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News from Across the Commonwealth
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Pulaski County Schools' new Book Bus program is fostering a love of reading this summer! The program is being operated by elementary school teachers Laura McDowell and Angela Price. Students who visit the Book Bus receive a book and a freeze pop, all at no cost. So far, the program has seen great success in encouraging Pulaski County students to read throughout the summer. #EverybodyReadsVA |
VDOE's Office of Advanced Learning recently visited the Summer Residential Governor's School program for Jefferson Lab Engineering on the campus of William & Mary. The students completed activities such as programming a robotic arm to clean parts for the accelerator that is typically cleaned by hand. VDOE looks forward to visiting more Governor's School programs this summer! |
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Dr. Lisa Coons, Superintendent of Public Instruction
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I had the pleasure of meeting with school nurses in Charlottesville this week as we engaged in the importance of student physical and mental health and discussed a cell phone-free education. I am so thankful for their support and their new mental health toolkit as we develop the guidance on Executive Order 33.
We also kicked off our Commonwealth Conversations on cell phone-free education today in Manassas. I was pleased to be joined by a library full of parents, teachers, and administrators to talk about the importance of getting cell phones out of the classroom. Our discussions centered on the realities of the issues, how to create a meaningful policy, and how to help schools with a successful implementation. We are continuing the conversation in Virginia Beach next week and look forward to hearing from Virginians in Hampton Roads as to what they would like to see in our guidance for a cell phone-free education. Our formal and informal conversations continue on the issue, and I hope that you will stay engaged throughout the process from listening sessions to draft guidance to the final version.
As your teams prepare to welcome students back, I hope you will continue to use the resources from VDOE to select strategies to improve attendance. Consider how your teams can strategically and intentionally plan attendance-related activities to occur throughout the year. Missed instruction, regardless of the reason, can have significant academic consequences. That’s why the broader emphasis is on improving attendance for every student every day.
Thank you for everything you are doing, and I look forward to seeing you as we talk to Virginians across the Commonwealth.
-Lisa
Join Us at an Upcoming Commonwealth Conversation Discussing Cell Phone-Free Education
Article: 2024-28-265
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Child Care Center Operators, Teachers, Non-teaching staff
The VDOE is hosting a series of Commonwealth Conversations to give parents, educators, and community members the opportunity to share their thoughts on the best ways to achieve cell phone-free education in Virginia and address the increasing evidence of the impact cell phone and social media usage has on youth mental health and education performance.
Below is a list of the upcoming conversations being held throughout the Commonwealth:
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Manassas - July 18, 2 - 3:30 p.m. Osbourn High School
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Virginia Beach - July 22, 4:30 - 6 p.m. Tallwood High School
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Fredericksburg - July 30, 9 - 10:30 a.m. James Monroe High School
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Waynesboro - July 31, 10 - 11:30 a.m. Kate Collins Middle School
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Roanoke - July 31, 4 - 5:30 p.m. Northside High School
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Abingdon - August 1, 3 - 4:30 p.m. Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
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Keysville - August 2, 1:30 - 3 p.m. Southside Virginia Community College Keysville Campus Workforce Development Center
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Midlothian - August 6, 4 - 5:30 p.m. Chesterfield County Public Schools Career and Technical Center
Register to join an upcoming event, learn more about Executive Order 33, or share feedback about cell phone-free education by visiting the Cell Phone-Free Education in Virginia webpage.
Existing Cell Phone/Electronic Devices Policy – Due July 23
Article: 2024-28-263
Audience: Superintendents
As part of our ongoing work on Executive Order Number 33 concerning cell phone-free education in Virginia schools, VDOE is compiling each division’s current cell phone and electronic devices policies.
We kindly request each division to complete the Cell Phone/Electronic Devices Policy form by July 23, which was sent in an email to Superintendents and their designees on July 17. This form asks whether your division currently has a cell phone and/or electronic device policy in place. If your division does not have an existing policy, we ask that you indicate that in the comments section provided at the end of the form.
Your prompt response will greatly assist us in compiling accurate data. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please leave any additional comments or questions at the bottom of the form.
Thank you for your cooperation in this important initiative. We look forward to using your response to help inform the guidance we are creating on this issue.
