State Articles of Interest 

Campbell County Schools will pilot program to inform future AI policy

Concerns over rewrite of student demonstrations policy surface at Virginia Beach School Board

Franklin County Public School leaders propose four-day school week

Virginia Beach School Board considers eliminating seclusion rooms from district

Alexandria City School Board member suggests adding snow days after winter storm | ALXnow

As concerns about immigration enforcement rise, Hampton Roads schools consider options

National Articles of Interest                          

Some schools stress keyboarding skills as students become all thumbs | K-12 Dive

ICE activity on K-12 school grounds

Education Department embraces team-based staffing in new guidance | K-12 Dive

DOE Updates 

Bringing Sources to Life

The VDOE History and Social Science Program is excited to announce a new professional development series with content experts (museum educators and external partners) to highlight primary sources, virtual connection opportunities, scholarship, and new resources to support classroom instruction. Each month will feature two partners to discuss the resources available, support for educators, and connections and alignment to the 2023 History and Social Science Standards of Learning and the instructional guides. This opportunity supports the use of inquiry-based learning within the history and social science classroom and engaging in local history outside the classroom. Register today.

Ed. Department Updates

Department Highlights Flexibility in Federal Funding for Teacher StaffingOn Feb. 9, the Department sent?guidance?to states and school districts, emphasizing existing flexibilities under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to use Title II, Part A funds to implement innovative teacher workforce strategies, including strategic staffing models. These strategies are designed to improve academic achievement and student outcomes by strengthening educator support and expanding instructional options.?View a full list of similar letters.

State Articles of Interest 

Bill to bolster school AI safety education advances to Virginia Senate

Bill could affect history and social science lessons for students across Virginia

Craig County School Board unanimously approves amendment to 403(b) retirement plan

Democrats push ‘restorative justice’ in Virginia schools | WVTF

Here’s how some central Virginia schools tackled chronic absenteeism in the wake of COVID-19

Schools turn to virtual learning during winter weather

National Articles of Interest                          

House, Senate bills would give schools $130B for facility upgrades

Report of ED Firings

New Education Department guidance allows teachers to pray with students | K-12 Dive

Ransomware attacks against education sector slow worldwide | K-12 Dive

Trump signs $79B education funding bill into law | K-12 Dive

DOE Updates 

Black History Month Resources for Schools?

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 can create and implement instructional and community programs that highlight Black history through an interdisciplinary approach, fostering inclusive, year-round lesson plans. More information and resources are available from the Virginia Department of Education.

Ed. Department Updates

U.S. Department of Education Issues Guidance on Prayer and Religious Expression in Public Schools

State Articles of Interest 

Virginia Beach School Board to consider changes to rules for student demonstrations

VA House passes bill to allow localities to impose 1% sales tax for school construction, renovation | WRIC ABC 8News

Virginia Beach Schools offering free, unlimited teletherapy to middle and high school students | 13newsnow.com

National Articles of Interest                          

Anti-ICE student walkouts are expected Friday. What are schools doing? | K-12 Dive

How the child care crisis could strain teacher retention | K-12 Dive

3 trends that will shape ed tech in 2026 | K-12 Dive

4 education legal and policy trends to watch in 2026 | K-12 Dive

DOE Updates 

Virginia Kindness Week: February 9-13, 2026

Virginia Kindness Week will be celebrated February 9-13. This initiative highlights the impact of everyday acts of kindness in creating compassionate, safe, healthy, and welcoming schools and communities. Schools can find resources and activities on the VDOE’s Kindness Week website to help them prepare to celebrate Kindness Week. The VDOE hosted a webinar on January 20, featuring strategies from schools across the Commonwealth. If you missed it, the recorded session is available and includes activities, information on nominating a Kindness Ambassador, a T?shirt fundraiser, and resources. Read more from VDOE.

Collaborative Practices in Mathematics Education Educator Webinar SeriesGeorge Mason’s Mathematics Education Center is hosting a free webinar series designed for PreK–12 educators seeking to strengthen their math instruction through meaningful collaboration. Join the second session on February 2 titled, Learning How to Coach Teachers: Reflections from Mathematics Coaching Research. Participants will engage in discussion and reflection to identify the forms of knowledge most essential to their work and consider how systems can cultivate learning opportunities for coaches. Register or contact cbaker@gmu.edu to learn more.

