VDOE Updates
National Security Language Initiative - Critical Languages Grant
The budget bill passed by the General Assembly includes funding for a competitive grant to school divisions that provide one or more world language courses identified as critical by the National Security Language Initiative (NSLI) Youth scholarship program. The grants will support one or more full-time equivalent teaching positions to provide critical language courses. Watch for an announcement with information on the grant application process in late fall.
Executive Directive Number 5: Recognizing the Risks & Seizing the Opportunities of AI
On September 20, Governor Youngkin issued Executive Directive Number 5, Recognizing the Risks and Seizing the Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence. In this order, the Governor outlined several steps for education, including:
- VDOE will release guidelines for Artificial Intelligence (AI) use in K-12 public schools. The department is working with a variety of stakeholders to finalize this guidance and will release in the coming weeks.
- VDOE providing uniform standards for AI use. These standards will be incorporated into the 2024 computer science Standards of Learning.
- VDOE will examine uses for personalized tutoring. More information will be provided through our weekly newsletter updates as more information becomes available.
- VDOE will support programming that will ensure students are prepared for future careers involving AI technologies. Updates on these components in the computer science standards, CTE pathways, and revisions to the industry recognized credentials will be forthcoming.
New VDOE Telephone System
The VDOE has upgraded the telephone system to a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system. As a result, VDOE staff have new telephone numbers as of September 1, 2023. The new telephone number for the World Languages Coordinator is (804) 750-8083.
Governor's World Language Academies
The application period for the Governor's World Language Academies is now open. Information and related documents are posted on the GWLA page of the VDOE website.
New assessments for GWLA applicants
Applicants to the 2024 French, German, Japanese, and Spanish Academies will complete the Avant STAMP 2S assessment for speaking and writing. Applicants to the 2024 Latin Academy will complete the Avant STAMP for Latin.
Each test session will have a time limit and must be administered in a proctored environment. Instructions for accessing and administering the test will be provided to schools when they submit the test code request form.
Academies video snapshot
This short video from the 2022 Immersion Academies at Washington and Lee University will give you a small taste of the exciting things that happen at the Governor's World Language Academies.
Be Part of the Academies - Staff Applications
Language administrators, educators, teachers, and college students interested in a position at the Academies are encouraged to apply. Most of the faculty members at the Governor's World Language Academies are Virginia public secondary school teachers, private school teachers, or college professors. In addition, up to six young people per academy assist faculty and monitor dormitory behavior. These resident advisors are native speakers, college majors, or former Academy students.
Language teachers from across the state are also encouraged to apply to visit the academy of their language as teacher observers. Seeing the staff and students in action and taking an active role in some activities has proven highly successful as a leadership and professional development experience.
To apply for staff positions or teacher observer opportunities, visit the host site webpage or contact the host site coordinator of the selected Academy.
French, German, and Spanish Academies
Japanese and Latin Academies
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