State Articles of Interest 

Youngkin officially names Gullickson new Virginia schools superintendent

Opioid class improves awareness at Northampton Middle – Shore Daily News

After delay, Va. education department to start releasing history instructional guides in April • Virginia Mercury

Students with disabilities seeing expanded services, partnerships in Prince William | Headlines | insidenova.com

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.

State Articles of Interest 

Suffolk Public Schools to give out 200 free bus passes to in-need families

Middle Schools Report Success from Pilot Schedules | Education | loudounnow.com

FCPS introduces metal detectors at high school | News | cbs19news.com

LCPS says any federal funding cuts will be absorbed in existing budget | 1local | loudountimes.com

AI cameras target ‘reckless driving’ to protect Virginia Beach students | 13newsnow.com

Virginia lawmakers talk impacts of dismantling of U.S. Department of Education

Stafford Co. parents soon must opt-in for kids’ bus ride to school – WTOP News

National Articles of Interest

House Democrats push for Education Department closure transparency | K-12 Dive

Trump says special education oversight will move to HHS | K-12 Dive

10 Trump changes education leaders need to know about | K-12 Dive

Special education leaders share advice for aspiring administrators | K-12 Dive

Parent engagement is key during testing season. How can schools build it? | K-12 Dive

More than 8 in 10 districts to keep or expand summer learning

DOE Updates

VDOE K-12 AI ShowcaseWe look forward to seeing you via Zoom on March 27 from 9a.m.-4 p.m. This day-long event is an opportunity to celebrate creative and innovative ways you’re using generative AI in your classrooms, schools, and districts. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote for presentation winners in several “best of” categories. Register today.

State Articles of Interest 

Dr. Lisa Coons Resigns as Virginia State Superintendent of Public Instruction – Cville Right Now

Stirring Up Success: Stafford’s Culinary Program Teaches Students More Than Just Cooking – Potomac Local News

Fairfax Co. wants to start middle schools later. That could impact elementary start times, too – WTOP News

Lawmakers pass bill to help schools prevent cyberbullying – Cardinal News

National Articles of Interest

How to help students overcome ‘learned helplessness’ | K-12 Dive

School choice, waning voter support weigh on public schools post-COVID | K-12 Dive

Parents, Teachers React to Federal Cuts

3 ways to break down silos between general and special education

Half of OCR eliminated after Trump Education Department layoffs | K-12 Dive

With more students using AI, how can schools promote academic integrity? | K-12 Dive

What to Know About Deportations at Schools

Republican lawmakers tout proposal for national private school choice | K-12 Dive

Trump’s Education Department changes could lead to systemic ‘chaos’ | K-12 Dive             

DOE Updates

March Virginia Literacy Act Update

Article: 2025-10-103
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
Contact: Jill Nogueras, Associate Director of K-12 English & Literacy?Jill.Nogueras@doe.virginia.gov

To support school divisions’ continued implementation of the?Virginia Literacy?Act,?VDOE has?released an?extensive update on the VLA.?In this edition of the Literacy Update, newly approved supplemental and intervention guides and materials are included for division planning purposes.??? 

• Instructional Materials 
• Use of VALLSS and Student Reading Plans 
• Professional Development 
• Planning 
• Frequently Asked Questions from the Field?????? 

Superintendents are asked to share these resources with key literacy staff and principals.?

State Articles of Interest 

How Louisa County Schools builds better minds through the arts

Va. education department still has not released all history teaching materials

EXCLUSIVE: Fairfax County Public Schools to weigh stricter cellphone ban for high schools | Headlines | insidenova.com

State Drug Overdose Policy Removes Mention of Loudoun After Spence Objects | Education | loudounnow.com

VDOE working to improve student literacy with 3 new network support systems

Study that would update diabetes management policies in schools passed in General Assembly | WRIC ABC 8News

National Articles of Interest

Misinformation is flooding school communities. Here are 3 strategies to combat it. | K-12 Dive

82% of K-12 schools recently experienced a cyber incident

‘Stay of execution’: Where’s Trump’s order to shut down Education Department? | K-12 Dive

