Articles of Interest  

Virginia’s General Assembly reaches budget deal after extended negotiations

‘They’re not doing their share,’ Councilmember says of state lawmakers commitment to funding schools

Va. attorney general says transgender student policies comply with anti-discrimination laws – Virginia Mercury

Richmond hopes ‘Build Your Own Teacher’ program will help fill vacancies

Petersburg School Board repeals collective bargaining resolution with union | WRIC ABC 8News

National Articles of Interest

How are districts preparing for the end of American Rescue Plan funds? | K-12 Dive

4 best practices to ensure smooth transitions for new high schoolers | K-12 Dive

‘Education culture wars’ legislation heats up | K-12 Dive

Science of reading laws are missing a key ingredient: background knowledge – Chalkbeat

Voters’ top K-12 concerns include pandemic learning recovery, scant funding

DOE Updates

9/11 Resources and Materials 

September 11th is recognized each year as Patriot Day to remember the lives lost at the World Trade Center, on Flight 93, and at the Pentagon. Patriot Day also honors the first responders, service members, and civil servants who were integral in rescue and recovery efforts – many of whom made the supreme sacrifice as a result. Many Virginia schools commemorate Patriot Day by flying the Freedom Flag, which is recognized as the Commonwealth’s official 9/11 flag of remembrance. The Freedom Flag Foundation encourages schools to conduct flag raising ceremonies that include the recitation of the 10 symbolic elements of the Freedom Flag.

All schools in the Commonwealth are encouraged to designate time during the week of September 11th for reflection and commemoration. There are resources available from the United States Department of Education and the Library of Congress that captures Americans during trying times and serves as a historical resource for future generations.

Virginia Literacy Act Statewide Training Launches

Audience: Superintendents, Principals, Reading Specialists

Contact: Karin Little, Education Coordinator (email)

We are very excited in the VDOE to kick off our state-wide initiative EverybodyReadsVA to support our move to the Science of Reading and evidence-based practices across the Commonwealth!

As part of the Virginia Literacy Act, (VLA), all reading specialists are required to receive training in evidence-based literacy instruction (EBLI) aligned with science-based reading research (SBRR). In partnership with the VDOE, Virginia Literacy Partnerships (VLP) is leading the design, development, and facilitation of a free statewide knowledge-based professional development training series for reading specialists.This training series will prepare reading specialists to support the implementation of the VLA.  We have included an outline of this professional learning experience for you here so that we all know what is being taught to our Reading Specialists so we can all learn this work together and support our young people as they become better, stronger readers. 

The training includes a two-day in-person institute, an online Canvas course and monthly virtual synchronous “Zoom” sessions facilitated by regional literacy coaches.

The two-day in-person institutes are taking place at the following locations and dates:

Roanoke – Aug 17 and 18 

Charlottesville – Aug 21 and 22 

Fairfax – Aug 24 and 25 

Richmond – Aug 29 and 30 

Newport News – Sept 7 and 8

For more details, please refer to the following resources:

Detailed description of the two-day institutes (PDF)

Recorded webinar about the statewide training

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document (DOCX)

Additional content and resources available now on the VALUE site

Required VLA Reading Specialist Training Sessions

As part of the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA), all reading specialists are required to receive training in evidence-based literacy instruction (EBLI) aligned with science-based reading research (SBRR). This training series will prepare reading specialists to support the implementation of the VLA. All reading specialists must attend, even if they have received other EBLI/SBRR training because the training will fully equip them to support the local implementation of the VLA.  Remaining dates:

Fairfax/Alexandria: August 24 &25,  Richmond: August 29 &30,  Newport News:  September 7 & 8.

Registration: ELA Coordinators have received an email with specific details on how to register their reading specialists for the training. School divisions will be responsible for registering their staff.  For more important updates in literacy, see the May 18, 2023 Superintendent Memo 098-23.

Change in the Fall 2023 Grades 3-8 Reading and Mathematics Virginia Growth AssessmentsIn response to concerns about the growth assessments received from school division leaders and other stakeholders in the Commonwealth, VDOE leadership directed the student assessment staff, in collaboration with our state assessment contractor Pearson, to revise the Fall 2023 Growth Assessments so that students will take assessments this fall that will primarily measure reading and mathematics content from the student’s previous grade level. For example, students enrolled in grade 5 mathematics in fall 2023 will take growth assessments based on grade 4 mathematics content. This is a change from the fall 2022 growth assessments where students were assessed on reading and mathematics content primarily from their current grade level – content they had not yet been taught. The change in content measured by the fall 2023 growth assessments is intended to ensure that teachers, parents, and students receive feedback on how well a student has mastered content that may be needed for success in the coming school year and to identify areas where a student may need additional supports. For students taking the test online, the testing system can adapt with test questions that are one grade level above or one grade level below the student’s previous grade level as appropriate for the student. The online tests for grade 3 and grade 4 reading and mathematics in fall 2023 will include test items primarily based on grade 3 and grade 2 content with items based on grade 4 content also available. Students who need a paper test will complete a test with all questions based on the student’s prior grade level. Students enrolled in grade 3 and students enrolled in grade 4 completing a paper test will take the grade 3 paper growth assessment. The test blueprints for the revised Fall 2023 Reading and Mathematics Growth Assessments are available online on the Growth Assessment webpage on the VDOE website.

