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Proposed Changes to Certain Testing Requirements for Writing
On June 15, 2023, the Virginia Board of Education considered a proposal that would change the expectations for writing assessment for grade 5 and grade 8 students. The proposal would eliminate the grade 8 SOL Writing test beginning in spring 2024 and would occur concurrently with the implementation of the new integrated reading and writing items as part of the grades 5, 8, and end-of-course (EOC) SOL Reading tests. The intent of implementing the new item type is twofold:
(1) to reinforce the importance of students writing about what they have read to support the development of literacy skills
(2) to provide a measure of students’ writing skill without the burden of an additional test.
The proposal included a new set of Guidelines for Local Alternative Assessments: 2023-2024 and Beyond that recommends that school divisions use the integrated reading and writing assessment items that will be administered as part of the grade 5 SOL Reading test beginning in spring 2024 to meet the assessment requirements for Grade 5 Writing contained in the guidelines. The board is expected to vote on this proposal at the July 27, 2023 meeting. Submit feedback regarding this proposal by emailing the Office of Student Assessment..
Virginia Literacy Act: Core Instructional Programs
The Virginia Board of Education approved an initial list of research-based core instructional programs for grades K-3 to align early elementary literacy instruction with research on how students best learn to read and write. The implementation of the programs is a key component of the Virginia Literacy Act, a comprehensive law passed by the 2022 General Assembly and signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin to improve literacy outcomes for all students. The next review cycle will evaluate core instructional programming kindergarten through fifth grade, as well as intervention and supplemental programs to help students who have reading and writing difficulties in kindergarten through eighth grade.
Free NMSI Professional Development for Virginia Teachers-July 25-27
Join your peers at Norfolk State University to attend a free two and a half-day professional development opportunity hosted by The National Math and Science Initiative. The NMSI’s Laying the Foundation training sessions are for math, science, and ELA teachers in grade 3-12. Participants will experience hands-on activities and receive resources that can be taken directly into the classroom. To register, first create an account as a teacher in the NMSI Partner Portal. Select the Content Workshop tab and choose Norfolk State University. Follow these directions to register for the LTF training. Contact customerservice@nms.org with any questions.
Canvas's Training Services Portal Weekly Sessions
Educators can participate in training sessions each week via Canvas's Training Services Portal. To find any of the sessions listed below, first make sure you are logged into your Canvas account for your local school division. Click on the Help button on the lower-left of the screen and then select Training Services Portal. The upcoming hour-long sessions are appropriate for Division and School Leaders, Statewide LMS Admin, Instructors, and Support. Session dates are:
7/13 at 11:30 a.m.: Home Pages
7/14 at 2:30 p.m.: Accessibility
7/17 at 1 p.m.: Assignments
7/18 at 10 a.m.: Group Work and Collaboration
7/19 at 1 p.m.: Integrating Canvas and Google
LFVA Teacher Performance Evaluation Training
Learning Forward Virginia is providing support for the VA Teacher Performance Evaluation System with training sessions on the following dates:
-Teacher Performance Evaluation System for Evaluators September 19 (In-person, Full Day).
-Making Summative Decisions/Inter-rater Reliability October 17 and 19 (Virtual, Half Day).
-Formative Feedback to Support Teacher Growth November 15 (In-person).
Visit Learning Forward Virginia for more information and to register.
Coaches, ITRTs, Admins: Build Your Own Instructional Playbook
Virtual Virginia, VDOE, and VSTE invite administrators, instructional coaches, and ITRTs from Virginia public schools and divisions to attend a new professional learning series! This series will guide participants in creating an “instructional playbook” to enhance the training they offer teachers locally. The free webinar series continues on July 13 and will run through August 3. Visit VV for more information and to register.
Virginia Holocaust Museum Alexander Lebenstein Teacher Education Institute
The Virginia Holocaust Museum and Longwood University work together each summer to offer professional development for middle and high school educators. A two and a half day workshop will be offered from July 17-19, at the museum in Richmond. Earn up to 45 recertification points as you hear historian-led lectures and interact with museum resources. Upon successful completion of all course requirements, teachers will be reimbursed the registration fee and receive a stipend. Register today or contact Megan Ferenczy for more details.
STEM Competition Team Grant Initiative
The purpose of the Grant Initiative is to increase awareness of careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics among teachers and students through STEM-related, project-based, team-building activities. Grant applications are due before 4 p.m. on July 23. Sign your team up today-details are available from VDOE!
2023 PAEMST Virginia Finalists
Congratulations to the Virginia’s finalists for the 2023 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching! The award recognizes educators who develop and implement high-quality instructional programs that improve student learning in mathematics and science. The science finalists are Colin Bouchillon in Manassas Park and Erich Sneller in Harrisonburg. The mathematics finalists are Emily Burrell in Fairfax County; Yvette Lee in Henrico County; and Farr Pickett Quinn in Alexandria. Read more about it from VDOE!
VIRGINIA COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS
TESOL Opportunities
Regent University offers a master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Additionally there is a TESOL Certificate option. Both of these programs are designed for working educators, with courses offered fully online in eight-week sessions. Contact jhuang@regent.edu for program questions.
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