State proposals threaten free public education for students lacking immigration status | K-12 Dive

NEA, ACLU challenge Education Department’s DEI letter | K-12 Dive

Alabama pilot program uses VR to expose middle schoolers to careers | K-12 Dive

Trump administration clarifies stance on DEI in schools | K-12 Dive

DOE Updates

Ignite Reading and Lexia Continue Partnership with VDOE to Support ALL In Tutoring

Article: 2025-09-093
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals
Contact: Dr. Michelle Wallace, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Michelle.Wallace@doe.virginia.gov

The Virginia Department of Education is pleased to announce that no-cost access to Ignite Reading’s 1:1 foundational reading skills tutoring program and Lexia’s Core5 and Power Up reading programs will be extended through the 2025-26 school year as a part of the ALL In Tutoring initiative. 

While we are excited to continue these programs next school year, there is less funding available than in school year 2024-25. Therefore, divisions must submit interest forms to request seats for each respective program by March 21, 2025. 

• Interest form for requesting Ignite Reading seats
• Interest form for requesting Lexia Core5 and Power Up seats? 

About Ignite Reading

Ignite Reading’s program provides 1:1 virtual tutoring through daily, 15-minute sessions delivered by consistent tutors who are trained in Science of Reading-based instruction. The program helps students requiring extra support to master foundational reading skills so they become confident, fluent readers.? 

About Lexia Core5 and Power Up

Through Core5® Reading and PowerUp Literacy®, Lexia provides personalized learning, real-time performance data, and resources aligned with the 2024 Virginia Standards of Learning to increase efficacy, sustainability, and student outcomes.

School Divisions’ Process for Obtaining 2025 Diploma Seals 

Article: 2025-09-088
Audience: Superintendents
Contact: Theresita Martinez, Office Manager, Theresita.Martinez@doe.virginia.gov

In accordance with section 8VAC20-132-50 of the Board of Education’s Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia (referred to as the “Standards of Accreditation”), students who meet the requirements for graduation and demonstrate academic excellence and outstanding achievement, may be eligible for one or more diploma seals. For a list of available diploma seals and criteria for awarding each, please see VDOE’s Diploma Seals webpage. Graduation requirements are available on the Graduation Requirements webpage. 

School divisions who need to place their order for diploma seals for this year’s graduating class should do so through the 2025 Diploma Seal Order Form prior to March 28, 2025. Only one order per division will be accepted.

Please note that diploma seals do not change in appearance year-to-year. Please use any seals remaining from previous years before ordering new seals this year for students graduating in the spring and summer of 2025.  As a reminder, the Seal of Advanced Mathematics and Technology is no longer available. This seal has been replaced by the STEM seal.

We ask that divisions accurately report the number of seals awarded in the Student Record Collection as these numbers inform the future production seals. Please be sure to report awarding any STEM, Science, and Environment seals on this report.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Theresita Martinez, Office Manager, Division of Programs, by email at theresita.martinez@doe.virginia.gov

Public  Comment for Mathematics Textbooks and Instructional Materials
On February 27, 2025, the Virginia Board of Education received for initial review a list of recommended K-12 Mathematics Textbooks and Instructional Materials. The titles on this list are available for a 30-day public review and comment period via the VDOE website. It is anticipated that the Board will take final action on the recommended list of K-12 Mathematics Textbooks and Instructional Materials at its March 2025 meeting.?Additional information is available on the Mathematics Textbooks and Instructional Materials webpage.

Mathematics Textbooks and Instructional Materials Approved by the Board of Education
On February 27, 2025, the Virginia Board of Education approved a list of K-12 Mathematics Textbooks and Instructional Materials, previously taken for initial review on October 24, 2024. All documents related to approved Mathematics Textbooks and Instructional Materials can be found on the?Mathematics Textbook and Instructional Materials Review web page. In addition, an additional list of recommended K-12 Mathematics Textbooks and Instructional Materials was presented to the Board for initial review at the February 27, 2025 meeting and is anticipated to be presented to the Board for final approval at its March 2025 meeting.

