Course Descriptions for Driver Education Endorsement

HLTH 301 - Foundations of  Traffic  Safety

This is the first of two courses required by the Virginia Department of Education for an endorsement in driver education. The intent of this course is to develop a thorough understanding of the highway transportation system, the complexity of the driving task, factors contributing to the performance of highway users, and attitudes and skills necessary to develop competent drivers.

It will also provide prospective teachers with the essential knowledge and skills to effectively deliver the course content as presented in the Administrative and Curriculum Guide for Driver Education for Virginia.

HLTH 302 - Instructional Principles and Methodologies of Classroom and In-Car Instruction

This is the second of two courses required by the Commonwealth of Virginia for endorsement in driver education. This course provides students with an overview of teaching methods and effective practices for driver education instruction. Emphasis is placed on program organization and administration, classroom instruction, single car instruction, multiple-car range instruction, simulation and evaluation. Focus is also placed on teaching skills.

The course includes a minimum of 14 hours of behind-the-wheel supervised teaching/observation experiences. Course content is derived from the Administrative and Curriculum Guide for Driver Education for Virginia.

Prerequisite: Health 301 and valid Virginia driver's license and driving experience. All students who are not currently employed in the school systems will be required to complete a criminal background check. All participants will be required to complete a DMV driving record check. This will be completed during the first class meeting. Students who have any negative points will not be permitted to use university owned vehicles.

Summer School 2009

• HLTH 301 will be offered June 15 - 30 from 8 a.m. until noon Monday through Friday.
• HLTH 302 will be offered July 1- 8 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. with a lunch break provided. Class will not be held on July 3.

For more information on the Driver Education Endorsement, contact Vonnie Colvin: colvinay@longwood.edu or 434.395.2452