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Highlights
News from Across the Commonwealth
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What tasty fun! Prince William County Schools hosted its annual food show at Patriot High School. This year’s theme was “Join Us at the Table!” Around 350 people tasted recipes contributed by PWCS students and staff through a recipe contest. |
Massanutten Regional Governor's School juniors in Shenandoah County Schools got the chance to connect English and science with creative projects centered on reproductions of artifacts. Each group chose either a hominid skull or tool as the focus of their research. Then, they worked together to create something—an album, a children's book, a recipe book, etc. that depicted a day in the life of "their" hominid, and they shared their work with their peers.
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Superintendent's Message
Dr. Lisa Coons, Superintendent of Public Instruction
This week, Dr. Armstrong and I had the opportunity to attend the ACPS Pathway Expo in Alexandria at two of their high school campuses-King Street Campus and the A.C. Minnie Howard Campus. Through the division’s pathway and academy model, students have the opportunity to attend different campuses and pursue a career pathway that includes accelerate courses as well as technical training. Hampton City Schools also uses the academy model.
At the Pathways Expo last night, students and families explored labs, asked questions about coursework, and listened to students present their own experiences in each academy. I was truly impressed at the student stories around their academy pathways and the impact that their teachers and innovative program opportunities have provided. Every student talked about their talents, their knowledge, and how they were going to use those experiences in their post-secondary lives.
I am also very pleased to inform everyone that VDOE has received a final monitoring closure letter from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), officially closing out the corrective actions process that began in 2020. The Department has also received the highest designation given by OSEP – “Meets Requirements”- based off student outcomes and compliance data.
This positive closure report is testament to the hard work of VDOE’s Special Education Team, led by Dr. Samantha Hollins, in making sure that Virginia’s education programs best serve all children throughout the Commonwealth. I am also proud the VDOE is now recognized as a best practice model for other states in dispute resolution and using data driven decisions to improve their student outcomes.
As we head into the end of 2024, I hope that each of you can take some time and look back at all you have accomplished this year. I am thankful for all the work you do for Virginia's children.
-Lisa
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Professional Development & Training
WIDA Spring 2025 Professional Learning Opportunities for Virginia Educators
Article: 2024-48-514 Audience: Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Instructional Coaches Contact: Jo-el Cox, Coordinator of Multilingual Learner Instruction, Jo-el.Cox@doe.virginia.gov
As a member of the WIDA Consortium, Virginia educators have access to free professional learning opportunities that support the instruction of Multilingual Learners (MLs), including English Learners (ELs). This spring, there will be three virtual professional learning opportunities made available for classroom teachers who work with MLs, ELs, as well as instructional coaches. Professional learning opportunities are as follows:
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When Language and Disability Meet: Planning for Instruction to Support Dually Identified Students: This workshop is designed for K-12 educators who work with MLs who are dually identified for language and disability. Participants will explore principles of Universal Design Learning and think about shared responsibility and advocacy, when planning for multilingual learners who are dually identified for language and disability. Participants must register. Sessions will be held January 22, 2025, and February 4, 2025 (4-5:30 p.m.)
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WIDA Alternate ACCESS Score Reports: This webinar provides an overview of the WIDA Alternate ACCESS score reports, components of the reports, and how to interpret the reports. Participants must register. This session will be held February 11, 2025 (3-4:30 p.m.)
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WIDA ACCESS Score Reports for Instruction: This webinar provides an overview of the ACCESS for ELLs score reports for educators who have administered one of the ACCESS for ELLs assessments in grades K-12. Participants must register. This session will be held April 23, 2025 (3-4:30 p.m.)
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ALL In VA
Recommended Winter and Spring Timeline for ALL In Success with Lexia
Article: 2024-48-510 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals Contact: Dr. Michelle Wallace, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Michelle.Wallace@doe.virginia.gov
The VDOE and Lexia® are proud to partner to accelerate student literacy growth through ALL In. Please find the recommended timeline below for Winter-Spring 2025 which is aligned to Lexia Implementation Best Practices. Divisions are encouraged to take these steps to create success for ALL In teams and students. To schedule next steps, contact your Lexia Success Manager or vatutoring@lexialearning.com.
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Leaders assess first semester progress through a metrics review with their Lexia Success Manager to identify team needs and drive next steps.
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Site-based teams assess implementation with the Blended Learning Guide Reflection to share celebration and growth opportunities with leadership.
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Leaders leverage the above to set minimum student usage and progress expectations, map their 2025 implementation plan and schedule additional metrics reviews, professional learning, and office hours to drive student growth.
