This is our last edition of the VASSP Member Update for this school year. We will return on August 9, 2026. Don’t forget to register for the VASSP Annual Summer Conference, June 22-25. You can register HERE.

State Articles of Interest 

Richmond Schools Recovering Quicker than Most from the Pandemic

Virginia SOLs Will Be Harder and Later Next Year

Measles Outbreak in Virginia

BREAKING: Spanberger to veto collective bargaining, according to Virginia lawmaker –
Virginia students continue to struggle in reading but show signs of recovery

Citing disruption, Richmond School Board will consider no longer allowing voting at schools

National Articles of Interest                          

Achievement dip coincided with high-stakes testing ‘breakdown,’ study finds | K-12 Dive

Kids’ test scores began declining way before COVID. These schools are making gains

3 takeaways from McMahon hearing on Ed Dept priorities | K-12 Dive

Math summer slide is ‘significant,’ but reading loss much smaller, data shows | K-12 Dive

Cellphone ban led to improved learning, attendance in Florida district | K-12 Dive

Judge denies pause on ICE enforcement on school grounds | K-12 Dive

Most districts now have 1:1 device programs. Pushback, finances could change that. | K-12 Dive

DOE Updates 

Science Instructional Guides

The Virginia Department of Education science instructional team is excited to announce the release of the Science Instructional Guides which serve as companion documents to the 2018 and 2025 Science Standards of Learning. The science team will offer repeated webinars to provide details about the purpose, intent, structure, content, and context for use. The repeated webinar will be offered four times to accommodate a variety of schedules. Divisions should plan for teams of division instructional leaders, principals, instructional coaches, and science teachers or teacher-leaders to attend. Webinars will be held on:

•May 18 at 4 p.m.

•May 26 at 4 p.m.

•August 4 at 4 p.m.

•August 25 at 4 p.m.

Math Summer Institute for Teachers

Join the Virginia Department of Education, Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Education, and several Virginia school divisions on June 15–16 for the Math Summer Institute! Designed for teachers, this two-day event will explore research-based strategies for implementing HQIM curriculum models. Learn alongside nationally recognized speakers and passionate educators through hands-on sessions, collaboration, and practical classroom ideas you can use right away to increase student engagement and achievement. Learn more today!

Ed. Department Updates

Department of Education Announces $144M Boost for Students with DisabilitiesThe Department of Education (ED) announced a new $144 million investment by the Trump Administration to help states expand proven interventions that support students with disabilities. Additionally, to support families of children with disabilities, ED also announced new guidance for states to use Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds to help expectant parents of infants with disabilities access information and tools to prepare for their child’s arrival and secure needed supports and services after birth.

Our last edition of the VASSP Member Update will be May 18, 2026. Don’t forget to register for the VASSP Annual Summer Conference, June 22-25. You can register HERE.

State Articles of Interest 

Fairfax County school board considers longer summers, more 5-day weeks | wusa9.com

Hackers claim Virginia schools and colleges are impacted by Canvas cyberattack

Tazewell Co. Public Schools implements clear bag policy for all grades in 2026

Chesterfield students turn to generative AI for problem solving

Henrico schools consider changes to homework, makeup-work policies

National Articles of Interest                          

2nd Canvas data breach causes major disruptions for schools, colleges | K-12 Dive

Cell Phone Bans Effect on Test Scores

Some states reconsider private school voucher investments | K-12 Dive

Human-centered approach is key in classroom AI implementation | K-12 Dive

College Level Math Skills Concerns

Schools spend $4B on physical safety measures. Here’s what research says they should do instead.

DOE Updates 

Thank a Teacher

Thank a Teacher started in 2016 with one goal: to thank as many Virginia public school teachers as possible during National Teacher Appreciation Week in May. With thank-you notes designed by students and distributed by the Virginia Lottery, Virginia’s residents can thank their favorite public school teachers and help them win a cash prize and supplies for their schools. Every digital thank-you note a teacher receives includes a unique code that can be used to enter a drawing to win $2,500 from the Virginia Lottery and its partners and $2,500 in supplies for their school. The four lucky teachers who win will be surprised at their school. Send your digital Thank a Teacher note before May 8!