Articles of Interest  

Prince William schools reject transgender policies from state, will not change regulations | Headlines | insidenova.com

Charlottesville schools expanding policy on cellphone restrictions

Harrisonburg Teachers Advocate For Collective Bargaining At Tuesday’s Board Meeting | News | dnronline.com

Classics, best-sellers part of school division’s ‘sexually-explicit’ list | News | princewilliamtimes.com

Norfolk School Board tweaks discipline policy

Roanoke Co. Schools high teacher retention rate

Fairfax schools reject Youngkin guidance on trans student policies

Virginia Beach parents ask judge to force school division to redo admissions for gifted school – The Virginian-Pilot

New Prince William Security System

School board members could soon be paying for own travel, classes

National Articles of Interest

3 factors influencing school safety in 2023-24 | K-12 Dive 

How 90-day plans shape the beginning of a successful school year | K-12 Dive

Florida Curriculum News

Schools using nonpunitive approaches to tackle chronic absenteeism | K-12 Dive

North Carolina restricts transgender college athletes in veto override | Higher Ed Dive

Will new state definitions of “sex” exclude transgender students? | K-12 Dive

Federal proposal could reshape how districts accommodate pregnant employees | K-12 Dive

DOE Updates

License Certificates

On June 21, 2023, the Office of Licensure and School Leadership ceased the printing and mailing of paper licenses and evaluations. The Office of Licensure and School Leadership will make license certificates and evaluations available in the future on the eGOV portal. Applicants and license holders are encouraged to create an eGOV account to view pertinent licensure information.

Free Asynchronous PD Courses for School Counselors 

Virginia Career VIEW: Vital Information for Education and Work, has partnered with Virtual Virginia to offer three new FREE asynchronous professional learning courses. These courses are of particular interest to school counselors and will introduce educators to career resources and activities that they can use with their students.  Upon successful completion of any of the New to View courses a certificate will be awarded worth five hours of professional learning. For more information/to enroll, click on one or more of the following links: 

New to View: Virginia Career View Grades K-5 (2023-2024)

New to View: Virginia Career View Grades 6-8 (2023-2024)

New to View: Virginia Career View Grades 9-12 (2023-2024)

Questions? Please contact Steven Sproles, Virtual Virginia Professional Learning Coordinator.

Virginia Board of Education Approves Changes to Certain Testing Requirements for Writing

On Thursday, July 27, 2023, the Virginia Board of Education approved a proposal that changes the expectations for writing assessments for grade 5 and grade 8 students. Specifically, the Board approved the elimination of the grade 8 SOL Writing test beginning in spring 2024 when the new integrated reading and writing items become part of the grades 5, 8, and end-of-course (EOC) SOL Reading tests.  The Board also approved the Guidelines for Local Alternative Assessments: 2023-2024 and Beyond. The updated guidelines recommend that school divisions use the integrated reading and writing assessment component that will be administered as part of the grade 5 SOL Reading test beginning in spring 2024 to meet the assessment requirements for Grade 5 Writing.  Additional details will be provided to school divisions later in August. 

Change in the Fall 2023 Grades 3-8 Reading and Mathematics Virginia Growth Assessments

In response to concerns about the growth assessments received from school division leaders and other stakeholders in the Commonwealth, VDOE leadership directed the student assessment staff, in collaboration with our state assessment contractor Pearson, to revise the Fall 2023 Growth Assessments so that students will take assessments this fall that will primarily measure reading and mathematics content from the student’s previous grade level. For example, students enrolled in grade 5 mathematics in fall 2023 will take growth assessments based on grade 4 mathematics content. This is a change from the fall 2022 growth assessments where students were assessed on reading and mathematics content primarily from their current grade level – content they had not yet been taught. The change in content measured by the fall 2023 growth assessments is intended to ensure that teachers, parents, and students receive feedback on how well a student has mastered content that may be needed for success in the coming school year and to identify areas where a student may need additional supports. For students taking the test online, the testing system can adapt with test questions that are one grade level above or one grade level below the student’s previous grade level as appropriate for the student. The online tests for grade 3 and grade 4 reading and mathematics in fall 2023 will include test items primarily based on grade 3 and grade 2 content with items based on grade 4 content also available. Students who need a paper test will complete a test with all questions based on the student’s prior grade level. Students enrolled in grade 3 and students enrolled in grade 4 completing a paper test will take the grade 3 paper growth assessment. The test blueprints for the revised Fall 2023 Reading and Mathematics Growth Assessments are available online on the Growth Assessment webpage on the VDOE website.

U.S. DoE LAUNCHES CAREER-CONNECTED HIGH SCHOOL GRANT PROGRAM

On Thursday, August 10, while participating in the Unlocking Pathways Summit in Aurora, Colorado, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced the launch of a new $25 million Career Connected High School Grant program. This program will provide grants to consortia of local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and employers to pilot evidence-based strategies to increase the integration and alignment of the last two years of high school and the first two years of postsecondary education to improve postsecondary education and career outcomes for all students. These grants are part of the Raise the Bar: Unlocking Career Success initiative, aimed at helping young Americans access good-paying jobs.

