A natural extension of FCMAT's professional development program is the teleconferencing project provided for in the Budget Act of 1996-97. The project called for installation of satellite dishes in California's 58 county offices of education to receive training workshops and other educational staff development.

FCMAT views teleconferencing as a primary channel for the delivery of services in an accessible and cost effective manner. The inaugural broadcast of the statewide teleconferencing network in October 1998 included live and taped messages from the Governor and the Superintendent of Public Instruction. FCMAT sponsors a minimum of five special broadcasts throughout the year focusing on the Governor's May Revise, the Legislative Analyst's Office analysis of the Governor's budget, and the top legislative bills that affect education. This program supports approximately 150 school agency and public and private satellite receive sites and is utilized by a variety of other educational agencies.

See Upcoming Teleconferences for information regarding scheduled teleconference events.