Science Instructional Guides

The Virginia Department of Education science instructional team is excited to announce the release of the Science Instructional Guides which serve as companion documents to the 2018 and 2025 Science Standards of Learning. The science team will offer repeated webinars to provide details about the purpose, intent, structure, content, and context for use. The repeated webinar will be offered four times to accommodate a variety of schedules. Divisions should plan for teams of division instructional leaders, principals, instructional coaches, and science teachers or teacher-leaders to attend. Webinars will be held on:

•May 18 at 4 p.m.

•May 26 at 4 p.m.

•August 4 at 4 p.m.•August 25 at 4 p.m.

Our last edition of the VASSP Member Update will be May 18, 2026. Don’t forget to register for the VASSP Annual Summer Conference, June 22-25. You can register HERE.

State Articles of Interest 

Curious Commonwealth asks: Why doesn’t Virginia have universal preschool?

Loudoun County School Board considers year-round school calendar

Fairfax school board encourages delaying smartphone use until eighth grade | FFXnow

CMS students get hands-on training | The Charlotte Gazette

Spanberger spends 100th day in office in Roanoke signing education bills

How are Fairfax Co. teachers using extra time on elementary early release days? – WTOP News

National Articles of Interest                          

Feds proceed with $5.6M special education spending study | K-12 Dive

State Schools Restricting Screen Time

Why districts can no longer ignore the ed tech pushback | K-12 Dive

Tracking the Supreme Court’s impact on K-12 schools

Teachers’ knowledge of science of reading improves, Fordham reports | K-12 Dive

Supreme Court won’t hear gender support plan case | K-12 Dive

DOE Updates 

Release of Science Instructional Guides – Webinars May 18 – August 25

Article: 2026-16-198
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
Contact: Laura Casdorph, Science Coordinator, laura.casdorph@doe.virginia.gov 

The science instructional team is excited to announce the release of the Science Instructional Guides which serve as companion documents to the 2018 and 2025 Science Standards of Learning and will support teachers and leaders in implementing standards-aligned instruction. The guides have several sections, including Understanding the Standard, Skills in Practice, Concepts and Connections, and Resources to Support Local Curriculum and Instruction. The science team will offer repeated webinars to provide details about the purpose, intent, structure, content, and context for use. The repeated webinar will be offered four times to accommodate a variety of schedules.  

Divisions should plan for teams of division instructional leaders, principals, instructional coaches, and science teachers or teacher-leaders to attend. Schools not demonstrating mastery in science on the School Performance and Support Framework are strongly encouraged to attend.   

Webinar dates, times, and registration links: 

• May 18 at 4:00 p.m.
• May 26 at 4:00 p.m.
• August 4 at 4:00 p.m.
• August 25 at 4:00 p.m.

Opportunities to Provide Public Comment on the School Performance and Support Framework (2025-2026) through the Consolidated State Plan – due May 29

Article: 2026-16-196
Audience: Superintendents, School Improvement and Accountability Directors, School Principals, English Teachers
Contact: Mark Jennings, Assistant Superintendent of Student Assessment and Accountability, accountability@doe.virginia.gov

Public comment is being received on proposed changes to the Consolidated State Plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to conduct accountability through the School Performance and Support Framework for the current school year (2025-2026). Revisions are specific to two elements to meet compliance and process accountability:  

1. Using Value Tables for the Growth Component for Reading and Mathematics in Grades 4-8 
2. Establishing an Exit Criteria and Progress levels for English Language Learners with the most significant intellectual disabilities who take the WIDA Alternate ACCESS test 

As part of the ongoing stakeholder engagement, public comments on these two topics are being collected and will be provided to the Board of Education for their review and consideration prior to approving the School Performance and Support Framework for 2025-2026, at the June business meeting. More information on the Consolidated State Plan and how to provide public comment are available on the Department website. The online public comment forms are available through Friday, May 29,?2026.

