State Articles of Interest
Virginia’s first lab school launches quietly at VCU
House Democrats cast doubt on funding for Youngkin’s STEM lab schools
Democrats advance multiple bills out of House Education Committee
Senate Dems challenge Coons as deadline to confirm her appointment nears
A new Charlottesville school gives some teens a different way to learn — at night
Democrats Pass Multiple Bills out of Committee
House Democrats cast doubt on funding for Youngkin’s STEM lab schools
Virginia legislators look to update outdated school funding formula | WVTF
Saturday school ready for launch in Danville. But it won’t be traditional classes.
School district benefits from state-issued grant to combat chronic absenteeism
National Articles of Interest
Ed Dept outlines 3 inequities to address in 2024 educational technology plan | K-12 Dive
Do grow-your-own teacher initiatives need a tighter focus?
SCOTUS punts once again on transgender bathroom access | K-12 Dive
Ed Dept funding levels maintained as Congress approves 3rd stopgap for FY 24 | K-12 Dive
Utah bill would ban schools from asking for diversity statements | K-12 Dive
Teacher Training Curriculum Update
How 3 districts spent down their ARP money | K-12 Dive
DOE Updates
Sample Winter Virginia Growth Assessment (VGA) Parent Report
The Winter VGA Parent report will show a child’s performance on the Virginia Growth Assessments. This report, combined with teacher input, classroom work, report cards, and the Student Detail by Question reports, will give families and teachers a more complete picture of student progress. Families can use these results to help identify areas where their child is doing well and areas where additional support may be needed. Click here to view a sample winter VGA Parent Report.
Release of the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) Participation Decision-Making Tool and Accompanying Frequently Asked Questions Document
The Every Student Succeeds Act requires states to ensure the total number of students assessed in a subject using the alternate assessment aligns with alternate achievement standards and that the state may not exceed one percent of the total number of all students who are assessed in a subject. Virginia continues to exceed this cap for students participating in the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP).
To create alignment with the VDOE’s Corrective Action Plan for exceeding the one percent cap for alternate assessment participation, VDOE has recently revised and augmented its guidance regarding VAAP participation. The purpose of the revision is to ensure Individualized Education Program Teams are identifying the appropriate students for VAAP participation. School divisions should plan implementation of the forthcoming VAAP Participation Decision-Making Tool by July 1, 2024.
The VDOE continues support for school divisions on improving the implementation of the VAAP participation guidelines and ensuring that the appropriate students are assessed using this alternate assessment. Local school divisions’ Directors of Special Education will receive an email containing additional information, including access to an introductory recording and upcoming online and live question and answer sessions. Directors are encouraged to share the training information with their school division’s IEP Team members and school administrators.
National School Counseling Week is February 5-9This annual week of recognition highlights the positive impact school counselors have as school-based mental health professionals. Virginia school counselors are actively committed to helping students reach their full potential. Comprehensive school counseling programs play an integral role in enhancing students’ academic, career and social/emotional development. Recognize and celebrate NSCW by downloading materials and more on the American School Counselor Association website.