New English Standards of Learning Resources Available from VDOE
New resources to support English teaching and learning have been released and are located on the 2024 English Standards of Learning webpage. The K-12 English Instructional Guides provide support to English and literacy educators as they implement the 2024 English Standards of Learning.  This week your school division’s literacy leaders attended a webinar with an overview of the 2024 English Standards of Learning. Recordings and resources will be posted on the 2024 English Standards of Learning webpage as they become available.VDOE English Update
On February 27, 2025, the Virginia Board of Education will receive for initial review lists of recommended Virginia Literacy Act Supplemental and Intervention Programs for Grades 6-8. Beginning February 20, 2025, the recommended 6-8 Supplemental and Intervention Programs will be available for a 30-day public review and comment period via the VDOE website. It is anticipated that the Board will take final action on the recommended lists of Virginia Literacy Act Supplemental and Intervention Programs for Grades 6-8 at its March 2025 meeting.?? Additional information is available at?Intervention Instructional Program Guide & Supplemental Instructional Program Guide | Virginia Department of Education webpage.

State Articles of Interest 

Clarke County School Board OKs 2025-26 school calendar | Winchester Star | thefnp.com

Fairfax County 5th graders help make being the new kid less daunting – WTOP News

Loudoun County Public Schools launches new GED program in Adult Detention Center

General Assembly passes bill giving schools more say on classroom phone rules • Virginia Mercury

National Articles of Interest

Are schools ‘soft censoring’ books out of fear? | K-12 Dive

Special education enrollment climbs to nearly 8M | K-12 Dive

Concerns mount over potential loss of Medicaid funds for schools

How will cutting NAEP for 17-year-olds impact postsecondary readiness research? | K-12 Dive

AFT sues Education Department over anti-DEI guidance | K-12 Dive

Education Department approves more ARP spending extensions for districts | K-12 Dive

What can school leaders do to ensure ‘floating teachers’ feel supported? | K-12 Dive

How Philadelphia is putting 9th graders on track to success | K-12 Dive

DOE Updates

VDOE English Update

On February 27, 2025, the Virginia Board of Education will receive for initial review lists of recommended Virginia Literacy Act Supplemental and Intervention Programs for Grades 6-8. Beginning February 20, 2025, the recommended 6-8 Supplemental and Intervention Programs will be available for a 30-day public review and comment period via the VDOE website. It is anticipated that the Board will take final action on the recommended lists of Virginia Literacy Act Supplemental and Intervention Programs for Grades 6-8 at its March 2025 meeting.?? Additional information is available at?Intervention Instructional Program Guide & Supplemental Instructional Program Guide | Virginia Department of Education webpage. 

New English Standards of Learning Resources Available from VDOE

New resources to support English teaching and learning have been released and are located on the 2024 English Standards of Learning webpage. The K-12 English Instructional Guides provide support to English and literacy educators as they implement the 2024 English Standards of Learning.  This week your school division’s literacy leaders attended a webinar with an overview of the 2024 English Standards of Learning. Recordings and resources will be posted on the 2024 English Standards of Learning webpage as they become available.

Resources from ZearnZearn’s K-8 math platform supports Virginia educators to accelerate math learning for all students with free access for all divisions in the Commonwealth. Find out more about Zearn’s downloadable posters, webinar, and resources.  Free access to Zearn includes the K-8 math platform offering more than 1,000 digital lessons, training for educators, and materials to support families and resources. Families can also use Zearn at no cost. Virginia educators (both current and new users) who would like to participate for the 2025-26 school year should reach out to their school or division leads to indicate their interest. Division leaders who are ready to opt in should contact Zearn.