State Articles of Interest 

New legislation could alter landscape of high school sports, transfers in Virginia

Could a free school breakfast bill become law this year? • Virginia Mercury

Roanoke City Council votes to change school funding policy as city grapples with financial challenges – Cardinal News

Henrico middle schoolers learn communication skills through podcasting

National Articles of Interest                          

Bipartisan K-12 budget proposal would stall gutting of Education Department

Education Department halts effort to implement controversial anti-DEI letter | K-12 Dive

Natural disasters will happen. What to do before — and after — one strikes your school.

DOE Updates 

Dual Enrollment Advising Toolkit for Virginia Educators

Article: 2026-2-024
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, School Counselors
Contact: Brittany Everett, Postsecondary Access and Success Specialist, Brittany.Everett@doe.virginia.gov

A new Dual Enrollment Advising Toolkit is now available to support Virginia school divisions, educators, and administrators in strengthening dual enrollment implementation and advising practices. 

Developed to align with College and Career Ready Virginia (CCRV) and Virginia’s 3E priorities (Enrolled, Enlisted, Employed), the toolkit provides practical guidance to help ensure dual enrollment opportunities are accessible, intentional, and aligned with postsecondary pathways. 

This resource is intended for use by school counselors, administrators, and instructional staff seeking to improve dual enrollment access while ensuring coursework meaningfully supports student success beyond high school. 

Educators are encouraged to review the toolkit and integrate its guidance into local advising and program planning efforts. Visit the Educators and Administrators section of the Dual Enrollment webpage for more information and to download the toolkit.

Professional Development Workshops for Science Teachers

The College of Science at Virginia Tech is offering free workshops to grade 8-12 science teachers this June 23-25 on the Blacksburg campus. Workshops include:

– From Atoms to Applications: Integrated science and nanoscience for educators

– Biotech in a Box plus Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

– Earth Science: Place-based learning opportunitiesParticipants will receive a stipend, lessons and supplies for their classrooms, and accommodations. Space is limited so register today!

State Articles of Interest 

After last year’s overhaul, Va. lawmakers consider tweaking K-12 assessment testing • Virginia Mercury

Craig County schools to use virtual learning days during inclement weather

Judge denies Justice Dept. bid to join suit in Va. school locker room case

Spanberger names new education leaders to ‘strengthen’ state’s schools

Virginia opts in to federal Education Freedom Tax Credit program, VEA condemns move | WRIC ABC 8News  

National Articles of Interest                          

College Enrollment Increases

School shootings dropped in 2025. Here’s what to know for 2026. | K-12 Dive

Positive school climate tied to better student attendance | K-12 Dive

Education Department launches 18 Title IX transgender athlete investigations | K-12 Dive

Supreme Court weighs thorny issues in state transgender athlete bans | K-12 Dive

DOE Updates 

Celebrating 250 Years of Science!
The Science Museum of Virginia will post blogs and social media pieces through July 2026 to celebrate 250 years of science. Published once a month, these blogs focus on one aspect of life in the late 1700s, explain the scientific and technological advancements we have today, and look forward to the future. Every blog lists related science, history, and health SOL. More information can be found on the Museum’s website and their social media pages.Teacher of the Year Nominations-Due by Feb. 9
Just a reminder that the deadline is now only one month away for the school division’s locally selected Teacher of the Year to complete their portfolio application for the 2027 Virginia Teacher of the Year Program. The Mary V. Bicouvaris 2027 Virginia Teacher of the Year Program celebrates educators who exemplify the highest standards of teaching across the Commonwealth and the nation. The locally selected Teacher of the Year will complete a portfolio using the online platform SMApply. Teachers may collaborate with their Superintendent or the division designee by sharing their electronic application. All applications must be submitted via SMApply by February 9, at 4 p.m.  Visit the Virginia Teacher of the Year Application and Qualifications website.