This cross-government effort seeks to increase and expand access to high-quality career pathways to help young Americans pursue jobs in today’s in-demand fields and be prepared for careers of the future. Grantees can use funds for a variety of different activities based on the need of the region, including additional dual enrollment classes, covering the costs of tuition, books, supplies, and other related expenses for low-income students, tutoring, other academic supports, transportation for students to work-based learning sites, the development of new career & technical education (CTE) programs in high-growth fields like clean energy or to support teacher training and new equipment that may be needed to launch these programs.

The notice inviting applications (NIA) is here.

Ed. Department Updates

UNLOCKING PATHWAYS SUMMITS 

Over the last two weeks, the Department continued its Unlocking Pathways regional summits in Aurora, Colorado, and Madison, Wisconsin.  The summit series, co-hosted with Jobs for the Future and supported by the Departments of Commerce, Energy, Labor, and Transportation, consists of four education-workforce convenings to spotlight workforce priorities and opportunities that are growing due to recent federal investments, like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act.  This includes expanding access to high-wage, high-demand pathways and skills-based learning opportunities, such as Registered Apprenticeships and community college programs, within sectors like advanced manufacturing, clean energy, construction, and cybersecurity (press release). 

In Aurora, Secretary Cardona announced the launch of a new $25 million Career-Connected High School Grant program.  This program offers grants to consortia of local educational agencies (LEAs), higher education institutions, and employers to pilot evidence-based strategies to increase the integration and alignment of the last two years of high school and the first two years of postsecondary education to boost education and career outcomes for all students.  Grantees may use funds for a variety of different activities based on the need of the region, including additional dual enrollment classes; covering the costs of tuition, books, supplies, and other related expenses for low-income students; tutoring; other academic supports; transportation for students to work-based learning sites; the development of new career and technical education (CTE) programs in high-growth fields; or to support teacher training and buy new equipment needed to launch such programs (Homeroom blog). In Madison, Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten and Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal announced the semifinalists for the Career Z Challenge.  This competition is designed to identify LEAs interested in creating and/or enhancing work-based learning opportunities and building collaborative ecosystems of educators, employers, industries, and community leaders to engage secondary students in meaningful career exploration, development, and preparation.  The 81 semifinalists represent 34 states serving more than 1.5 million students.

Articles of Interest  

Virginia High School League will keep 2014 appeal process for transgender student athletes | 13newsnow.com

Fauquier high schools post ‘sexually explicit’ library book lists | News

Clear backpacks required for all Petersburg students

Spotsylvania superintendent pushes back on criticism over sexually explicit books question – NBC4 Washington

Suffolk Public Schools add weapon detection systems on all campuses

Hanover School Board outlines teacher responsibilities in controversial book policy | WRIC ABC 8News

How Arlington Co. schools is addressing an increase in 5th graders needing intensive reading support – WTOP NewsVirginia Beach School Board to revisit debate on transgender student policies – The Virginian-Pilot

VASSP welcomes you back to the VASSP Member Update. We have added a new section for “National Articles of Interest”. These articles will help keep you up to date on things that are going on at the national level in education. We hope that you all have had a great summer and are prepared to welcome students for the new year in the coming weeks.

Articles of Interest  

Bedford County Schools invest half a million in safety upgrades ahead of new academic year | WSET

New emails shed light on Virginia learning grant program issues; thousands of parents receive rejections

Virginians to miss tax-free school shopping as budget impasse drags on – The Washington Post

Lab school proposals grow, as Board of Education approves first application 

Proposed Botetourt library policy for kids and teens could be the most restrictive in Virginia – Cardinal News

National Articles of Interest

New Jersey school district to pay $9.1M in bullying settlement | K-12 Dive 

White House, Ed Dept announce federal effort to bolster K-12 cybersecurity

Schools’ online surveillance raises parental concerns over student learning, well-being | K-12 Dive

Equity in IDEA: Finding solutions to racial disproportionality in special ed | K-12 Dive 

DOE Updates

Call for Nominations to Board of Education Advisory Committee

The Virginia Board of Education is seeking nominees for several vacancies on its advisory committees. A full list of vacancies is available on the Board’s Advisory Committee webpage. Some of the vacancies on advisory committees require specific categories of expertise, qualifications, or geographic representation. Self-nominations are accepted.  Nominations may be made by completing the Board’s Nomination Form for Advisory Committees by August 11. 

Ed. Department Updates

ELIMINATING EDUCATOR SHORTAGES 

Also last week, the Departments of Education and Labor announced a series of new efforts to expand Registered Apprenticeships for educators and invest in teacher preparation programs.  These efforts advance a key focus area of the Education Department’s Raise the Bar: Lead the World priorities to boldly improve learning conditions by eliminating educator shortages.  They also build upon a joint letter sent by the Secretaries of Education and Labor last summer, which called on state education and workforce leaders to take action to address educator shortages (press release). 

Among the announcements:

• National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards for Registered Apprenticeships for K-12 teachers, developed by the Pathways Alliance and approved by the Labor Department;
• more than $27 million from the Education Department to support educator preparation programs (under the Teacher Quality Partnerships [TQP] Program and the Supporting Effective Educator Development [SEED] Program);
• more than $65 million from the Labor Department to develop and scale Registered Apprenticeship programs in critical sectors across 45 states — with 35 states targeting education;
• a new industry intermediary to launch, promote, and expand Registered Apprenticeships for teachers; and
• an Education Department policy brief that highlights how states are taking strategic steps outlined by the Biden Administration to support the effective recruitment, preparation, and retention of teachers, including new data by state on the recovery of local education jobs, increases in teacher compensation, increased enrollment in educator preparation programs, and the expansion of Registered Apprenticeships for K-12 teachers. 

