State Articles of Interest
MCPS leaders say the cell phone-free policy proves to be a success
Hanover school board proposes 3% pay raise, plus extra bump for teachers
Manassas School Board considering special committee for immigrant and refugee families
Winchester School Board approves mid-year pay raise for teachers
Campbell County Schools to restructure elementary behavior support next year
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National Articles of Interest
The Trump administration disbanded a federal school safety board. Now what? | K-12 Dive
Education Department will enforce 2020 Title IX rule | K-12 Dive
How are schools responding to immigration policy shifts? | K-12 Dive
Are uncertified teachers still the answer? | K-12 Dive
Trump signs executive orders prioritizing school choice, ending K-12 ‘indoctrination’
Reading, math continue slide in 2024 NAEP results | K-12 Dive
5 policy trends to watch in 2025 | K-12 Dive
DOE Updates
Black History Month Resources for Schools
Article: 2025-04-036
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
Contact: Christonya Brown, History and Social Science Coordinator, vdoe.hss@doe.virginia.gov
As our nation celebrates Black History Month, the Virginia Department of Education has provided school divisions with resources that honor the achievements and contributions of African Americans, recognizing their vital role in shaping America’s history and culture.?
Local school divisions are encouraged to create and implement instructional and community programs that highlight Black history through an interdisciplinary approach, fostering inclusive, year-round lesson plans. To deepen understanding and promote meaningful connections, instruction should engage students, teachers, parents, and the broader community. The following resources are available to support local school divisions in enhancing their curriculum and instructional programming:
- The National Museum of African American History and Culture
- National resources including collaborative projects such as February is Black History Month and the National Archives: Black History
- Home – African American Research at the Library of Virginia to 1870 – Research Guides & Indexes at The Library of Virginia (libguides.com)
- Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia
- eMediaVA: African American History Video Series Collection
For instructional support and information, please contact the History and Social Science Program at vdoe.hss@doe.virginia.gov.
VDOE Opioid Abatement Education Program
This program was developed to support K-12 teachers with instruction on opioid misuse through evidence-based education and prevention programming that supports the 2020 Health Standards of Learning. The use of the Botvin Lifeskills program in classrooms to support instruction on opioid misuse and prevention is free to school divisions. Stipends are available to educators who complete training program and implement it in their classrooms. For more information, contact Nenneya Shields, Opioid Abatement Program Manager or call 804-923-0926.