Summer of Support
Literacy and Mathematics Symposiums
- June 10 – Region 8 at Longwood University
- June 17 – Region 7 at Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
- June 20 – Region 6 at New College Institute
- June 24 – Region 5 at James Madison University
- June 27 – Region 4 at George Mason University
- August 5 – Region 1 at Reynolds Community College
- August 7 – Region 3 at Rappahannock Community College
- August 8 – Region 2 at Old Dominion University
Physical Education Academy and Institute
- June 24-27 – The Adapted PE Content Teaching Academy at James Madison University
- July 7-10 – The Health and Physical Activity Institute at James Madison University
Educational Technology and Classroom Innovation Conference Presentations
- July 8 – TechSplash 2024 in Abingdon
- August 14 – iNNovate Conference in Newport News
Fine Arts Webinars
- July 30 – FA Through the Lens of Multilingual Learners
- July 30 – Update for 2024-25 School Year
- August 1 – Leading FA Teaching and Learning
- August 1 – Appalachian Music Media
- August 5 – Music SOL Overview and Instructional Resources
- August 6 – Visual Arts SOL
- August 7 – Theater Arts SOL
- August 8 – Dance SOL
We’re proud to offer these continuing education opportunities and look forward to spending time with you this summer!
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News from our Content Specialists and Special Education
2024 Computer Science Standards of Learning Regional Meetings
Article: 2024-28-264
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
Contact: Keisha Tennessee, Computer Science Coordinator, Keisha.Tennessee@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education welcomes all division leaders who are responsible for implementation of K-12 computer science in their division to attend an upcoming regional meeting to discuss adopting the 2024 Computer Science Standards of Learning. The revised Standards improve vertical coherence through grade levels and courses to increase practical knowledge and support for postsecondary workforce expectations. With the inclusion of emerging technologies that address AI and machine learning as well as flexibility to address upcoming technologies, the goal is to reinforce resilience, creativity, and continued learning through the application of the iterative design process. During the 2024-2025 school year, VDOE will convene educational partners to develop instructional resources aligned to the 2024 Computer Science Standards of Learning.
Pre-registration is required. All regional meetings will take place from 9 a.m.-noon on the following dates and at the following locations:
- Region 3 – Northern Neck: July 22 at King George School
- Region 4 – Northern Virginia: July 23 at Think Big Space, J. L. Simpson Middle School
- Region 5 – Valley: July 24 at Skyline Middle School
- Region 7 – Southwest: July 30 at Southwest Higher Education Center
- Region 6 – Western Virginia: July 31 at Charles W. Day Technical Education Center
- Region 8 – Southside: August 1 at Institute of Advanced Learning and Research
- Region 1 – Central Virginia: August 7 at Hanover High School
- Region 2 – Tidewater: August 13 at Indian River High School
Advancing Computer Science Education Request for Proposals for FY25
Article: 2024-28-261
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, Teachers
Contact: Keisha Tennessee, Computer Science Coordinator, Keisha.Tennessee@doe.virginia.gov
The 2024 Appropriation Act has provided funding for up to 18-21 competitive Advancing Computer Science Education (ACSE) grants for the 2024-2025 school year, with funds being expended by June 30, 2025. All Virginia public school divisions, full-time regional public schools, and programs with a local or regional school board are eligible to submit proposals meeting the intent of the RFP document.
There are three types of project proposals that may be submitted: Professional Learning & Instructional Resources (max award: $75,000), Student Experience & Engagement (max award: $75,000) and Implementation/Sustainability (max award: $50,000). Key details regarding proposal requirements, funding, and the grant webinar can be found on the VDOE Computer Science webpage.
A preproposal webinar will be held July 25, 2024, at 10 a.m. Pre-registration is required.
ACSE(FY25) request for proposals must be emailed to vdoe.computerscience@doe.virginia.gov by Friday, September 6, 2024. If you have further questions or require additional information, please contact Keisha Tennessee, Computer Science Coordinator, at Keisha.Tennessee@doe.virginia.gov.
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School Performance & Support
Special Education Intensive Support Needs Application Due September 30, 2024
Article: 2024-28-259
Audience: Superintendents, Directors
Contact: Cynithia Reid, Special Education Intensive Support Analyst, Cynithia.Reid@doe.virginia.gov and Paul Raskopf, Intensive Support Services Assistant, Paul.Raskopf@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education provides school divisions funds to offset the high cost of providing instructional and other direct services for students identified in low-incidence disability categories who met the criteria as “students with intensive support needs.”