The Administration has helped grow the number of states with Registered Apprenticeship programs for K-12 teachers from two to 21.  The new national guidelines can guide states, school districts, and sponsors to align their apprenticeship programs to quality standards for teachers.  They also provide a framework that partners may use to develop state-specific standards and provide for expedited development and approval of new apprenticeship programs.

This will be the last update until August 7, 2023.

Articles of Interest  

Virginia jury acquits school spokesman of perjury in probe that was a focus of governor’s campaign | AP News

Norfolk School Board to return to single public comment period – The Virginian-Pilot

PGCPS Future Teacher Pipeline Program Celebrates Latest Cohort of Aspiring Hometown Educators | News | theprincegeorgejournal.com

Richmond School Board takes up heated safety discussion on Graduation Day shooting

Concerns mount over ‘restorative practices’ in Prince William County schools | Headlines | insidenova.com

Safe Schools Lynchburg fundraising to install security film to windows, door at E. C. Glass High School    

Va. Board of Education approves online teacher training option, addressing teacher shortage

Without an updated state budget, Va. schools face hiring uncertainty

Cellphone policy sparks school board debate | Education | yourgv.com

DOE Updates

Public Comment Forums for College Partnership Laboratory School Applications

The College Partnership Laboratory Schools Standing Committee received for first review college partnership laboratory schools applications from Southside Virginia Community College and Virginia Commonwealth University.  In order to provide appropriate input from parents, teachers, and other interested parties and to obtain information to assist the Standing Committee in its evaluation of the lab school applications, the Standing Committee is seeking public comment on each application. See Superintendent’s Memo 111-23 for details on how to give feedback. 

Coaches, ITRTs, Admins: Build Your Own Instructional Playbook

Virtual Virginia, VDOE, and VSTE invite administrators, instructional coaches, and ITRTs from Virginia public schools and divisions to attend a new professional learning series! This series will guide participants in creating an “instructional playbook” to enhance the training they offer teachers locally. The free webinar series starts July 6. Find out more information or register today!

K-12 School Innovation Planning (K12 SIP) Grant

Individual school divisions or consortia of school divisions are eligible to submit proposals meeting the intent of the RFP document. Proposals may target one or more schools in each participating school division. School divisions awarded planning grants must be prepared to implement their innovative reform models over two years beginning with the 2024-2025 school year. Completed proposals must be received electronically by the VDOE no later than 4 p.m. on July 14.

Ed. Department Updates

BIDEN ANNOUNCEs STATE BREAKDOWN OF 2021 LAW’S BROADBAND FUNDING

The Biden Administration announced specific details for the amount of money each state will receive from the $42.5 billion of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program funding established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to expand high-speed internet access, most of it over the next two years. The money is meant to deliver internet access to remote and rural areas. This is the largest portion of internet funding provided by IIJA, and it comes as the House Republicans are seeking to use fiscal year 2024 spending bills to rescind unspent money appropriated when Democrats controlled both chambers of Congress.

Each state, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, will receive a minimum of $100 million. 10 percent of the $42.5 billion will be set aside for remote or topographically challenging areas where the cost of broadband access is above the average. The rest of the funding will be doled out proportionally based on the number of unserved communities in a state, based on a Federal Communications Commission map released in May, which shows about 8.5 million unserved broadband serviceable locations across the United States. Read more here.  

STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Last week, the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services (HHS) announced additional actions to advance the efforts and investments under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA). 

Specifically, the agencies’ secretaries sent a joint letter to governors delineating resources to help states, communities, and schools support students’ mental health and well-being, particularly students impacted by gun violence.  The letter highlights Education’s investments and capacity-building initiatives that will expand and improve school-based mental health services, address community violence, provide wrap-around services, and promote a safe and supportive school climate.  The letter also outlines HHS’s programs to support the development of school-based mental health supports, prepare and train school personnel, emergency responders, law enforcement, and others to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health impacts from gun violence, and increase treatment and support services for individuals and communities affected by trauma, including trauma caused by gun violence. 

The agencies are collaborating on BSCA implementation because young people are facing unprecedented challenges and disruptions in their school lives and communities, including increased disconnection and social isolation, as well as increased gun violence.  These challenges have had devastating impacts on students’ mental health and well-being, which, in turn, have profound implications for academic success and overall life outcomes.  The agencies’ further actions help extend the impact of BSCA in keeping communities safe, bringing new protections and resources to bear in addressing the mental health crisis (so that all students may learn freely and safely every day) and curbing gun violence. 

Meanwhile, marking the one-year anniversary of BSCA’s passage, President Biden, Secretary Cardona, and other leaders participated in the National Safer Communities Summit in West Hartford, Connecticut.  See:

• President Biden’s remarks and video;
• Secretary Cardona’s remarks and video excerpt; and
• Secretary Cardona’s Twitter thread, featuring powerful commentary by Principal Recovery Network members. 

SCHOOL SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENTS 

Since February, the Education Department has invited national, regional, and local businesses, foundations, and non-profit and community-based organizations to share bold commitments to advance school sustainability, encompassing infrastructure, health, environmental sustainability education, climate, and environmental justice.  Over 30 organizations have made commitments, demonstrating a wide range and scope of actions needed to ensure sustainable schools for all students.  Visit the agency’s Homeroom blog for sample commitments. 