Thank a Teacher

Thank a Teacher started in 2016 with one goal: to thank as many Virginia public school teachers as possible during National Teacher Appreciation Week in May. With thank-you notes designed by students and distributed by the Virginia Lottery, Virginia’s residents can thank their favorite public school teachers and help them win a cash prize and supplies for their schools. Every digital thank-you note a teacher receives includes a unique code that can be used to enter a drawing to win $2,500 from the Virginia Lottery and its’ partners and $2,500 in supplies for their school. The four lucky teachers who win will be surprised at their school. Send your digital Thank a Teacher note before May 8!

Integrating Civics and History in the Classroom

Join the Virginia Museum of History and Culture (VMHC) on July 20 for an innovative exploration of how history and civics work together in the classroom. Educators will receive content overviews with daily gallery tours, source analysis, and deep dives into court cases, and even have the chance to talk with current Virginia judges. Learn more from VMHC about registration, stipends and travel funds.

Ed. Department Updates

Department Highlights Civics Education in Montana, Wyoming, and Oklahoma

The Department’s Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education Dr. David Barker visited Billings West High School in Billings, Montana, joined by Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Susie Hedalen, and Riverton High School in Riverton, Wyoming as part of the Department’s national History Rocks!?Trail to Independence?Tour, in celebration of America’s upcoming 250th birthday. At both sites, students in ninth through twelfth grades participated in interactive games designed to deepen their understanding of American history and civics and the important role Montana has played in our nation’s history.  

In addition, the Department’s Senior Advisor for Civic Education Katie Gorka visited Tulsa Classical Academy in Tulsa, Oklahoma where students in seventh through tenth grades?explored themes of civic engagement, patriotism, and the shared responsibilities of citizenship.

Department Finalizes Rule to Lower College Costs and Simplify Student Loan Repayment

The Department released a final rule that will lower the cost of college and make student loan repayment easier, an important step toward implementing historic reforms contained in President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act. ?Beginning this summer, the Department will implement commonsense loan limits on how much students and parents can borrow, simplify the current patchwork of repayment options, establish a new, congressionally authorized income-driven repayment plan, and enforce other protections for students, families, borrowers, and taxpayers. ?The Department’s final rule will carry out the Act’s sweeping higher education reforms to support student borrowers and improve the health of the federal student lending system.

The Department Rescinds Illegal Title IX Resolution Agreements

On April 6th, the Department’s Office for Civil Rights rescinded provisions of resolution agreements from prior Administrations, freeing schools from their illegal and burdensome enforcement of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX). These recissions rectify the previous Administration’s distortion of the law. After the previous Administration illegally saddled school districts with Title IX violations for actions such as “improper use of preferred pronouns” or “asking questions about a student’s preferred ‘gender,’” these recissions rectify their distortion of the law.

State Articles of Interest 

Henrico Schools celebrates 74 students entering the workforce at career signing day

Commonwealth school divisions waiting for state budget to be finalized

School Board adopts new Code of Ethics

Charlottesville School Board moving forward with officers in schools – Cville Right Now

Virginia Beach’s Back Bay outdoor classroom gives new perspective to a generation of budding ecologists

National Articles of Interest                          

School Choice in Iowa

Texas can require schools to display 10 Commandments, 5th Circuit says | K-12 Dive

2025 broke record for censorship: Less than 3% of book challenges came from parents

Students made more progress when tutoring reinforced core curriculum, study finds – Chalkbeat

27 states want to opt into federal school choice program | K-12 Dive

Arkansas law boosted teacher pay — and retention | K-12 Dive

Schools get another year to comply with web accessibility deadlines | K-12 Dive

DOE Updates 

Join Us for National Apprenticeship Week and Special Webinar

Article: 2026-15-190
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Educator Preparation Provider, CTE Directors
Contact: Shawna LeBlond, Director, Office of Apprenticeships, Shawna.LeBlond@doe.virginia.gov

The Virginia Department of Education celebrates National Apprenticeship week April 26 -May 2. This nationwide celebration applauds and highlights the success and value of Registered Apprenticeship in meeting critical industry needs.  

