Articles of Interest
FCPS settles lawsuit with parents, disability rights groups
Virginia’s public school enrollment fails to bounce back from pre-pandemic levels
Roanoke County teachers share concerns about low morale
Fewer snow days for Prince William County students?
Put up or shut up time for state on school modernization, commission says
Virginia Education Secretary Atif Qarni has resigned, heading to post at Temple University
What’s a student safety coach? One school system’s new approach after removing SROs
VDOE Updates
Join us in celebrating Inclusive Schools Week (ISW) December 6-10, 2021! This year, the ISW theme is “Rebuilding our Inclusive Community Together.” While we have made strides in special education, there is still a journey to navigate. Inclusive educational opportunities promote awareness and practice to ensure that all children belong, and are valued as contributing members of the school community. The vision of inclusive education drives decisions, actions, and core beliefs.
Consider the activities and resources in which your school community will engage and highlight during ISW. Submit spotlights such as summaries, artifacts, and pictures to the Department of Special Education and Student Services, Office of Instructional Services, by email at spedinstruction@doe.virginia.gov, on or before December 17, 2021. Download free resources that make celebrating ISW easy:
- Guiding Questions to Navigate your Journey to Inclusion
- ISW Basic Downloads
- ISW Activities and Lessons
Virginia Inclusive Action Planning
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has developed a free online training resource, Inclusive Practices in Successful Schools. The module provides an overview of the planning guide and the quality indicators for inclusive schools. A copy of the planning guide/self-assessment and a certificate of completion can be downloaded from the module.
An additional VDOE informational resource, entitled the K-12 Inclusive Practices Guide, is available to assist school divisions and parents looking to improve outcomes for students with disabilities by meeting their needs to the maximum extent possible in general education settings. This Inclusive Practice Guide along with other resources can be found on the VDOE Inclusive Practice webpage.
Questions or concerns relating to the Virginia Inclusive Action Planning Guide Tutorial should be directed to Office of Special Education Instruction via email at spedinstruction@doe.virginia.gov.
VDOE’s Training and Technical Assistance Centers
VDOE’s TTAC provides online resources, events and training to support the education of individuals with disabilities. There are 7 Regional TTAC locations offering a variety of educational opportunities. Check out VDOE’s TTAC events and online courses today!
Opportunities & Resources for Provisionally Licensed TeachersVCU is offering a NEW Course Finder Tool to get an individualized course report, program options, and information on non-degree seeking courses for this spring. In addition, RSVP for a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction information session on Dec. 8 at 5:30 p.m. to learn how to integrate the provisionally licensed required courses into the electives. Licensed teachers can also learn how to create specialized masters experience.