Organizations may still participate by completing an online form, preferably addressing at least one of these parameters: environmental justice, health, climate action, capacity-building, data collection and standardization, and transparency and goal-setting. 

Separately, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued proposed guidance on elective pay and transferability mechanisms established under the Inflation Reduction Act that would help state, local, tribal, and territory governments, non-profits, and other entities access clean energy tax credits. Additionally, Vice President Harris — joined by Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten — offered remarks at a young climate leaders convening in Denver, underscoring the Administration’s historic investment in combatting the climate crisis and creating a clean energy economy that works for all.

Articles of Interest  

Arlington Public Schools updates student grading policy with retakes, late assignment options | Headlines | insidenova.com

VB’s Bevel named 2023 Outstanding Middle School Principal of Va. | WAVY.com

Virginia Department of Education releases new recommendations for academic achievement | 13newsnow.com

Loudoun’s General Assembly Delegation Pushes for Education Funds in Final Budget Debate | Politics | loudounnow.com

Augusta County Schools move to ban social media comments. One board member says it violates free speech.

Hanover school board softens on one provision of book policy

Updates: 2 fatally shot, 5 wounded after Huguenot High School graduation

Alexandria approves agreement to keep police in schools after long debate         

DOE Updates

EDUCATION FUNDING AVOIDS LARGE SCALE CUTS IN DEBT CEILING DEAL

Last week, the House and Senate passed legislation that would address the country’s debt limit through 2025, apply spending limitations to the appropriations process, and rescind some funds from COVID-era relief bills. The House passed the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) on a bipartisan vote of 314-117 on Wednesday. The Senate did the same on Thursday by a vote of 63-36. 

The FRA caps non-defense discretionary spending for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 at roughly $704 billion, followed by a 1 percent increase in discretionary spending in FY 2025 and also includes a section that rescinds unspent funds from the various emergency COVID spending bills. According to the Administration’s analysis, the total available for rescission in education accounts is $391 million—a small amount when compared to the total of $190 billion sent to states and districts. 

The passage of the bill sets the stage for action on FY 2024 appropriations bills, and the House Appropriations Committee is expected to markup bills throughout the month of June. The Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill will still be among the last developed and debated, and education advocates will continue to make their case for adequate investments. 

Many Republican and Democrat members of Congress, as well as several education organizations, praised the efforts to find a compromise that avoids severe cuts to education and social services but still guarantees the country will pay its bills. The default deadline was considered to be June 5^th.

To read more about the debt ceiling legislation deal and education funding, click here.

Important Virginia Literacy Updates – Spring 2023

The Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) is among the most comprehensive early literacy policies in the nation. The objective of the VLA is to improve literacy outcomes for all K-8 students. Superintendent’s Memo 98-23 covers key literacy updates:

1. Instructional Materials Review – Cycle II: Call for Materials

2. Instructional Materials Review – Cycle I Results

3. Statewide Training Opportunity for Reading Specialists

4. Early Literacy Screener 5. Early Intervention Reading Initiative for 2023-24 SY

K-12 School Innovation Planning (K12 SIP) Grant
Individual school divisions or consortia of school divisions are eligible to submit proposals meeting the intent of the RFP document. Proposals may target one or more schools in each participating school division. School divisions awarded planning grants must be prepared to implement their innovative reform models over two years beginning with the 2024-2025 school year. Completed proposals must be received electronically by the VDOE no later than 4 p.m. on July 14.

Virginia Health and Physical Activity Institute
VDOE extends an invitation to all administrators and teachers to attend and be presenters at the Healthy Kids, Healthy Virginia 2023 Health and Physical Activity Institute, which will be held July 9-12, 2023, at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The primary objective of the initiative is to improve the quality of health and physical education instruction and provide support for implementing the Virginia Board of Education standards of learning for health and physical education, which enhance the wellness and educational performance of Virginia’s students. Read more today!

Celebrate with Authors and Literacy Experts-July 13- 14
Longwood’s Summer Literacy Institute will be held on campus and focus on critical thinking and reading. Join authors Jennifer LaGarde, Terry Catasús Jennings and Jarrett J. Krosoczka in addition to a variety of concurrent sessions,  celebrating children’s and young adult’s literature. Earn professional development recertification points or graduate credits.

Ed. Department Updates

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT 

On June 3, President Biden signed into law the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, which, among other actions, suspends the public debt limit through January 1, 2025; increases the limit on January 2, 2025, to accommodate the obligations issued during that suspension, and establishes new discretionary spending limits. 

“[This bipartisan budget agreement] is an important step forward that reduces spending while protecting critical programs for working people and growing the economy for everyone,” the President emphasized in a statement.  “The agreement represents a compromise, which means not everyone gets what they want.  That’s the responsibility of governing.  And, the agreement is good news for the American people, because it prevents what could have been a catastrophic default and would have led to an economic recession, retirement accounts devastated, and millions of jobs lost.” 

“I know bipartisanship is hard and unity is hard, but we can never stop trying, because in moments like this one — the one we just faced, where the American economy and the world economy is at risk of collapsing — there is no other way,” the President subsequently explained in an Oval Office address.  “No matter how tough our politics get, we need to see each other not as adversaries but as fellow Americans.  Treat each other with dignity and respect.  Join forces to…lower the temperature and work together to pursue progress, secure prosperity, and keep the promise of America for everybody.” 