The 2024-2025 Students with Intensive Support Needs Application (SISNA) workbook, guidance, and resource information will be available on August 1, 2024, in the Single Sign-on for Web Systems (SSWS) portal under the Special Ed. Students with Intensive Support Needs Application (SISNA). The SSWS administrator in each school division should ensure that appropriate staff have access to the application. The SISNA must be submitted to the VDOE by 5 p.m. on September 30, 2024.
Having an approved SISNA will allow school divisions to submit claims for reimbursement for certain costs and services provided to identified students with intensive support needs. School divisions are required to have a partnership with one or more local school divisions to access these funds.
Pre-recorded training sessions about SISNA submission requirements, review and approval process, data submission procedures, funding and reimbursement, and other pertinent information will be provided. An email will be sent to directors of special education with links to these trainings, and this information should be shared with the school division’s staff involved with SISNA.
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Technology
VVAAS Technical and Training for 2024 Update
Article: 2024-28-262
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Instructional Staff, Building Level Coaches, Technology Directors
Contact: Morri Pace, VVAAS Coordinator, Morri.Pace@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education is providing technical webinars and sponsoring professional development events focused on Virginia’s Visualization and Analytics Solution (VVAAS). The technical webinars will cover VVAAS enrollment data and Single-Sign-On information. The professional development events will allow Virginia educators to build a data literacy community using VVAAS. All registration information can be found on the VVAAS Website by selecting PD Highlights and in the VVAAS Canvas course.
Technical Enrollment Data: Topic covered Pre-Sub SRC, SRC, and MSC
Google Single Sign On (SSO): Implementation steps to SSO with Google. A recording and supporting documents will be posted in the VVAAS Canvas course.
In-Person Opportunities:
Opportunity 1: VVAAS Trends
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Abington (Nov. 13-14)
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Chesterfield (Nov. 19-20*)
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Suffolk (Dec. 10-11)
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Weyers Cave (Jan. 7-8, 2025)
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Fairfax (Feb. 18-19, 2025)
Day 1 of each event will be the full-day VVAAS Overview. Day 2 will be multiple application sessions.
*Chesterfield Day 2 (Nov 20) is a coaching conference and offers a more robust session selection provided by the EVAAS team, VDOE, and partnering divisions. This event focus on using VVAAS effectively with building level staff. Opportunity 2: VVAAS University Session 4 (Spring 2025)
VVAAS University registration opens Dec. 1, 2024. The event is at SAS Campus in Cary, North Carolina on March 11-13, 2025. Divisions are allowed to register up to three participants.
Virtual Opportunities: Find registration links and topics on the VVAAS Website by selecting PD Highlights and in the VVAAS Canvas course.
Opportunity 1: VVAAS Learning Webinars
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VVAAS 101 – Refresher (Sept. 26, Oct. 2)
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What is VVAAS? - Full Overview (Sept. 26, Nov. 26)
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S1: What’s New for Y3? (Oct. 2, 16)
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S2: Understanding Growth & Trends (Oct. 16, 29)
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S3: How has instruction impacted student groups? (Oct. 29, Nov. 5)
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S4: Impact of Student Trends (Nov. 5, 26)
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S5: Building Data Literacy (Oct. 28, Nov. 25)
Opportunity 2: VVAAS Office Hours with Morri
Stay current by attending VVAAS Office Hours with Morri 2024 virtual series starting July 23, 2024. Each session will have 10–20-minute focus topics and then open Q&A from the field.
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Division Finance and Budgeting
Release of July 1, 2023, School-Age Population Estimates
Article: 2024-28-258
Audience: Superintendents, School Division Finance Directors
Contact: Ed Lanza, Director of Budget, Edward.Lanza@doe.virginia.gov
Pursuant to Section 58.1-638, Code of Virginia, the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia has prepared the July 1, 2023, school-age population estimates. These estimates will be used to update the fiscal year (FY) 2026 sales tax revenue distribution estimates to school divisions in the Governor’s amended 2024-2026 biennial budget, to be released in December 2024.
