Institute Overview
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is hosting the ninth annual From Vision to Practice Institute on July 9-11, 2013, at the Williamsburg Hotel and Conference Center in Williamsburg, Virginia. For the past eight years, the institute has provided world-class professional development to school division personnel on the latest research and practices related to timely topics in education. In recent years, VDOE initiatives and partnerships have been highlighted during the institute. The institute attracts over 500 Virginia educators representing every region of the state.
2013 Theme and Focus Areas
The theme for the 2013 institute is "Crossroads: Redefining the
Educational Experience." The theme builds upon the previous year's
focus on emerging trends in education. Reform principles established as
part of the U.S. Department of Education's flexibility from certain
requirements of Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA)
have become the driving force in educational policy. The national
attention on college- and career-ready standards and assessments,
differentiated accountability and support for schools, and principal and
teacher evaluation and effectiveness have become the foundation of state
educational systems designed to prepare students for success in
postsecondary education and careers. Virginia's efforts in these areas
are highlighted by the national spotlight on these reform principles.
Virginia's educational reform initiatives are focused on innovation and
investments that ultimately support the creation of affordable pathways
to college degree attainment and prepare our citizens for employment in
the high-income, high-demand fields of a changing economy. The 2013
From Vision to Practice Institute will address changes in the
educational experience brought about by Virginia's educational reforms
and ESEA flexibility offered by the U.S. Department of Education. The
institute will focus on the following key reform areas:
- College-and Career-Readiness: Preparing students for success in postsecondary education and a competitive workforce
- Accountability and Support: Recognizing schools for successfully closing achievement gaps and helping students excel, and supporting lower-performing schools
- Effective Instruction: Encouraging innovative and effective instruction through professional development, evaluation, and support for teachers and principals