On Twitter, Secretary Cardona praised the President for “averting a crisis with this deal and for protecting our student debt relief plan in full.”  The agreement ends the suspension of federal student loan payments on August 30.  Yet, it does not affect the Administration’s targeted student debt relief plan.  (Separately, the President vetoed a Congressional resolution that would have canceled the plan — see the President’s veto message and the Secretary’s response.  The U.S. Supreme Court is still considering a legal challenge.) 

Furthermore, in a letter responding to a measure in the agreement that rescinds some unobligated funding, the Department assured grantees that federal pandemic relief aid for K-12 schools have been committed. 

TITLE IX RULEMAKING 

The Administration is committed to ensuring all students are guaranteed an educational environment free from discrimination on the basis of sex.  To that end, amending the Department’s regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a top priority. 

The proposed regulations released by the agency in July 2022 are historic.  They would strengthen protections for students who experience sexual harassment and assault at school and protect LGBTQI+ students from discrimination.  The agency received more than 240,000 public comments on the proposed rule, nearly twice as many comments as it received during its last rulemaking on the same issue.  Reviewing and considering the comments takes time and is essential to ensuring the final rule is enduring.  Therefore, the Department is updating the Spring Unified Agenda to reflect an anticipated date of October 2023 (see Homeroom blog). 

Similarly, the Department is updating its agenda for the final athletics rule to reflect an anticipated date of October 2023.  This proposed rule received over 150,000 public comments.

Due to the Memorial day Holiday, there will be no VASSP Member Update on Monday, May 29.

Articles of Interest  

Fauquier County Schools Giving Parents Control Over What Their Kids Read – NBC4 Washington

Hampton City Schools works to address teacher shortage | 13newsnow.com

Virginia children facing more mental health struggles, providers struggling to keep up with demand

Sheriff’s deputies assigned as full-time school resource officers at all Goochland County Public Schools | WRIC ABC 8News

Richmond Schools to double new teacher bonuses at ‘hard to fill’ schools | WRIC ABC 8News

MCPS working to reduce budget by over $4.5 million

HCPS looking to continue making schools safer with new initiatives

Virginia lawmaker hopes new posthumous diploma law will help grieving families and students

Hanover school leaders weigh proposed changes to book review policy | WRIC ABC 8News

Fairfax Co. school board approves plan to provide students, staff access to Narcan in all classrooms – WTOP News           

DOE Updates 

K-12 Learning Recovery Grants: Tutor and Service Provider Recruitment

To address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students’ educational progress and well-being, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced in March 2023 the availability of $30 million in Learning Acceleration Grants to be used for qualifying education services.

The VDOE is currently accepting applications from the following:

• Virginia parents of school-age children seeking grants to provide tutoring.
• Tutors and providers of assistive technologies.

For Parents Seeking K-12 Learning Acceleration Grants

Virginia parents are now able to access the K-12 Learning Acceleration grant application through a secure online portal. For assistance and additional information go to What documents do I need to apply? and Frequently Asked Questions for Parents.

Licensure Summary Update

In response to the current processing delays in processing teacher license applications, the VDOE has developed several strategies that will immediately improve the current crisis. Read more about these important strategies outlined in Superintendent’s Memo 093-23. 

Advancing Rural Computer Science
This is a two-year professional development program that allows K-5 educators (teachers, ITRTs, and librarians) to become highly skilled in integrating the Virginia Computer Science SOLs into K-5 English, mathematics, science, and history and social science. Participants will complete the Code VA K-5 Coaches Academy and earn microcredentials in CS Integration that are being offered by ODU, a stipend, receive a free Chromebook, and their choice of a classroom set of CS instructional technology.

Articles of Interest  

Did the pandemic cause your child to fall behind in school? Virginia offering free tutoring grants | WRIC ABC 8News

Loudoun Co. school board member renews push for school resource officers at all elementary schools – WTOP News

Kaine, Warner try again to use historic tax credits for schools

Driver shortage forcing city schools to reevaluate bus service | Winchester Star | winchesterstar.com

Va. Board of Education expedites extension of 15500 teacher licenses

Fauquier County schools unveil new regulation on ‘sexually explicit’ materials | News

Prince William County changes some elementary school bell times due to bus driver shortage | Headlines | insidenova.com

Chesapeake School Board moving forward with armed school security officers

Loudoun Schools Accreditation Affected Under New Chronic Absenteeism Model | News | loudounnow.com

Virginia teacher pay falls further behind the national average

Virginia Beach School Board to discuss not adopting state’s transgender student policies – The Virginian-Pilot                  

DOE Updates 

Learning Acceleration Tutoring Grants
Calling all teachers and retirees…Tutors and educational service providers are encouraged to register as vendors in the K-12 Learning Acceleration Grant program. Tutoring may be in-person, virtual or hybrid, and in one-on-one, small group or large-group settings. Tutors set their own schedules and rates and determine how many students they wish to serve. The $30 million program will provide $1,500 tutoring grants, in core content areas and world languages required to meet diploma requirements, to parents of school-age children. Children from homes with family incomes at 300% or less of the federal poverty level may qualify for $3,000 grants. 

