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Executive Directive Six
As noted in Governor Youngkin’s Executive Directive Six, Virginia is the birthplace of the
Freedom of Religion in America and this freedom encompasses the comprehensive protection of all ethnic and religious communities in Virginia. Recently, VDOE published a set of student safety resources designed to promote the safety of Virginia’s religious and ethnic communities. We hope that these resources are useful to school divisions and educators as they confront and combat incidents of antisemitism, anti-religious bigotry, and ethnic-based violence.
VBOE Listening Sessions Planned
The Virginia Board of Education began the official regulatory process this past August to revise Virginia’s Standards of Accreditation with an intention of creating an accountability measurement separate from accreditation. The Board has been hosting listening sessions to help facilitate public engagement in the accountability measurement development process. Educators, parents, and citizens are invited to attend the remaining sessions in their region and comment on their expectations for accountability measurements. More information can be found on the VDOE website. Remaining dates and locations include:
Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m.: Liberty Middle School-1237 Lacey Putney Way, Bedford, VA 24523
Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m.: Career Technical Center-13900 Hull Street, Midlothian, VA 23112
Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m.: Indian River High School-1969 Braves Trail, Chesapeake, VA 23325
Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m.: Greensville County High School-403 Harding Street Emporia, VA 23847
2024 Blended Learning Conference
Virtual Virginia and VSTE will host their fourth annual free, one-day Blended Learning Conference for public school educators nationwide on February 17. Registration is now open! The conference gives educators the opportunity to engage in sessions and conversations about how to design and implement high-quality blended learning experiences for their students. The event allows Virginia educators to elevate and share their work in the blended learning landscape with the rest of the Commonwealth.
VSTE Certified Coach Program
Join the fastest growing network of certified coaches in Virginia! The VSTE Certified Coach program (#VCC) is now accepting applications for its 2024-2025 cohorts. This program is open to all instructional coaches in Virginia and was created to provide a custom professional learning experience that allows participants to collaborate in cohorts while learning the art of coaching. The VCC curriculum is aligned with the ISTE standards for coaching and has been developed in partnership with Forward Edge. Act fast- applications for one of the 2024-2025 VCC cohorts close on December 15!
Foster Care in Virginia
There are over 5,000 children in foster care in Virginia. Many of the dedicated and licensed foster care parents have connections to education and commit to caring for children who need a warm, welcoming home until they are reunited with their family. To find out more information, consider attending an upcoming information session to learn more.
Summer Language Institute
The Summer Language Institute at the University of Virginia offers a wide range of options for learners. Students can choose from Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Latin, Spanish, and Russian. The program is open to rising high school juniors and seniors, college/graduate students, and non-traditional students. During the last part of the program, students in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Russian, and Spanish will take the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPIc) to assess their language proficiency. Students learning Latin will be evaluated through the Avant (1 skill-reading). The deadline for applications is March 28. For more information, please visit the website.
Blueprints for Better Blending Conference-February 17
Virtual Virginia and VSTE are gearing up for our fourth annual free, one-day Blended Learning Conference for public school educators nationwide. With topics in both synchronous and asynchronous instruction, “Blueprints for Better Blending” will highlight some of the amazing things teachers and leaders are doing to improve instruction. Presentation proposals are currently being accepted for the conference. Visit the website for more details about the conference and to submit a presentation proposal.
Sample Integrated Lesson Plans for VESOL and Introductory Webinar
VDOE Office of Student Assessment and the Office of Special Education Instructional Services would like to remind teachers that the Sample Integrated Lesson Plans for Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning (VESOL) webpage and the prerecorded Introductory Webinar for Sample Integrated Lesson Plans are now available. These sample lesson plans are designed to support instruction of VESOL in the content areas of reading, mathematics, and science. Most include an integrated component that provides opportunities for students to practice these content area skills simultaneously. Teachers should visit the webpage regularly as new lesson plans are added weekly.
The Newcomer Tool Kit
This Tool Kit is published by the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition (NCELA) and supported by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA). It has five chapters and contains an overview, sample tools, and resources designed to help elementary and secondary teachers, principals, and other school staff who work directly with immigrant students and their families. Explore it today!
Virginia Statewide LMS Credentials for Educators & Technology/Infrastructure Personnel
Four credential opportunities are available, with two tracks for teachers and other education personnel and two tracks for technology/infrastructure personnel. Each will include a series of webinars and a brief online course. Participants who successfully complete a track will earn a certificate and digital badge worth five hours of professional learning. Register for the webinar series.
Public Hearings for the 2024 English Standards of Learning
The Virginia Board of Education will hold public hearings on the proposed 2024 English Standards of Learning after first review in January 2024. The proposed Standards are designed to be aligned to evidence-based literacy instructional practices and the Virginia Literacy Act. Current information (revision process and public hearing) is available on the Revisions to the 2017 English Standards of Learning webpage. Dates and locations include:
February 5, 2024: Moton Museum, Farmville, VA
February 6, 2024: Virtual Public Hearing
February 12, 2024: Virtual Public Hearing
February 13, 2024: Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA
February 15, 2024: James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA
February 16, 2024: Virtual Public Hearing
February 20, 2024: Chesterfield Career Technical Center Hull, Chesterfield, VA
February 21, 2024: Virtual Public Hearing
February 22, 2024: Southwest Higher Education Center, Abingdon, VA
February 26, 2024: Laurel Ridge Community College, Middletown, VA
VIRGINIA COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS
Spanish Language and Culture for Educators
The Dual Master’s Degree is an accelerated 18-month program where students earn a M.Ed. from James Madison University and a European Master’s degree from the University of Salamanca, while working full-time. Visit the program website for schedule, locations, details, or email Dr. Diana Meza for more information.
Special Education Certificate program
Marymount University's School of Education online Special Education Certificate program is designed for individuals who are passionate about working with students with disabilities and want to gain the skills to succeed. As a Program graduate, you will be well-prepared to work with students with disabilities in various settings. For more information contact Dr. Nicci T. Dowd.
Online Licensure and Professional Development Courses
Provisionally licensed teachers and teachers seeking recertification points – Longwood offers a variety of online courses for licensure requirements and professional development. Available courses include Foundations of Education, Classroom and Behavior Management, Reading and Writing Instruction in the Content Areas, Human Growth and Development, and more!
Summer 2024 Online Literacy M.Ed. Cohort
James Madison University is accepting applications for a fully online M.Ed. in Literacy Education that leads to Reading Specialist Endorsement. Apply or visit the Literacy Program website for more information. Contact Dr. Mark Lewis with questions.
M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision
Marymount University announces its fully online and asynchronous M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision. The program was designed for working professionals blending real-world applicability with real-time flexibility. Contact Dr. Marcia Baldanza for more information.
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