State Articles of Interest
Chesterfield schools demonstrate new weapons scanners
Survey finds gaps in use of top-tier teaching tools across Virginia
Botetourt County Schools outline new random drug testing policy
Campbell County Schools introduce AI and wellness program for new school year
Amherst County schools to introduce AI regulations for new school year
Smart Security: AI Cameras Take Aim at School Safety in Salem
National Articles of Interest
Federal judge halts Education Department’s anti-DEI measures | K-12 Dive
3 risk factors making states vulnerable to federal funding cuts | K-12 Dive
Federal judge stands by order requiring OCR be restored | K-12 Dive
The Importance of Music Education
Trump ICE policies create student trauma — but schools can help, researchers say | K-12 Dive
7th Circuit revives Christian teacher’s religious accommodation claim | K-12 Dive
DOE Updates
Free Zearn Training for Virginia Teachers and Leaders
Article: 2025-30-404
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
Contact: Vickie Bohidar, Mathematics Coordinator, Victoria.Bohidar@doe.virginia.gov
ALL In Tutoring continues through 2025-2026, including the use of Zearn in mathematics, with 104 school divisions opting into this statewide personalized tutoring option. During the school year, all school divisions can receive live training from the Zearn team at no cost to support strong implementation and drive impact with students. School division leaders should contact their Zearn representative to schedule live training for teachers and leaders.?
Additionally, all educators whose school divisions have opted into Zearn Math can access Zearn’s on-demand Curriculum Study PD content at no cost, directly from their Zearn account. Each session reviews teaching strategies related to specific math objectives, supporting educators in planning instruction that engages all learners. Explore PD with Zearn.
2026 Virginia Outstanding Middle and High School Principals and Assistant Principals of Virginia Award
Article: 2025-30-406
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
Contact: Olivia Hampton, ohampton@vassp.org
The Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals annually recognizes four outstanding school leaders in Virginia – one outstanding middle school principal and one outstanding high school principal; one outstanding middle school assistant principal and one outstanding high school assistant principal – who have demonstrated success in leadership, curriculum, personalization and contributions to the profession. Their interactions with fellow administrators, teachers, students and parents impact education and student achievement in exceptional ways.
Do you have an outstanding school leader that you would like to recommend for recognition? Specifically, someone who has demonstrated impactful efforts for at least three years; who led a major project or program for the betterment of their school or division; or who strategically included stakeholders in unique and insightful ways.
VASSP is now accepting recommendations until October 1 for candidates who display these strong attributes as school leaders.
All recommendations are sent directly to the VASSP Principal Awards Committee for initial review. Selected principals and assistant principals will be formally invited in October to apply for the award. After a thorough screening process, including personal interviews, names of finalists are submitted to the VASSP Board of Directors for final approval.
Once selected, the Outstanding High School Principal of Virginia, Outstanding Middle School Principal of Virginia, along with the Outstanding Middle School Assistant Principal of Virginia and Outstanding High School Assistant Principal of Virginia will be recognized at the 2026 Virginia Middle and High School Principals Conference & Exposition. Use this form to recommend a principal and/or assistant principal today!
Draft 2025 Expanded High School Science Standards of Learning
On July 31, 2025, the Virginia Board of Education held first review for the draft 2025 Expanded High School Science SOL. The draft describes the Commonwealth’s expectations for student learning and achievement in eleven high school science courses that are approved by the Board but do not have current academic standards. The 2018 Science SOL for Kindergarten – Physics remain unchanged in content and practices. The Board is accepting public comment on the draft Expanded High School science standards.More information is available from VDOE.
Free College Board Fall Counselor WorkshopsThese free workshops are available for Virginia educators. There will be two in-person events in Virginia this September. Join at either George Mason University or the University of Richmond to gain valuable insights, resources, and strategies to support your students during the 2025–26 school year.