Ed. Department Updates

NAEP CIVICS AND HISTORY 

According to newly released results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the civics and U.S. history scores of eighth-grade students decreased between 2018 and 2022.  The average score on the 2022 civics assessment declined by two points, the first decline since the assessment began in 1988, and just 22% of eighth-graders scored at or above the NAEP Proficient level.  Meanwhile, the average score on the 2022 U.S. history assessment declined by five points, continuing a trend of declining scores that began in 2014, and only 13% of eighth-graders scored at or above the NAEP Proficient level. 

These results follow the October 2022 reading and math results for fourth- and eighth-grade students, which showed a widespread decline in achievement for eighth-graders, especially in math. 

“The latest data from the NAEP further affirms the profound impact the pandemic had on student learning in subjects beyond math and reading,” Secretary Cardona emphasized in a statement.  “It tells us that now is not the time for politicians to try to extract double-digit cuts to education funding, nor is it the time to limit what students learn in U.S. history and civics classes.  We need to provide every student with rich opportunities to learn about America’s history and understand the U.S. Constitution and how our system of government works.  Banning history books and censoring educators from teaching these important subjects does our students a disservice and will move America in the wrong direction.” Note: The Department is actively inviting applications for its American History and Civics Education National Activities Program and Presidential and Congressional Academies for American History and Civics Program.

Articles of Interest  

Virginia Beach ‘sexually explicit content’ policy proposal for school libraries could ‘take out lots of books’ – The Virginian-Pilot

In Lynchburg, Youngkin signs swatting bill at site of multiple false calls

Virginia schools increasingly eye weapons detectors to keep firearms out of buildings

Virginia teacher fights to include a Bible verse in her work email – UPI.com

FCPS focuses on absenteeism, special education with last round of federal relief funds | FFXnow

https://www.dailypress.com/757teamz/vp-sp-vhsl-nil-20230503-dyycg5buxrh6phqfkdo7oeh5z4-story.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Don%27t%20Miss&utm_content=5571683143310&lctg=58961199

Virginia budget negotiators agree to wait until June

Virginia will not require elected school boards | News | pmg-va.com

NEW: FCPS is testing bathroom vape sensors, weapons screening and other safety measures | FFXnow

Virginia parents: Education grants can help cover tutoring, other services. Here’s how to apply. – The Virginian-Pilot

New cell phone policy for Carroll Public Schools

Va. teaching jobs at risk as state manages delays in issuing licenses

DOE Updates 

Advancing Rural Computer Science
This is a two-year professional development program that allows K-5 educators (teachers, ITRTs, and librarians) to become highly skilled in integrating the Virginia Computer Science SOLs into K-5 English, mathematics, science, and history and social science. Participants will complete the Code VA K-5 Coaches Academy and earn microcredentials in CS Integration that are being offered by ODU, a stipend, receive a free Chromebook, and their choice of a classroom set of CS instructional technology.

Aviation Teacher Grants
Virginia Department of Aviation Teachers Grant is open to all Virginia teachers in grades K-12. One teacher per school can receive up to $500 for teaching an aviation-themed lesson that enhances their students’ learning experiences. Past grants have been used for model planes and rockets, drones, field trips, and art supplies. Find out more information today!

Experience Works 2023: Pathways for the Future Online Registration Open                              

The CTE Experience Works 2023: Pathways for the Future professional development opportunity will be held June 28-29, from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily. The targeted audience includes CTE Work-Based Learning coordinators, CTE teachers, administrators, school counselors, career coaches, and business and industry leaders. Online pre-registration is open. After your pre-registration is received, additional information regarding workshop registration will be forthcoming. See Superintendent’s Memo 056-23 for more information.

Summer Professional Learning at William & Mary

Join SURN at William & Mary’s School of Education for their 5-week, online, asynchronous courses. All courses offer re-certification hours and are self-paced. Register today: 

-For the Joy of Learning: Cultivating Student Engagement (May 28-July 1)

-Deeper Learning: Unpacking the 5 Cs (July 16-August 19)

-Engaging Students In Meaningful Formative Assessment (July 16-August 19)

-Multilingual Learners 101 (July 16-August 19)

-Project Based Learning (July 16-August 19)

-Mentoring & Coaching Teachers 1 (May 28-July 1*prerequisite)

-Mentoring & Coaching Teachers 2 (July 16-August 19)