In particular, VDOE would like to celebrate the 200 aspiring educators who have committed to becoming teachers through the Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program and the 32 aspiring principals committed to becoming principals through the Principal Registered Apprenticeship Program throughout the Commonwealth. The apprenticeship model powerfully combines rigorous coursework with immersive clinical experience, giving future educators continuous, real-world opportunities to apply their learning. By earning a living wage throughout their apprenticeship, participants can pursue their passion for education without the burden of financial barriers. Teaching has now become the fastest growing apprenticeship occupation in the Commonwealth—an exciting milestone for the profession. The Department proudly celebrates our current and future teacher and principal apprentices as they launch their inspiring careers in education! 

The “Grow Your Own” efforts to address the educator shortage are ongoing and are designed to be collaborative.?To learn more about how registered teacher apprenticeships can address workforce challenges and shortages, join Superintendent Conway and Commissioner Overley from Virginia Works on May 1, 2026 at 9:30am for a conversation facilitated by Dr. Carla Warren, Senior Partner from the National Center for Grow Your Own. Register today for the session!

Opioid Abatement Education Program for Educators
The Opioid Abatement Education Program provides instruction on delivering evidence-based opioid abatement education and prevention programming for students in support of the Health Standards of Learning. The use of the Botvin Lifeskills Training in schools to support instruction on opioid misuse and prevention is free to school divisions. For those interested in training through the Opioid Abatement Education Program, additional information is available on the VDOE Opioid Abatement Education Plan web page.   

Using Zearn Math for Impact
Zearn Math offers 1,000+ research-based digital math lessons and instructional materials designed to help students catch up and move forward. Visit Zearn’s math motivation hub for ready-to-use classroom resources like lesson trackers, challenge kits, celebration certificates, and posters designed to help you spark excitement, strengthen routines, and celebrate student success.

Summer Teacher History Workshops

Join the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) for their three-day teacher workshops this summer. There are two workshop series focusing on using primary sources from the VMHC’s collection to elevate individual stories and Virginia’s local history. The workshop on July 13-15 will focus on Virginia from Precontact to the Civil War. The work July 27-29 will focus on Virginia from Civil War through the 20th century. Learn more from VMHC about registration, stipends and travel funds.

Ed. Department Updates

Departments of Education and Health Announce Partnership Grant CompetitionThe Departments of Education and Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the Fiscal Year 2026 competition for the Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program, providing grants to support campus-based child care services for low-income student parents. This announcement marks the first grant competition under the new?ED-HHS partnership. As HHS is the primary Federal agency for administering early childhood care and education grants, including the Child Care and Development Block Grant, this partnership further positions HHS as the central hub for Federal child care-focused grants and services. ?

State Articles of Interest 

Highland County schools test out new hall pass system – The Recorder Online

Richmond Public Schools joins lawsuit against social media giants

Spanberger proposes sweeping changes to Virginia collective bargaining legislation

Va. tightens student cell phone bans under newly signed law from Fairfax senator | FFXnow

National Articles of Interest                          

Professional development is linked to higher scores, but what works best?

Uber Taxes and Public Education

Districts, states grapple with 4-day school week | K-12 Dive

Should the Bible be part of public school curriculum? The momentum is building. | K-12 Dive

5 ways schools can reduce chronic absenteeism and boost student engagement | K-12 Dive

Inside Trump’s 3.5% budget boost for special education | K-12 Dive

The Long Road to Opportunity: Transportation Equity in School Choice – Casey D. Cobb, Charles Wentzell, Kelly Farrell, 2026

Why ‘Year 0’ is the most critical time in a curriculum rollout

DOE Updates 

VMFA Distance Learning Program

Visit the galleries of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) during class time with no buses required. Through this program, students visit the galleries with a museum educator via livestream for conversations that use works of art to spark curiosity and deepen understanding of classroom topics. This program is free and available to grades 3 through 12 and college classrooms. Browse the 10 session options including Historical Thinking with Art: VA250.

