A Message From Superintendent Brish- 1963

The use of instructional television in county schools began in September, 1956, and has continued as an integral part of the instructional program.

The results of a five-year study, The Washington County Closed-Circuit Educational Television Project (1956-61), are described in this report. The project was sponsored by the Electronic Industries Association and the Fund for the Advancement of Education of the Ford Foundation, assisted by the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company.

Since our school system had the unique opportunity to work with television in major subject areas at all grade levels in successive years, we are often asked to point out the most significant achievement of the project. While we may seem to oversimplify the findings, we believe that the use of instructional television has stimulated teachers, supervisors, and administrators to examine more closely the teaching-learning process and to pursue curriculum development with a new interest.

Early in the project it became evident that the important issue was not whether television should be used for direct instruction but how it should be used and what it could contribute to the improvement of instruction.

As a result, the curriculum is being continually revised and extended, teaching procedure studied, and achievement evaluated. Instructional television is regarded not as a "substitute", but as a valuable addition to the school program.

While much has been accomplished and substantial progress made in using television in the schools of Washington County, there is need for further study, analysis, and evaluation.

Television has been accepted as an important educational resource. Instructional television is a regular part of the school program and is now being used on an even broader scale than during the project. School staffs feel that instruction has been strengthened, pupil educational opportunity broadened, and achievement improved. All this has been accomplished by regular school personnel with a minimum of outside technical assistance. Savings resulting from the redeployment of personnel, equipment, and facilities, rather than additional funds, are being used to meet the costs.

We in Washington County are, therefore, convinced that television has a definite place in the program, and, if properly used, can add a new dimension to education.

Dr. William M. Brish -

Superintendent of Schools