Ed. Department Updates

CHILD CARE NEEDS REFLECTED IN ACTIONS FROM WHITE HOUSE AND THE HILL 

The White House and senior Capitol Hill Democrats rolled out child care initiatives recently, exhibiting the party’s ongoing desire to provide more support for families. On Tuesday, April 18, President Joe Biden signed an Executive Order containing a comprehensive set of more than 50 directives to nearly every cabinet-level agency to support childcare, home-based care, family caregivers, and long-term care. Specifically, the Executive Order aims to address several agenda items. First, to make childcare and long-term care more accessible and affordable for families, including military families, building on the child care requirement for semiconductor production employers seeking funding under the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 to submit a plan for how they will help employees access affordable childcare. Additionally, the Executive Order attempts to boost job quality for early educators and long-term care workers – seen in the support for tribal communities through a streamlined process for grantees of federal childcare assistance.On Tuesday, Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Senator Patty Murray (DWA) reintroduced the Child Care for Working Families Act.  According to Scott and Murray, the bill would tackle the childcare crisis head-on, ensuring that families can afford the childcare they need, expanding access to more high-quality options, stabilizing the childcare sector, and helping ensure childcare workers are paid appropriately. The legislation would also expand access to pre-K and support full-day, full-year Head Start programs and increased wages for Head Start workers. Moreover, the sponsors argue the bill encompasses four primary areas of needed improvements: making childcare affordable for working families, providing quality childcare and expanding childcare options, increasing childcare options for children who receive care during non-traditional hours, and supporting childcare for children who are dual-language learners, experiencing homelessness, or in foster care. The partisan proposal has been introduced in previous Congresses, and never made much progress. It’s unlikely it will in the divided 118^th Congress, either, but its supporters will continue to assert that the federal government can better support child care access in other debates. A fact sheet on the Executive Order can be found here; a summary of the bill can be found here.

Articles of Interest  

LCPS special education plan approved, understaffing concerns raised | Education | loudountimes.com 

‘Deadliest Drug I’ve Ever Seen’: Alexandria Schools Teach Parents About Fentanyl Warning Signs

Budget disappointments cast clouds over 5% raises for all school employees | Education | newsontheneck.com

Virginia Beach ‘sexually explicit content’ policy for school libraries draws criticism

School board continues its discussion of cell phone policy – Gazette Journal

Why Henrico will likely opt for weapons detectors over metal detectors in schools

Fairfax County Public Schools paving the way in Virginia with free mental health services | WJLA

ACLU says removal of 14 books from Spotsylvania school libraries is ‘unconstitutional’

DOE Updates 

K-12 Learning Recovery Grants: Tutor and Service Provider Recruitment

Tutors and educational service providers are encouraged to register as vendors in the K-12 Learning Recovery Grant program. Tutoring may be in-person, virtual or hybrid, and in one-on-one, small group or large-group settings. The $30 million program will provide $1,500 tutoring grants — in core content areas and foreign languages required to meet diploma requirements — to parents of school-age children. Children from homes with family incomes at 300% or less of the federal poverty level may qualify for $3,000 grants.

Canvas’s Training Services Portal Weekly Sessions
Educators can participate in training sessions each week via Canvas’s Training Services Portal. To find any of the sessions listed below, first make sure you are logged into your Canvas account. The upcoming hour-long sessions are appropriate for Division and School Leaders, Statewide LMS Admin, Instructors, and Support. 
4/27 at 1:00 p.m.: Canvas for Special Education
4/28 at 2:30 p.m.: Course Communication Tools
5/1 at 1:00 p.m.: Outcomes and Rubrics for Instructors
5/2 at 2:30 p.m.: Pages and the Rich Content Editor
5/3 at 11:30 p.m.: Creating Assessments with New Quizzes

Content Teaching Academies
VDOE will sponsor Content Teaching Academies June 26-29, at James Madison University. The Academies are designed to enhance the outcomes of students with disabilities and promote inclusive practices. Priority will be given to school divisions and regions that have demonstrated limited participation in previous content teaching academies and to educators from schools in divisions that are working with the Office of Program Improvement and/or the Office of School Quality. For all public school participants, the VDOE will assume the cost of registration, meals, and double occupancy lodging on JMU’s campus. See Superintendent’s Memo 070-23 for details.

Ed. Department Updates

BUDGET HEARING 

Last week, Secretary Cardona testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education on the President’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget request for the Department of Education (opening statement and video). 

“My time in front of you today is about choices,” the Secretary noted.  “The choice to invest in America’s children, or the choice to protect the status quo of under-achievement.  The choice to come together on behalf of the students, parents, and educators who are looking to us to serve and Raise the Bar for education in this country, versus the choice to break down in partisanship or divisive culture wars. 

“It’s best to think of this budget proposal by thinking of a child’s journey through education,” he continued.  “In this scenario, a child starting her educational journey builds a strong foundation for learning right away — because this budget made it possible to expand high-quality preschool for more four-year-olds across America.  Now, imagine when she gets to elementary school.  If she is a student with disabilities, she benefits from the additional $2.7 billion in this budget to help include and support her.  If she goes to a Title I school, she learns the fundamentals of reading, math, and other rigorous subjects she’ll need to succeed in life — because that school is able to tailor instruction and use data to provide one-on-one support, thanks to $2.2 billion in additional funding for Title I schools in this budget.  Wherever she goes to school, she can also count on having a highly qualified teacher who has gained years of experience in helping students learn and grow — because we invested early to fully prepare, develop, and empower our educators.  And, as she walks around her school, she feels welcomed and included, gaining the benefits of a strong, intentional focus on a safe, supportive school climate that helps her learn…. 

“As that student comes closer to adulthood, she has pathways to careers and skills to succeed in the world.  We set her up to compete and succeed in a stronger economy, with well-paying jobs at the ready — because this budget delivered more funding for career and technical education, more funding to create career-connected high schools, and more investments in helping every student become multilingual.  She also has a jump start on her path toward earning a college degree or credential — because we worked together to make postsecondary education inclusive and affordable.  We increased the Pell Grant….  We supported our HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs.  And we made free community college a reality nationwide.” After he testified, the Secretary issued a statement on House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s debt limit proposal (Twitter thread), and the Department subsequently released a fact sheet and state-by-state information (Twitter thread).