State Articles of Interest  

Williamsburg James City County Public Schools victim of cyberattack | WAVY.com

Karen Black named Virginia’s 2025 outstanding assistant principal | WAVY.com

Trump cuts affect signature Youngkin lab school program in Virginia

House subcommittee punts on bipartisan after-school life counselors bill • Virginia Mercury 

Youth Mental Health Task Force schools legislators on issues facing students – Fredericksburg Free Press

VHSL Reverses Trans Policy

Suffolk schools report benefits from state-wide cell phone ban | WAVY.com

National Articles of Interest

3 takeaways from Linda McMahon’s confirmation hearing | K-12 Dive

Trump’s transgender sports ban challenged in expanded New Hampshire lawsuit | K-12 Dive

What does NAEP show for special education students? | K-12 Dive

Denver School System Sues Trump Administration Over Immigration Policies   

Cancellation of Education Department research contracts sparks concerns | K-12 Dive

What are principals using AI for? | K-12 Dive

DOE Updates

Upcoming Opportunities for Virginia Literacy Leads

Article: 2025-06-57
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
Contact: Dr. Michelle Wallace, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Michelle.Wallace@doe.virginia.gov

The Lexia® team has prepared two upcoming opportunities for division and school leadership. Information about both can be found below. To access ongoing professional learning opportunities for ALL In educators, visit the Professional Learning for VA Tutors & Educators webpage. For additional information or to get connected with your Lexia Success Manager, contact vatutoring@lexialearning.com.

1. Upcoming Webinars: Lexia Connections to Virginia Literacy Priorities 

In these webinars, participants will explore how research-proven Lexia® programs align with the newly adopted 2024 SOLs, VALLSS, Virginia-approved Core Instructional Programs, and larger Virginia literacy priorities. Participants will identify strategies to leverage these meaningful connections for all stakeholders who are implementing Lexia to drive student literacy growth. 

• Lexia® Core5® Reading Webinars:
  • Thursday, February 27, 8 a.m.- 8:30 a.m. 
  • Thursday, February 27, 3:30 p.m.- 4 p.m. 
• Lexia® PowerUp Literacy® Webinars:
  • Thursday, February 27, 8:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. 
  • Thursday, February 27, 4:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. 
• VA Webinar Sign-Up Link? 

2. ALL In Leadership MOY Professional Learning 

In these sessions, ALL In leaders will reflect on implementation successes and opportunities, discuss strategies for supporting educators in promoting student progress, and plan next steps to strengthen implementing Lexia® with fidelity to drive student literacy growth.

• Lexia® Core5® Sessions:
  • Friday, February 28, 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. 
  • Friday, March 7, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. 
  • Monday, March 10, 2 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 
  • ALL In Core5 Sign-Up Link? 
• Lexia® PowerUp Literacy® Sessions:
  • Friday, February 28, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
  • Friday, March 7, 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
  • Monday, March 10, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
  • ALL In PowerUp Sign-Up Link 

International Baccalaureate and Advanced Diploma Requirements

Article: 2025-06-51
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, School Counselors, IB Coordinators, Teachers
Contact: Amanda Nevetral, Director, Office of Advanced Learning, Amanda.Nevetral@doe.virginia.gov

On December 3, 2024, the Board of Education approved the addition of three International Baccalaureate (IB) courses — IB Global Politics, IB Design Technology, and IB Sports, Exercise and Health Science — to the Board of Education Approved Courses to Satisfy Graduation Requirements for the Standard and Advanced Studies Diplomas in Virginia Public Schools. The addition of the IB courses provides additional flexibility for IB Diploma students to earn an advanced diploma and expands options for all students in IB designated schools to take advanced coursework and meet graduation requirements.  

School divisions and families should consult the International Baccalaureate and Advanced Diploma Requirements technical assistance document for further clarification on the IB Programme and graduation requirements reflected in the Standards of Accreditation. This resource includes information on graduation requirements for IB Diploma candidates, best practice considerations for school divisions and families, and answers to commonly asked questions. 

New English Standards of Learning Resources Available
New resources to support English teaching and learning have been released and are located on the 2024 English Standards of Learning webpage. The K-12 English Instructional Guides provide support to English and literacy educators as they implement the 2024 English Standards of Learning.  This week your school division’s literacy leaders attended a webinar with an overview of the 2024 English Standards of Learning. Recordings and resources will be posted on the 2024 English Standards of Learning webpage as they become available.Constructive and Practical Tips to Help Create an IEP
This presentation dissects the Individual Education Plan (IEP), examines the parts individually, discusses the function of each section, and how the parts come together to create an effective document. Attendees will learn constructive and practical tips to help create an IEP that supports the student’s access to a free and appropriate public education. Register today!