Free Workshop for English Teachers

Discover new ways to bring poetry alive in your classroom on April 25 at 10:00 a.m. The Furious Flower Poetry Center and University of Virginia’s Center for the Liberal Arts will introduce two teacher?created resources, the Furious Flower Syllabus Project and Teaching Literature for Liberty. This free program is recommended for teachers of grades 6 and up. All participants will receive a certificate of completion via email. Visit the CLA website for more details.

Now Accepting Applications for the Grow Your Own Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Proposals – Due May 22

Article: 2026-14-179
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Educator Preparation Providers
Contact: Shawna LeBlond, Director, Unit of Apprenticeships, Shawna.LeBlond@doe.virginia.gov

The Virginia Department of Education is pleased to announce another iteration of the Grow Your Own Registered Teacher Apprenticeships grant application for the 2026-2027 school year. The Department, in partnership with the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement, was awarded competitive funding through the State Apprenticeship Expansion Funding (SAEF) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2024.  

With this competitive subgrant opportunity, VDOE seeks to sponsor and fund high-quality teacher registered apprenticeship models designed and implemented in partnership between school divisions and state-approved Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs). This opportunity provides competitive, reimbursement-based funding to cover all tuition, textbooks, licensure assessments, and fees on behalf of teacher apprentice candidates co-selected by participating school divisions and educator preparation providers for participation in the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program through June 30, 2027.  

Proposals must be received by the VDOE by 4 p.m. on May 22, 2026. All responses must be submitted as directed in the Submissions Instructions section of the request for applications.   Additional information about the program can be found in the Competitive Subgrant Request for Applications.

State Articles of Interest 

Portsmouth schools push for $14.6m budget amid new buildings, teacher pay demands

Charlottesville parents, teachers and activists ask for revote on school resource officers

Roanoke County family files lawsuit against VHSL, school board over homeschool sports rule

Bill aims to reinforce ‘bell-to-bell’ cellphone ban in Va. schools

Nearly all students at Virginia’s largest cyber school are passing. But SOL scores are among the lowest in the state.

National Articles of Interest                          

Trump’s FY 2027 budget would slash $8.5B from selected K-12 programs

LGBTQ+ students report schools feel more hostile | K-12 Dive

AI is moving quickly. How can districts keep up? | K-12 Dive

How educators can help students learn to navigate polarizing issues | K-12 Dive

Professional development is linked to higher scores, but what works best? | K-12 Dive

3 state education chiefs share how they’re leading innovation efforts | K-12 Dive

DOE Updates 

Scholarship Opportunity for Health and Physical Education Teachers to Support Presidential Fitness Testing 

Article: 2026-12-156
Audience: Directors, Health and Physical Education Coordinators
Contact: Jennifer Vedder, Coordinator, Health, Family Life, Physical, and Driver Education, jennifer.vedder@doe.virginia.gov

The Science and Health Unit is pleased to announce scholarship opportunities for health and physical education teachers to attend the Health and Physical Activity Institute (HPAI) at James Madison University, July 13–15, 2026.  

Selected teachers will attend workshops and participate in interactive activities to explore best practices in health and physical education, including fitness testing, adapted physical education, and innovative ways to enhance health education. Following a train-the-trainer model, each selected teacher will bring these best practices back to their division, positioning colleagues for success when the Presidential Fitness Tests are released. 

Instructional leads for Health and Physical Education, as designated in SSWS, will receive a nomination link to identify one health and physical education teacher from their division to be considered for a scholarship award.  

Questions may be directed to jennifer.vedder@doe.virginia.gov

Serve Virginia Webinar: Enhancing the Volunteer Experience 

Effective volunteer mobilization extends far beyond initial recruitment efforts and requires a comprehensive approach to both attracting and retaining dedicated volunteers. There are also many different ways to approach designing a volunteer experience to fit the skills, needs, and interests of different groups. Join Serve Virginia for a webinar on April 28 at noon, to discuss insights from the 2025 Virginia Community Engagement Index on the volunteer experience and hear from a panel specifically on the lessons learned from cultivating volunteer experiences for younger audiences. Register today!