State Articles of Interest 

?https://wtop.com/fairfax-county/2026/01/why-a-fairfax-co-elementary-school-is-teaching-kids-the-how-behind-ai/https://wtop.com/fairfax-county/2026/01/why-a-fairfax-co-elementary-school-is-teaching-kids-the-how-behind-ai/  

Mentors can improve student achievement | The Farmville Herald 

School board looking to increase public participation in meetings | News | cbs19news.com

Spanberger names former Hampton superintendent as secretary of education

Richmond schools show progress under new VDOE grading system | WRIC ABC 8News

National Articles of Interest                          

School shootings dropped in 2025. Here’s what to know for 2026. | K-12 Dive

Increasing rates of student loneliness present challenge for schools | K-12 Dive
Lawsuits challenge $60M cancellation of community schools grants | K-12 Dive

Can schools handle federal calls for fewer ultra-processed foods? | K-12 Dive

DOE Updates 

10 Items to Know from Last Week’s Board of Education Meeting

1. 
   ? The Board appointed Member Mashea Ashton to serve as President and welcomed new member Marc Carraway to the Board. ? Thank you to former President and Board member Grace Creasey for her service to Virginia’s students, families, and educators.
2. ? The Board successfully exceeded EO19 goals and successfully repealed or streamlined 19 regulatory chapters, eliminated 3,527 discretionary regulatory requirements for a 62.69% total reduction, de-activated 50 guidance documents, and removed 438,496 words or 28.75% of the 2022 baseline. Moving forward, the Department will set up an Office of Regulatory Management to continue this effort into the new administration in partnership with the Board.
3. ? The Board unanimously approved of adding Advanced Placement Business with Personal Finance as a course to count for the graduation requirements of Economics and Personal Finance. Divisions had expressed interest in offering this course in the 2026-2027 school year and this course will provide students greater flexibility to meet graduation requirements. 
4. ? The Board has requested additional input by the newly established CTE Advisory Committee to the Board and for a tiered CTE Industry Recognized Credentials list ahead of the March 26 Business Meeting prior to taking a final vote. Interested in providing input? Submit to VDOE.CTE@doe.virginia.gov.
5. ? NEW opportunities to provide input for the Board will be up later this week on VDOE’s website and information on how to provide input will be shared in the newsletter later this week on two items: 1) the draft amendments to the strategic plan and 2) Every Student Success Act state plan modifications. 
6. ?? Two new School Construction Assistance Program grants were unanimously awarded by the Board with reallocated funds to support Sussex Central High School in Sussex County Public School Division and Petersburg High School in Petersburg City Public School Division. SAVE THE DATE: The next SCAP application window will open in March 2026. 
7. ? The Board approved of revisions to the Reading Specialist Endorsement regulation to align with requirements defined by the Virginia Literacy Act. 
8. ? The Board reviewed proposed changes to the Board-Approved Textbook and High-Quality Instructional Materials process which was last updated in 2011. Final consideration will be at the March 26 Board meeting.
9. The Board received a written update on teacher licenses, which show high-quality teacher candidates and divisions are utilizing additional pathways to staff their classrooms. 
10. The Board received a written update and presentation on History and Social Science instructional guides and professional learning opportunities, including new resources that are available for teachers ahead of the spring semester.

Governor Youngkin’s Amended FY 2026 and Introduced 2026-2028 Biennial Budgets & Calculation TemplatesOn December 17, 2025, Governor Youngkin presented his amended FY 2026 budget and his introduced 2026-2028 biennial budget before a joint session of the Senate Finance and Appropriations, the House Appropriations, and the House Finance committees. The Governor’s budgets will be considered by the 2026 Session of the General Assembly, which is scheduled to convene on January 14, 2026. The amended FY 2026 budget is comprised primarily of technical updates to Direct Aid Programs. The Virginia Department of Education published calculations templates and budget information related to the Governor’s amended FY 2026 budget and introduced 2026-2028 biennial budget. Information can be found on the Virginia Department of Education website.

This will be the last Member Update for 2025. We will resume the Member Update on January 12, 2026. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from VASSP!

State Articles of Interest 

Most Va. schools meeting new state expectations, Va. education department reports • Virginia Mercury

Roanoke, county school leaders criticize new Virginia performance measure

Virginia Beach school system is making teletherapy free for some students

See how your area’s K-12 schools rate in the state’s new rankings

Virginia’s teacher vacancies decline again this year.   

