State Articles of Interest
Youngkin officially names Gullickson new Virginia schools superintendent
Opioid class improves awareness at Northampton Middle – Shore Daily News
Norfolk council asks School Board for plan to close at least 10 schools
Danville Public Schools launches effort for new strategic plan with community breakfast
Amherst school board debates dress attire for teachers
National Articles of Interest
Democratic senators call for probe of Trump Education Department cuts | K-12 Dive
What do the massive Education Department layoffs look like? See for yourself. | K-12 Dive
Sensors help building operators detect vaping | Facilities Dive
How will Education Department cuts impact special education? | K-12 Dive
DOE Updates
Updated Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans Guidelines Released
Article: 2025-12-123
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
Contact: Samantha Gregory, Coordinator of Specially Designed Behavior Intervention and Improvement, Samantha.Gregory@doe.virginia.gov
The VDOE Department of Special Populations and Board Operations has released its updated Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans: Guidelines for Effective Development and Implementation. This document has been updated based on guidance from the United States Department of Education. These guidelines also replace the 2015 version and aim to assist Virginia school divisions in implementing effective functional behavior assessment (FBA) and behavior intervention plan (BIP) processes to promote positive behavior, academic success, and overall student well-being and ensuring compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plan: Guidelines for Effective Development and Implementation Module Series is a six-part series developed to expand on these guidelines to further support educators about function-based supports, including the use of FBAs and BIPs.
The guidelines are designed to provide Virginia school divisions with practical recommendations and best practices for conducting FBAs and developing BIPs; however, it is not a comprehensive summary or a detailed framework for conducting an FBA or developing a BIP. School divisions should review and revise their existing local policies and procedures, as needed, to ensure consistent practices are in place to promote improved social and academic outcomes.
Parent ResourcesIn collaboration with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Virginia ABC Community Health & Engagement division offers free Power of Parents handbooks and training to empower caregivers to have intentional and ongoing conversations with teens about the dangers of underage drinking and drug use. The evidence-based books have a wealth practical advice to help start the conversation, share the facts and keep lines of communication open with teens. Request free handbooks or schedule a training event for parents, online or in-person.