Ed. Department Updates

The Department Announces Plan to Downsize Footprint in Washington, D.C. and Save Taxpayers Over $4.8 Million Annually

On March 26th, the Department announced a prudent step to save hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars and further reduce the federal education bureaucracy in Washington, D.C., U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and General Services Administration Administrator Edward C. Forst announced that the U.S. Department of Education (ED) will move out of the Lyndon B. Johnson headquarters building, and that the building will go to a better-suited tenant: the Department of Energy. ED will relocate to 500 D Street SW, saving taxpayers approximately $4.8 million annually in operating costs and eliminating wasted space in a building that is roughly 70% vacant. The Department plans to move later this year.

State Articles of Interest 

SOLace offers free prep for VA SOL tests at all levels, created by Centreville High junior

PWCS becomes first school district in the nation to have air bags on buses | wusa9.com

VDOE hears feedback from Roanoke County educators during listening tour

School board adopts AI policy | The Farmville Herald

National Articles of Interest                          

More middle and high schoolers are leaning on AI for homework | K-12 Dive

Judge orders Texas to open school choice program to Islamic schools | K-12 Dive

Science of reading gets nod from House panel in literacy grants bill | K-12 Dive

Private Schools and the NAEP Test   

Poverty, school size can hinder improvement odds, GAO reports | K-12 Dive

Governors promote special education initiatives in annual addresses | K-12 Dive

DOE Updates 

STEM Ecosystem Website Launched

Article: 2026-10-126
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
Contact: Anne Petersen, Director of STEM, anne.petersen@doe.virginia.gov

The Virginia Department of Education, in collaboration with the Virginia STEM Education Advisory Board, is proud to announce the launch of the Virginia STEM Ecosystem Website. This centralized platform is designed to empower students, educators, and families by providing streamlined access to STEM programs, instructional resources, and professional development opportunities across the commonwealth. 

To foster a robust statewide network, STEM organizations, institutes of higher education, and school divisions are invited to submit programs for inclusion in the site’s searchable database. The submission form can be accessed on the website linked above. This initiative directly aligns with the Virginia STEM network vision and advances 3E Readiness (Employment, Enlistment, and Enrollment) as outlined in the School Performance and Support Framework.

Ed. Department Updates

Departments of Education and Treasury Announce Federal Student Assistance Partnership

On March 19, the Departments of Education and the Treasury announced the Federal Student Assistance Partnership to enhance the administration of Federal student aid programs, mitigate the continuing fallout and cost to taxpayers from the Biden Administration’s mismanagement of the Federal student loan portfolio, and facilitate the return of defaulted borrowers to repayment. Under the new agreement, Treasury will assume operational responsibility for collecting on defaulted Federal student loan debt and provide operational support to ED’s efforts to return borrowers to repayment. In subsequent phases, Treasury will work to provide operational support over non-defaulted Federal student loan debt, while also seeking opportunities to provide operational support to Federal Student Aid’s other functions.

• READ: New York Post: McMahon sends letter to 9M delinquent student borrowers that Bessent is the new debt collector — with $425B on line
• READ: Bloomberg: Trump Shifts Federal Student Loan Management From Education Department 

State Articles of Interest 

‘Possible data incident’ disrupts internet, other systems at Hanover County Public Schools | WRIC ABC 8News

Should Virginia schools implement “restorative justice?” | WVTF

LCPS aims for responsible expansion of generative AI | Loudoun County | loudountimes.com

Charlottesville school board greenlights union contract for support staff

Virginia Beach School Board weighs limiting Chromebooks for youngest students | 13newsnow.com

Loudoun County Board of Supervisors votes to leave out elementary school SRO funding

National Articles of Interest                          

Districts express concerns over pending USDA updates to nutrition standards | K-12 Dive

Where can educators find optimism in a beleaguered K-12 system?

