This is the last VASSP Member Update for 2023. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from VASSP! See you in 2024!
State Articles of Interest
Going phoneless? Petersburg City Public Schools consider new cell phone policy | WRIC ABC 8News
Youngkin proposes increased state support for child care initiatives – Cardinal News
Stafford, city schools seek legislative help with more funding, safety measures
Metal detectors to be installed in all RPS middle schools | WRLH
Youngkin Proposal for Early Childhood education
RPS extends pilot program for year-round class, may add more schools | WRIC ABC 8News
Del. Rasoul to chair House Education Committee
National Articles of Interest
Report: Some states cut education spending amid pandemic uncertainty | K-12 Dive
Should schools use AI to detect student suicide risks? | K-12 Dive
PISA results show math performance declined globally amid COVID-19 | K-12 Dive
New Ed Dept deadlines revealed for regulations including Title IX, Section 504 | K-12 Dive
GAO says federal family engagement guidance is outdated and confusing | K-12 Dive
By the Numbers: How will student demographics shift in the next 30 years? | K-12 Dive
GAO says Family Engagement Rules are Confusing
DOE Updates
Lexia Learning Kick-Off Sessions
Explore the upcoming Lexia Learning Kick-Off sessions tailored for division leaders and educators interested in integrating Lexia’s evidence-based programs into their All In Tutoring plan. By registering, you’ll gain valuable insights into the features of Lexia Core5®Reading and Lexia PowerUp Literacy®, and how it can elevate literacy acceleration as well as the benefits of partnering with Lexia for your ALL In Tutoring.
Session Dates:
Friday, December 8 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
Tuesday, December 12 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
Thursday, December 14 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Monday, December 18 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Wednesday, December 20 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Tuesday, January 9 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Thursday, January 11 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Wednesday, January 17 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Tuesday, January 23 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
When you register through this link, you’ll have the opportunity to select your preferred session date.
For more information visit Lexia Learnings All In Tutoring page. If your school division is interested in using Lexia as a reading resource, please complete the Lexia Interest Form and Lexia will be in touch to begin your division’s implementation.
If you have questions regarding the All In Tutoring digital platforms for literacy, Dr. Marcey Sorensen (email) is available to assist.
Call for Applications: Paid Internship Scholarship for Aspiring Virginia Educators
Audience: Institutions of Higher Education
Contact: Shawna LeBlond, Director of Apprenticeships
The VDOE is pleased to accept applications for the Spring 2024 semester for the Paid Internship Scholarship for Aspiring Virginia Educators.
Subject to available funding, this internship scholarship is for teacher or school counselor candidates enrolled in an approved education program at an accredited Virginia public or private four-year institution of higher education in the Commonwealth. Candidates must (i) be enrolled full-time or part-time in an approved undergraduate or graduate education program or are participants in another approved education program such as school counseling, (ii) be nominated by the institution where they are enrolled and (iii) completing their final semester culminating clinical experience, such as an internship or student teaching experience.
Institutions may nominate up to two deserving students and will be asked to give preference to students facing significant barriers including those who demonstrate financial need and/or first-generation college students and those seeking endorsement in top critical shortage areas in Virginia. Individual scholarship awards of up to $15,000 may be awarded for the semester.
Once an institution has identified up to 2 nominees, the nominees must complete and return the application to the designated dean/chair, director or other authorized designee of the teacher education program in accordance with the procedures and deadlines established by the student’s home institution. Applications for the Spring 2024 semester will be accepted through the Single Sign-on for Web Systems (SSWS) drop box feature until 4pm on Friday, January 19, 2024.
VBOE Listening Sessions Planned
The Virginia Board of Education began the official regulatory process this past August to revise Virginia’s Standards of Accreditation with an intention of creating an accountability measurement separate from accreditation. The Board has been hosting listening sessions to help facilitate public engagement in the accountability measurement development process. Educators, parents, and citizens are invited to attend the remaining sessions in their region and comment on their expectations for accountability measurements. More information can be found on the VDOE website. Remaining dates and locations include:
Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m.: Liberty Middle School-1237 Lacey Putney Way, Bedford, VA 24523
Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m.: Career Technical Center-13900 Hull Street, Midlothian, VA 23112
Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m.: Indian River High School-1969 Braves Trail, Chesapeake, VA 23325
Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m.: Greensville County High School-403 Harding Street Emporia, VA 23847
Ed. Department Updates
ED UPDATES RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES, EARLY ED PROGRAMS
On Tuesday, the Department of Education (ED) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the release of an updated joint-policy statement on supporting the inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood programs. The HHS-ED policy statement builds upon a statement originally released in 2015 and includes a renewed commitment and urgency, as children with disabilities continue to face barriers accessing and fully participating in inclusive early childhood programs. The updated policy statement advances the Departments’ position by continuing to increase public awareness and understanding of the latest science that supports inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood programs from the earliest ages. “Our nation’s youngest learners–including those with disabilities–deserve access to high quality early childhood programs that nurture their potential and provide a strong foundation for future success,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The responsibility to ensure that young children with disabilities and their families are included in high-quality early childhood programs is a shared one. Government, at all levels, early childhood systems, and schools must work together to provide necessary support to parents with their kids,” said Secretary of HHS Xavier Becerra.
Over 61 million adults in the U.S. have a disability, and nearly one out of every six children is estimated to have a developmental delay. The Departments’ shared vision is to build a culture of inclusion for individuals with disabilities beginning at birth, continuing in early childhood programs and schools, and into communities and workplaces. “Inclusion in high-quality, evidence-based early childhood programs sets the stage for continued inclusion through school years and beyond. Setting high expectations for early inclusion paves the way for children with disabilities to reach their goals and to learn, live, and thrive in school and in their communities,” said Assistant Secretary for the U.S. ED’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services Glenna Wright-Gallo. The statement reiterates expectations for inclusive early childhood settings and updates recommendations for state and local agencies that implement Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) programs, Head Start, childcare, home visiting, preschool, and public schools to increase inclusive early learning opportunities for all children.To read the full policy statement, click here.
