{"id":4359,"date":"2023-04-03T16:24:07","date_gmt":"2023-04-03T20:24:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.vassp.org\/?p=4359"},"modified":"2023-04-03T16:24:08","modified_gmt":"2023-04-03T20:24:08","slug":"vassp-member-update-april-3-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.vassp.org\/?p=4359","title":{"rendered":"VASSP Member Update, April 3, 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Articles of Interest<\/strong>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Virginia, school boards will be the primary deciders on AP African American studies<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Schools to Test Single-User Bathrooms, Heat Sensors | News | loudounnow.com<\/a>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fauquier County School Board moves to limit 5% raises to only state-funded positions | News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virginia schools to digitize maps in case of emergencies<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elk Hill meeting mental health needs of students in Staunton, Waynesboro, Augusta County<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

14 books to be removed from Spotsylvania County school libraries<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Explained: The debate over student expectations<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

‘This is a reality’: Winchester School Board discusses school shootings<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

School Board Approves Collective Bargaining | News | loudounnow.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

More threats and extreme behavior in younger students at Virginia Beach Schools<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virginia’s new Superintendent of Public Instruction will face several challenges | WVTF<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

DOE Updates<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

VLA Webinar About the Statewide Training Opportunity for Reading Specialists<\/strong>
<\/strong>The Virginia Literacy Act  passed by the Virginia Legislature in 2022, seeks to improve
K-3 literacy outcomes for all students in the Commonwealth. As part of this legislation, all
reading specialists are required to receive training in evidence-based literacy instruction and
science-based reading research. VDOE and Virginia Literacy Partnerships will host a webinar on March 29 at noon. to review information about the training and the role of reading specialists. See Superintendent’s Memo 049-23<\/a> for details and the registration link.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free Virtual Workshop: Revolutionary Women<\/strong>
<\/strong>Join the Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museum to explore the American Revolution through the eyes of Elizabeth Thompson, a loyalist spy, Deborah Samson, who fought as a patriot, and Jane Walker, whose story represents the thousands of wives who accompanied the army. Participants<\/a> will gain historical content about women\u2019s rights and roles in colonial America and discuss tips for how students can research the past.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Register for the Brainstorm 2023<\/strong>
<\/strong>Hosted by the Shenandoah Valley Educational Technology Consortium, this event<\/a> will be held via Zoom from 4-6 p.m. each afternoon of April 18 \u2013 April 20. Brainstorm is a fully virtual educational technology-focused conference designed to motivate educators to innovate their classroom practices and integrate technology tools. Presenters and keynote speakers will focus on the utilization of instructional technologies, strategies, and resources to transform classrooms and meet the needs of today\u2019s learners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2023 Middle and High School Principals Conference & Exposition Call for Presentations<\/strong>
<\/strong>The Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals, with support from VDOE and the Virginia Foundation for Educational Leadership, will host the Virginia Middle and High School Principals Conference & Exposition on June 20 \u2013 23, in Virginia Beach. The theme of this year\u2019s summer conference is \u201cDiscover \u201924.\u201d See Superintendent’s Memo 042-23 <\/a>for details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ed. Department Updates<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ADDRESSING EDUCATION LEADERS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In back-to-back-to-back remarks at the Council of the Great City Schools\u2019 Legislative\/Policy Conference, the Council of Chief State School Officers\u2019 Legislative Conference, and the National Association of State Boards of Education\u2019s Legislative Conference, Secretary Cardona called on education leaders to rework systems so they better support promoting academic excellence, improving learning conditions, and preparing students for a world where global engagement is critical to the nation\u2019s standing.  \u201cNow is the time for systems in education that deliver on our nation\u2019s potential and put us in the position to raise the bar<\/a> and lead the world for years to come,\u201d he emphasized.  He also urged leaders to tap the $1 billion allocated under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act <\/em>(BSCA<\/a>) to further advance school-based mental health programs.  \u201cOur students are in great need now,\u201d he said.  \u201cLet us support you through that work.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: In an session open to the public, a number of Chief State School Officers shared how they were using nearly $19 billion of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds set aside for state use to advance recovery, from high-impact tutoring to student well-being initiatives (agenda<\/a> and tweets 1<\/a> and 2<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Department is currently soliciting applications under several discretionary grant competitions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n