State Articles of Interest  

FCPS likely to implement ‘bell-to-bell’ cellphone ban next school year | Winchester Star | winchesterstar.com

‘Nothing in defiance’: VHSL says delay on transgender-athlete policy action not political

Va. General Assembly advances budget bills that cut taxes, fund schools – The Washington Post

Virginia lawmakers fumble bill to curb high school sports recruitment

Senate rejects new school standards delay, fight continues in budget talks • Virginia Mercury

Pulaski County High School employs weapons detection system – Patriot Publishing LLC

National Articles of Interest

Education Department’s doors blocked to House Democrats | K-12 Dive

Democratic leaders demand details on DOGE access to Education Department | K-12 Dive

Trump signs executive order barring transgender students from women’s sports | Higher Ed Dive

Expected Trump order on Education Department’s future rattles advocates | K-12 Dive

DOE Updates

New 2024 English Standards of Learning Resources Released

Article: 2025-05-46
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
Contact: Jill Nogueras, Associate Director of K-12 English & Literacy, Office of English Jill.Nogueras@doe.virginia.gov

New resources to support English teaching and learning have been released and are located on the 2024 English Standards of Learning webpage. 

The K-12 English Instructional Guides provide support to English and literacy educators as they implement the 2024 English Standards of Learning.   

School division literacy leaders will receive an invitation to attend an overview webinar of the 2024 English Standards of Learning to be held on February 12, 2025, from 9:30-11 a.m. Teachers can register to attend an overview webinar of the 2024 English Standards of Learning to be held on February 12, 2025, from 4:30-6 p.m. Invitations will be sent to ELA contacts as designated in SSWS.   

Recordings and resources will be posted on the 2024 English Standards of Learning webpage as they become available.

Black History Month Resources

As our nation celebrates Black History Month, VDOE 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 are encouraged to create and implement instructional and community programs that highlight Black history through an interdisciplinary approach, fostering inclusive, year-round lesson plans. See the following resources to support local school divisions in enhancing their curriculum and instructional programming

State Articles of Interest  

MCPS leaders say the cell phone-free policy proves to be a success

Hanover school board proposes 3% pay raise, plus extra bump for teachers

Manassas School Board considering special committee for immigrant and refugee families

Winchester School Board approves mid-year pay raise for teachers

Campbell County Schools to restructure elementary behavior support next year

Newport News principals enhance crisis management training following Richneck Elementary shooting

National Articles of Interest

The Trump administration disbanded a federal school safety board. Now what? | K-12 Dive

Education Department will enforce 2020 Title IX rule | K-12 Dive

How are schools responding to immigration policy shifts? | K-12 Dive

Are uncertified teachers still the answer? | K-12 Dive

Trump signs executive orders prioritizing school choice, ending K-12 ‘indoctrination’

Reading, math continue slide in 2024 NAEP results | K-12 Dive

5 policy trends to watch in 2025 | K-12 Dive

DOE Updates

Black History Month Resources for Schools

Article: 2025-04-036
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
Contact: Christonya Brown, History and Social Science Coordinator, vdoe.hss@doe.virginia.gov

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 are encouraged to create and implement instructional and community programs that highlight Black history through an interdisciplinary approach, fostering inclusive, year-round lesson plans. To deepen understanding and promote meaningful connections, instruction should engage students, teachers, parents, and the broader community. The following resources are available to support local school divisions in enhancing their curriculum and instructional programming: 

• The National Museum of African American History and Culture 
• National resources including collaborative projects such as February is Black History Month and the National Archives: Black History 
• Home – African American Research at the Library of Virginia to 1870 – Research Guides & Indexes at The Library of Virginia (libguides.com)  
• Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia 
• eMediaVA: African American History Video Series Collection   

For instructional support and information, please contact the History and Social Science Program at vdoe.hss@doe.virginia.gov. 

