Dec. 30, 1998
Contact: Ida Lee Wootten
(804) 924-6857

VIRGINIA ORGANIZATION NAMES U.VA. PROFESSOR 
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

	Robert Lynn Canady, a leading proponent of block scheduling in
schools, has been named 1998 Educator of the Year by a statewide group.
	The Virginia Association for Supervision and Curriculum
Development (VASCD) honored Canady, a professor in the University of
Virginia's Curry School of Education, at a Dec. 3 ceremony in
Williamsburg.  He received an engraved plaque recognizing "the lifetime
of work ... contributed to education and the people of Virginia."
	"We selected Canady as the first recipient of our award because
his influence has been so great in Virginia and throughout the country,"
said Joan S. Byrne, VASCD executive director.  "His research has
provided insights into how scheduling and grading can be improved."
	Canady and co-author Michael D. Rettig introduced a system
called "parallel block scheduling" with their 1995 book, "Block
Scheduling: A Catalyst for Change in High Schools." The educators, who
believe the system improves reading scores and achievement rates among
students, are also authors of a 1996 book on block scheduling as well as
another volume expected in March.  
	Canady has worked extensively with schools in 36 states,
including Virginia, and with Dependent Schools in Germany to assist in
implementing block scheduling.
	A graduate of Austin Peay State, Canady earned an M.A. from
George Peabody College and a doctorate from the University of Tennessee.
He joined U.Va. in 1970 as an assistant professor of education.  
	In addition to receiving the Phi Delta Kappa Distinguished
Service Award and the Outstanding Professor Award in U.Va.'s Curry
School, Canady has received two University-wide awards for distinguished
teaching and service.  

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	For more information, Canady can be reached at (804) 924-0861.
Television reporters should contact the TV News Office at (804)
924-7550.