This is our last edition of the VASSP Member Update for this school year. We will return on August 9, 2026. Don’t forget to register for the VASSP Annual Summer Conference, June 22-25. You can register HERE.
State Articles of Interest
Richmond Schools Recovering Quicker than Most from the Pandemic
Virginia SOLs Will Be Harder and Later Next Year
BREAKING: Spanberger to veto collective bargaining, according to Virginia lawmaker –
Virginia students continue to struggle in reading but show signs of recovery
Citing disruption, Richmond School Board will consider no longer allowing voting at schools
National Articles of Interest
Achievement dip coincided with high-stakes testing ‘breakdown,’ study finds | K-12 Dive
Kids’ test scores began declining way before COVID. These schools are making gains
3 takeaways from McMahon hearing on Ed Dept priorities | K-12 Dive
Math summer slide is ‘significant,’ but reading loss much smaller, data shows | K-12 Dive
Cellphone ban led to improved learning, attendance in Florida district | K-12 Dive
Judge denies pause on ICE enforcement on school grounds | K-12 Dive
Most districts now have 1:1 device programs. Pushback, finances could change that. | K-12 Dive
DOE Updates
Science Instructional Guides
The Virginia Department of Education science instructional team is excited to announce the release of the Science Instructional Guides which serve as companion documents to the 2018 and 2025 Science Standards of Learning. The science team will offer repeated webinars to provide details about the purpose, intent, structure, content, and context for use. The repeated webinar will be offered four times to accommodate a variety of schedules. Divisions should plan for teams of division instructional leaders, principals, instructional coaches, and science teachers or teacher-leaders to attend. Webinars will be held on:
Math Summer Institute for Teachers
Join the Virginia Department of Education, Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Education, and several Virginia school divisions on June 15–16 for the Math Summer Institute! Designed for teachers, this two-day event will explore research-based strategies for implementing HQIM curriculum models. Learn alongside nationally recognized speakers and passionate educators through hands-on sessions, collaboration, and practical classroom ideas you can use right away to increase student engagement and achievement. Learn more today!
Ed. Department Updates
Department of Education Announces $144M Boost for Students with DisabilitiesThe Department of Education (ED) announced a new $144 million investment by the Trump Administration to help states expand proven interventions that support students with disabilities. Additionally, to support families of children with disabilities, ED also announced new guidance for states to use Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds to help expectant parents of infants with disabilities access information and tools to prepare for their child’s arrival and secure needed supports and services after birth.
