Equity Outreach Programs are, at this point, focused on establishing mentorships with a range of career and educational options represented. During the first year of operation, the focus will be on mentorships for students in grades 4-6 with plans to expand the program in stages to students in grades 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12. UniCo: University and Community College Collaborative to Improve Undergraduate Education UniCo is an extension of work begun in an NSF State Systemic Initiative in Virginia. Designed to improve undergraduate and secondary education in science and mathematics, UniCo is a collaborative group of several colleges at Virginia Tech, a community college and two public school divisions. The purpose of the group is to select particular "courses" such as calculus, examine the desired student outcomes in light of current student needs and future nature-of-work demands, and to streamline the course content and processes accordingly. The Institute will take an active role in bringing new groups (additional colleges, community colleges and public schools) into the collaborative to extend the circle of influence in terms of input and implementation. Annual Conference The annual conference entitled Enhancing Instruction in Science, Mathematics and Technology will be held each spring to showcase a selection of the science/engineering research projects, laboratories and specialized centers at Virginia Tech with a give back to public schools in the form of interactive lab investigations, print materials, visiting scientists programs, and a menu of other instructional options. All 135 school divisions in Virginia will be invited to send a team of key teacher-leaders.