National Articles of Interest                          

DOJ targets teacher diversity efforts in lawsuit against Minnesota schools | K-12 Dive

Education Department distributes more than $208M in new mental health grants | K-12 Dive

Summer school boosts math — but not reading — achievement, NWEA finds | K-12 Dive

Supreme Court turns down book ban case | K-12 Dive

70% of high school principals say ICE is taking a toll on their schools

State Articles of Interest 

FCPS opts to resolve student’s lawsuit over gender identity policies | FFXnow

ACPS updates student resource officer program | News | cbs19news.com

Prince William School Board votes to add 30 minutes to teacher workday beginning next school year

School Resource Officers are coming back to Charlottesville City Schools next year despite community feedback to slow down or change course

Local tax option to pay for Virginia school improvements likely to succeed in 2026 | WVTF

National Articles of Interest

Do federal privacy laws require schools to protect — or reveal — students’ LGBTQ+ identity?

House subcommittee debates best way to protect children online | K-12 Dive

Enrollment Decline and Immigration Enforcement

DOE Updates 

Updated Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning (VESOL) in Reading and Mathematics

The Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning (VESOL) are the revised academic content standards for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who are enrolled in grades 3-8 and high school in Virginia. Specifically, the VESOL represent content in reading and mathematics for grades 3-8 and high school and science for grades 5, 8, and high school replacing the previously used Aligned Standards of Learning (ASOL) in these content areas. A training webinar will be provided to support educators in understanding the updates and can be accessed at Virginia Alternate Assessment Program | Virginia Department of Education. Listed below are the 2025 Virginia Essentialized Standards of learning for reading and mathematics:

  • Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning in Reading

  • Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning in Mathematics

VMFA Educator Resource: Art of the Ancient WorldBy examining works in VMFA’s collection, teachers and students can consider the art and innovations of ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, and Mali. This new set of online resources is designed to help students develop questions, demonstrate curiosity, and engage in critical thinking and analysis. Learn more today!

State Articles of Interest 

School Book Policy

Virginia schools team up to improve cybersecurity

Virginia is making it harder for students to pass end-of-year exams – The Washington Post

Giles County Public Schools takes new approach to addressing chronic absenteeism

Commission adopts study to improve Va.’s special education compliance system • Virginia Mercury

Candidates for lieutenant governor lay out different visions for education in Virginia

National Articles of Interest

10 ways to strengthen family-school partnerships and support learning | K-12 Dive

Feds launch site for employers to pay controversial H-1B fee, clarify exemptions | K-12 Dive

How schools can help students gain durable skills | K-12 Dive

Education Department ‘exploring’ ways to move special education elsewhere | K-12 Dive

Where are tomorrow’s teachers? Education degrees drop over 2 decades. | K-12 Dive

State Articles of Interest 

Virginia advances plan to ban transgender girls from girls sports

Middle school project uses ‘Sneaky Cards’ to spread kindness

Contract negotiations between LCPS, employees union, deadlocked | 1local | loudountimes.com

School Board Votes to Allow Charter Schools To Request Capital Improvements | News | loudounnow.com

Education department pushes back on claims of stalled assessment plan • Virginia Mercury

Projections show more than 50% of VA students could fail SOLs because of new cut scores | WRIC ABC 8News

After initially embracing unions, RPS is proposing a more restrictive collective bargaining process for future deals

National Articles of Interest

What schools stand to lose in the battle over the next federal education budget

What school leaders should expect in the 2025-26 Supreme Court term | K-12 Dive

Book bans becoming the new norm for districts, report says | K-12 Dive

Hiring foreign teachers? What to look out for as Trump targets H-1B visas | K-12 Dive

How the federal government shutdown affects K-12

H1B Visas

Only 18 states differentiate compensation for special education teachers | K-12 Dive

DOE Updates 

All In Tutoring: Zearn Math ResourcesAs part of Virginia’s ALL In Tutoring initiative, 104 school divisions are using Zearn Math’s adaptive digital lessons through 2025–26 to support personalized tutoring. Teachers using Zearn Math can access classroom and community resources to support family engagement and motivate students to complete the research-backed dosage of 3+ grade-level digital lessons each week. Free resources including orientation letters, tip sheets, family guides, lesson trackers, and Virginia-specific motivational posters are all available on Zearn’s Family Engagement page.