Board Brief - January 27, 2022 Business Meeting

Virginia Department of Education sent this bulletin at 01/28/2022 05:16 PM EST

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January 27, 2022 Business Meeting

The Board approved the minutes of their meetings on November 17-18, 2021.

Consent Agenda:

The Board approved two consent items:

● Certification of Individuals for the Office of Division Superintendent of Schools

● Final Review of Financial Report on Literary Fund and Updates to First Priority Waiting List for Low-Interest Loans for School Construction

Action Items:

The Board deferred action until its March meeting on two recommendations from the Advisory Board on Teacher Education and Licensure to set a passing score for the Praxis® Middle School Mathematics (5164) Test, one for the Middle Education 6-8 Mathematics endorsement and one to set a passing score for the Praxis® Mathematics (5165) Test for the Mathematics endorsement. The tests, which are required for individuals seeking initial licensure, have been updated and need a cut score.

The Board gave preliminary approval to the final stage of the Proposed Revisions to the Regulations Governing Secondary School Transcripts. Changes in professional practice at postsecondary institutions and business and industry necessitated the proposed revisions, which will better serve the students of the Commonwealth by aligning elements contained in the student transcript to the needs and demands of postsecondary partners. The item will be presented to the Board for final review at its March meeting.

The Board gave preliminary approval to the Proposed Revisions to the Guidelines for Uniform Performance Standards and Evaluation Criteria for Principals and Superintendents. This is the second phase of a three-phase plan to revise the Guidelines. Phase 2 is intended as a bridge between the current and future principal and superintendent performance evaluation systems with the major revision being the creation of a new performance standard, Culturally Responsive and Equitable Leadership, as required by Virginia law. The item will be presented to the Board for final review at its March meeting.

The Board approved the Advisory Board on Teacher Education and Licensure's Recommendation to Approve New Education (Endorsement) Programs. Virginia institutions of higher education requested the addition of new education endorsement programs, which were then subsequently recommended by the Advisory Board on Teacher Education and Licensure (ABTEL).

The Board approved Proposed Flexibility for a Previously Designated School Division of Innovation - Henrico County Public Schools. HCPS requested amending their SDI plan to apply alternative policies for the requirement that students take the Standards of Learning (SOL) assessment in Virginia Studies, Civics and Economics and Grade 8 Writing. The flexibility is requested for school years 2022-2023, 2023-2024, and 2024-2025 to align with their 2020 designation of SDI.

The Board gave preliminary approval to Proposed 2020 Health Education Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework, which describe the expectations for student learning and achievement in grades K-10 health education based on the 2020 Health Education Standards. The 2021 Virginia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 1190 directing the Board to include advanced directive education in these standards for high school students. The item will be presented to the Board for final review at its March meeting.

The Board gave preliminary approval to Proposed 2022 Physical Education Standards of Learning, which reflect a comprehensive, collaborative review of the standards and the expertise of diverse constituents. These standards are being revised per the regular seven-year cycle for all SOLs. The item will be presented to the Board for final review at its March meeting.

The Board approved a Legislative Mandate to the Regulations Governing the Operation of Private Schools for Students with Disabilities. This action is at the directive from the General Assembly’s first 2021 special session, and creates regulations for private special education day schools on restraint and seclusion that establish the same requirements for restraint and seclusion as those for public schools.

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Board actions are unanimous or unopposed unless otherwise noted.

The next meetings of the Board of Education are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, March 16-17, 2022. For more information, visit the Virginia Board of Education web page.

The Virginia Board of Education, established in the Virginia Constitution, consists of nine members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the General Assembly. General supervision of the public school system is vested in the Board of Education, which prescribes standards of quality for the school divisions. Subject to the ultimate authority of the General Assembly, the Board of Education has primary responsibility and authority for effectuating the educational policy of the Commonwealth. The Superintendent of Public Instruction, also appointed by the Governor, serves as the executive officer of the Virginia Department of Education, an executive branch agency. The Virginia Department of Education implements statutory and regulatory requirements. The supervision of schools in each school division is vested in local school boards.