State Superintendent and Secretary of Education Welcome Students Back to School
RICHMOND — Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane and Secretary of Education Atif Qarni are welcoming Virginia’s 1.3 million public school students back to school for a year like none other as schools across the state reopen after being closed since March because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“School is going to look different this year but that’s OK because we are in this together,” said Lane in a back-to-school video distributed statewide by the Virginia Department of Education. “Many of our school divisions have already opened their doors, whether virtually, in person or both, setting the tone for this unique academic journey. As the rest of the state gears up to do the same, we will continue to provide support along the way to alleviate some of those challenges. While it is being done many different ways, Virginia’s public education system is still progressing forward. Welcome back to school Virginia; it is time to return to learn.”
According to reopening decisions tracked by VDOE, half of Virginia’s 132 school divisions — including those serving students in the state’s most populous cities and counties — are opening fully remote, with only small numbers of students from special populations receiving limited in-person instruction. About 25% are implementing hybrid plans, with all students or students from special populations receiving in-person instruction 1-3 days a week. Finally, 27% of the state’s school divisions are reopening with all or some students receiving in-person instruction at least four days a week.
All school divisions, regardless of their reopening plan, are offering students an all-virtual option.
“During this tumultuous time, finding innovative ways to help every child reach their full potential is more important than ever before,” Qarni said. “I am immensely grateful to our caretakers, students, school boards, superintendents and educators as they navigate these unique circumstances with resilience and courage. While things may look different this year, Virginia's students are its future, and education must go on.”
Since the spring closure of schools, Virginia has expanded distance learning opportunities for students. Leveraging federal CARES Act funding, VDOE expanded its Virtual Virginia online learning program to include elementary and middle school content and allow all teachers in the state to use the platform to provide instruction and create and share content. The department also collaborated with WHRO and other public media stations to provide over-the-air instruction for students in isolated communities without broadband access. Last week, VDOE announced that “VA TV Classroom” will present a second season of instructional programming, beginning later this month.
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