VDOE Opioid Abatement Education Program

This program was developed to support K-12 teachers with instruction on opioid misuse through evidence-based education and prevention programming that supports the 2020 Health Standards of Learning. The use of the Botvin Lifeskills program in classrooms to support instruction on opioid misuse and prevention is free to school divisions. Stipends are available to educators who complete training program and implement it in their classrooms. For more information, contact Nenneya Shields, Opioid Abatement Program Manager or call 804-923-0926.

State Articles of Interest  

Poor summer school outcomes leave APS seeking new strategies | ARLnow.com

Hanover County Public Schools impacted by data breach; student and teacher information accessed

After Fairfax Co. football scandal, legislators tackle high school sports recruitment

Proposed legislation would bring ‘restorative justice programs’ to Virginia schools as suspension alternative

Manassas school system greenlights alternative education pilot program | Headlines | insidenova.com

School leaders preparing for budget season, uphill battle ahead with minimal state funding

National Articles of Interest

SCOTUS to hear Oklahoma religious charter school case | K-12 Dive

Special education formal disputes see notable increases | K-12 Dive

Schools no longer protected from immigration raids | K-12 Dive

How Trump’s Day 1 actions could affect K-12

Despite dip, chronic absenteeism remains stubbornly high at 28%

DOE Updates

Virginia Literacy Act Professional Learning Update 

Article: 2025-03-024
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals
Contact: Virginia Literacy Partnerships, literacy@virginia.edu

As part of the Virginia Literacy Act, Kindergarten-Grade 8 educators are required to receive training in evidence-based literacy instruction aligned to science-based reading research. Educators have until the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year to complete the training.? Divisions must make every effort to ensure teachers complete their training by the training deadline.? ? 

February is the final month to submit names of currently employed 2024-25 educators to be registered for the required Canvas training. Final submissions will be accepted via SSWS from February 1-7, 2025. When submitting the spreadsheet, please select the following name under the University of Virginia in the SSWS Dropbox application: Kimberly Bavis – Senior Instructional Technology Specialist. Please only include educators who have not already been submitted. For teachers hired after February, information will be forthcoming.? Additional information on specific VLA requirements for different educator groups and science-based literacy training options can be found in the professional development section of the November Literacy Update.   

State Articles of Interest  

School divisions looking into effects of cybersecurity incident

GEAR UP grant offers academic readiness to Staunton students | State | insidenova.com

Feds approve amendments to Virginia’s K-12 accountability and support plan

Review of Grading Policies in Prince William

VDOE announces virtual feedback sessions on draft school-connected overdose response and notification guidelines | News | emporiaindependentmessenger.com

ACPS Launches High School Scholars Studios | Crozet Gazette

National Articles of Interest

Former principal sues Baltimore County schools over alleged racist AI deepfake | K-12 Dive

6 trends that will shape K-12 in 2025

How a New Jersey principal is tackling middle school literacy gaps | K-12 Dive

Federal judge strikes down Biden administration’s Title IX rule nationwide | K-12 Dive

Congress extends Autism CARES Act for 5 more years | K-12 Dive

Mental health crisis demands greater coordination between schools, pediatricians | K-12 Dive

House Republicans prioritize bill to restrict transgender students’ sports participation | Higher Ed Dive

DOE Updates

Reminder: Teacher of the Year Applications-Due February 3
The deadline for the 2026 Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year applications is quickly approaching—due by February 3.  Superintendents (or designee) are encouraged to nominate one teacher for state-level recognition through the online 2026 Teacher of the Year Application portal. The selected division teacher representative will send an email through SM_APPLY to their Superintendent and Principal for confirmation. Completed applications, including their leadership confirmations, are due by February 3.  Visit the VDOE Educator Awards and Recognition webpage and email questions to TeacheroftheYear@doe.virginia.gov.VDOE and VLP Support Office Hours
Office hours are jointly hosted by VDOE and VLP staff for division instructional leaders to ask questions about the VLA implementation and give feedback on implementation. Literacy Office Hours are offered bi-weekly and will be held on Monday mornings from 10:30-11 a.m. starting on January 6, 2025.??Updated Zoom links will be sent to division instructional leaders who have been designated as such in Single Sign-on for Web Systems to register. Division literacy leaders can reach out to vla@doe.virginia.gov for more information on registration.