The July 1, 2023, school-age population estimates are open for review and inquiry until September 30, 2024, at which time they become final. School divisions and localities may inquire about a revision to their estimates provided certain criteria as established by the Weldon Cooper Center are met. To participate in the review process, division and locality representatives should review their school-age population estimates, the methodology documents, and the Review/Inquiry Process description, available on the Weldon Cooper Center website.
Please carefully review the proposed estimates of your school-age population and keep in mind the end of the review process on September 30, 2024, at which time the estimates become final.
Slot Survey Results - Regional Alternative Education Programs
Article: 2024-28-257
Audience: Superintendents, Non-teaching staff
Contact: Sofia McDaniel, Senior Policy Analyst, Department of Strategic Innovation Sofia.McDaniel@doe.virginia.gov
Like many state-funded categorical programs, the overall slots for regional alternative education programs across the Commonwealth are determined by the General Assembly. Beginning with Fiscal Year 2025 allocations, VDOE was required to conduct a biennial application process to determine slot allocations for the regional alternative education programs for the 2024-2026 biennium. That initial data collection was conducted during winter and spring of 2023 in advance of the 2024-2026 re-benchmarking process. Each school division, or the fiscal agent for each regional program, was required to apply for the desired number of student slots from the statewide total number of slots funded in the state formula. This was a new requirement in the allocation process.
Parallel to this biennial application requirement, new budgetary language required VDOE to “prorate initial application requests if the initial application demand for slots exceeds the number of slots available.” Since divisions requested far more than the allotted 1,798 slots in their biennial applications (2,418 slots were requested by divisions), VDOE was required to prorate slots across the Commonwealth, as noted in the approved budget. This proration was equally applied to every division request at a proration factor of approximately .75. VDOE staff has spoken with districts with concerns about the number of slots they have received for FY25 as there has been variation from previous years due to the proration in the new budget language. It is important to note that the number of overall slots allocated by the General Assembly for Alternative Education Programs has not changed in almost 15 years.
The only mechanism VDOE has to rectify slot disparities is through the annual slot survey, where divisions notify VDOE if they have additional slots for reallocation. We asked that regional alternative education coordinators complete the survey by June 21, 2024, and every program submitted their response. After careful review of the responses, there were zero regional programs with an available slot to re-allocate. Most programs requested more slots than were allocated. The current need continues to outpace the number of available slots funded by the General Assembly.
As you prepare for the start of the new school year, we recommend that you plan for the number of slots currently allocated to your division as noted in the Direct Aid Calculation Tool that was made available in January and again in May. Our team continues to evaluate this process and welcomes ideas you may have to improve the process in the future. Ultimately, since current budgetary language impacts this work, an increase in overall slots or any other modifications to the funding allocation would need to be approved by the General Assembly in the future.
If you have not already done so, please complete the Continuing Application for your regional program. The Continuing Application ensures that programmatic information is recorded and up to date. The application is found here. We ask that this application is completed by July 26, 2024.
As always, we continue to welcome any comments on the process. Please contact Ms. Sofia McDaniel at Sofia.McDaniel@doe.virginia.gov with your suggestions.
Survey and Webinar for Late Liquidation of American Rescue Plan (ARP) Funds
Article: 2024-28-260
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, Federal Pandemic Relief Coordinators
Contact: Carol Sylvester, Director, Office of Federal Pandemic Relief Programs, Carol.Sylvester@doe.virginia.gov
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has announced that it will consider requests to extend the timeline for liquidating American Rescue Plan (ARP) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds “to ensure every possible resource is available to continue our collective work to address the pandemic’s impacts upon our students, schools, and families.”
While a USED approval for late liquidation does not extend the obligation period (ending September 30, 2024), it would allow additional time for reimbursements to be submitted for certain activities. Only expenses tied to properly obligated activities (by the 9/30/24 deadline) approved in the late liquidation application would be eligible for the later reimbursement.
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) will be releasing a survey to all school divisions to determine interest or need for late liquidation of ESSER III funds. The VDOE Office of Federal Pandemic Relief Programs will be conducting a webinar to review the late liquidation process, demonstrate the survey, and review specific application requirements and expectations for school divisions considering late liquidation. The webinar will be conducted on July 31, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Connection details will be sent out in a follow-up email from vdoefederalrelief@doe.virginia.gov. The webinar will be recorded for anyone unable to attend and the link will be sent out along with the survey after the webinar.
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