4 ways to build alignment in K-12 decision-making

Supreme Court Ruling on Gender Affirmation in Schools and Parental Rights

Indiana public colleges must soon accept this alternative to the SAT and ACT | Higher Ed Dive

Pandemic-era infants, toddlers exhibit elementary learning lag | K-12 Dive

DOE Updates 

Last Call: Diploma Seals Order Due March 27

Article: 2026-09-116
Audience: Superintendents, Directors of High School, High School Principals, High School Counseling Coordinators, HS Registrars
Contact: Theresita Martinez, Office Manager, Theresita.Martinez@doe.virginia.gov

Final reminder for divisions to submit the 2026 Diploma Seal Order Form by March 27. Only one order per division will be accepted. Use remaining seals before ordering, note the replacement of the Advanced Mathematics & Technology Seal with the STEM Seal, and report all seals awarded in the Student Record Collection. Please ensure your division’s order is submitted before the deadline. 

For questions, please contact Theresita Martinez, Office Manager, Division of Student Outcomes and School Quality, by email?at?Theresita.Martinez@doe.virginia.gov.

Virginia Celebrates the Arts in March!This month offers an opportunity to recognize the vital role fine arts programs play in Virginia’s comprehensive education system. Virginia prescribes Standards of Learning for K-12 instruction in all four fine arts disciplines of dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. Instructional resources and Instructional Guides are located on the Virginia Department of Education Fine Arts website. Two-thirds of Virginia students take at least one fine arts course each year, with rising enrollment in ceramics, sculpture, guitar, songwriting, music technology, chorus, orchestra, band, dance, and theatre. Students who take multiple years of fine arts also show lower chronic absenteeism. Join VDOE in celebrating these programs throughout March.

State Articles of Interest 

Future of SROs in Loudoun County elementary schools remain open-ended, for now

School board votes to strip transportation | Articles | fairfaxtimes.com

Immigration arrests spark bills to guarantee K-12 education rights for all Va. students • Virginia Mercury

Bill to require factual teaching about U.S. Capitol attack clears Va. General Assembly • Virginia Mercury

Bill to promote environmental literacy passes Virginia Senate | WRIC ABC 8News

Va. lawmakers propose guardrails for artificial intelligence use in education • Virginia Mercury

Optimism is fading that legislators will give Virginia teachers hefty raises, advocates say

National Articles of Interest                          

States weigh limits, outright bans on ed tech in schools | K-12 Dive

Supreme Court deals blow to school policies protecting student LGBTQ+ identities | K-12 Dive

Special education advocates warn against future program transfers | K-12 Dive

DOE Updates 

Announcing Commonwealth Listening Tour

Article: 2026-08-108
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Child Care Center Operators, Teachers, Non-teaching staff, General Public

The Virginia Department of Education and the Secretary of Education are hosting a series of listening sessions across the Commonwealth to hear from Virginians about how we can highlight successes and work together to strengthen public education by supporting educators and students. 

The Commonwealth Listening Tour invites division leaders, educators, parents, students, and community members to share their current education experiences and contribute to conversations about how state leaders should approach ensuring every child receives a high-quality education and the supports necessary for success. Listening Session discussion topics will include: 

• Identifying what’s working well and where challenges remain;? 
• Shaping ongoing supports in literacy and math instruction;? 
• Understanding how well students are prepared for college or careers after high school; 
• Considering how the state evaluates and supports schools through accountability and accreditation processes; and 
• Discussing effective strategies to recruit and retain world class teachers, school leaders, and school support staff. 

Attendees are encouraged to register in advance, as audience space is limited. Others may prefer to provide feedback to the VDOE via an online survey.

Ed. Department Updates

Department Initiates Title IX Investigation into Wisconsin School DistrictThe Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) initiated an investigation into the New Richmond School District in New Richmond, Wisconsin, based on reports that the district is allowing biological men to use female restrooms. OCR will determine whether the district violated Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 by allowing students to access intimate facilities based on “gender identity,” not biological sex.

State Articles of Interest 

Campbell County Schools will pilot program to inform future AI policy

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

Franklin County Public School leaders propose four-day school week

Virginia Beach School Board considers eliminating seclusion rooms from district

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

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

National Articles of Interest                          

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

ICE activity on K-12 school grounds

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

DOE Updates 

Bringing Sources to Life

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

Ed. Department Updates

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