FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DCC HOSTS VADE CONFERENCE

DANVILLE, VA, February 19, 2004 -- Danville Community College will be the host institution for the regional drive in conference of the Virginia Association for Developmental Education (VADE). The conference, which will be held 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 20, features keynote presenter Kristie Hunnicutt Sullivan of Sandhills Community College, Pinehurst, NC. Her topic will be “Learning Communities: How to Structure, Launch, and Promote Them.”

A learning community consists of a block of courses that typically involve 24 students who work with a team of three to four faculty members.  The learning community integrates developmental courses in mathematics, reading, written composition, and study skills with curriculum courses in a family-like environment. Learning communities enhance collaboration and expand learning.

The conference features more than 60 educators from throughout the Commonwealth. VADE’s members include English, math, and science faculty, learning assistance and learning resources staff, student services professionals, researchers, and administrators from high schools, two and four-year postsecondary colleges and universities, and those interested in the success of students who require additional preparation or learning support for success in the college environment. DCC established learning communities several years ago, and they have aided student-learning styles.

 For more information about learning communities or the VADE Conference at DCC, Laura M. Powell, Assistant Professor of Reading, at (434) 797-8553, or Gail Neal, Instructor of Mathematics, at (434) 797-8561.