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Educators implement Lexia’s Adaptive Blended Learning Model with fidelity by:
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Setting minimum weekly student usage and unit expectations based on data.
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Conducting the five-minute check-in weekly to personalize learning and facilitate flagged Lexia Lessons® and Skill Builders®, which are marked as delivered.
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Strengthening application of myLexia reports and engaging in ongoing professional learning to monitor progress, inform groupings, partner with families, and further develop data routines and analysis (Core5 | PowerUp).
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Leaders assess progress through an EOY metrics review and use findings to inform next steps with their Lexia partners.
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Educators, students, and families reflect on progress, celebrate successes, and plan next steps for literacy growth.
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Teaching & Learning
Governor’s World Language Academies Student Selection
Article: 2024-48-513 Audience: School Principals, Teachers, World Language Supervisors Contact: Dr. Lisa Harris, World Languages Coordinator, Lisa.Harris@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education is seeking applications from individuals who are qualified and available to serve on the Governor's World Language Academies Student Selection Committee for the French, German, Spanish, Latin, and Japanese Academies. Applicants should be teachers, content specialists, or other educators who are knowledgeable about the Academies. Proficiency in the target language is preferred, but not required, to serve on the Committee.
All individuals who wish to serve on this committee, including those who have previously served, must submit an online application. The application will require a professional reference and school division approval. Completed applications are due to the VDOE by January 25, 2025. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all required parts of the application are completed by this date.
Committee meetings will be held March 12-14, 2025 in the Williamsburg or Richmond area to evaluate and score student applications. Selected participants will be required to be on site either in person or virtually for the duration of the committee meetings. The committees may convene virtually for some or all of the meetings. For in-person meetings, committee members will be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with state travel policy and guidelines.
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School Performance & Support
Join the School Social Work Community of Practice
Article: 2024-48-509 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Non-teaching staff, School Social Workers Contact: Alex Javna, School Social Work Specialist, Alexandra.Javna@doe.virginia.gov
The Office of Behavioral Health and Student Safety is hosting a School Social Work Community of Practice. These meetings will offer participants an opportunity to collaborate with other school social workers and share best practices. The School Social Work Community of Practice will meet virtually several times throughout the spring semester. If you are interested in participating, please complete the School Social Work Community of Practice Registration Form. For more information about school social work, please visit the School Social Work Services webpage or email Alexandra Javna, School Social Work Specialist at Alexandra.Javna@doe.virginia.gov.
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School Finance
Register for Federal Program Monitoring (Title II, Part A and Title IV, Part A) Webinars
Article: 2024-48-515 Audience: Superintendents, Federal Program Coordinators for Title II, Part A and Title IV, Part A Contact: Dr. Randall Johnson, Title II Coordinator, Randall.Johnson@doe.virginia.gov and Marsha Granderson, Title IV Coordinator, Marsha.Granderson@doe.virginia.gov
The Office of ESEA Programs is offering technical assistance to school divisions in preparation for federal program monitoring for the 2024-2025 academic year for the following programs: Title II, Part A, Preparing, Training & Recruiting High Quality Teachers & Principals and Title IV, Part A, Student Support and Academic Enrichments Grants.
Program specific webinars will be held according to the schedule below. School division federal program coordinators are encouraged to participate in the program-specific webinars, as applicable. The specialists for Title II, Part A and Title IV, Part A, will contact the school divisions being monitored this year to set up individual conference calls. School division federal program coordinators will be provided access to the monitoring documents on the Federal Program Monitoring website before the scheduled webinar dates.
The full five-year monitoring schedule is available on the Federal Program Monitoring webpage, please refer to Year Two (2024-2025).
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Wednesday, January 22, 2025
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Tuesday, January 21, 2025
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Register for Equitable Services for Private Schools Training
Article: 2024-48-511 Audience: Superintendents, Federal Program Coordinators for Title II, Part A and Title IV, Part A, Private School Officials Contact: Dr. Randall Johnson, Title II Coordinator and ESEA Ombudsman, Randall.Johnson@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education will offer a two-day training to provide technical assistance to school division and private school officials in understanding the equitable participation requirements for private school students, teachers, and other educational personnel in applicable ESEA programs. Day one will have repeating breakout sessions focusing on school division and private school requirements under sections 1117 and 8501 of ESEA. Day two will include sessions that focus on effective consultation, planning, fiscal management, and ombudsman communication. There will also be special Title I bypass transition sessions for the 14 school divisions currently serving students through equitable services bypass.
Equitable Services for Private Schools Training
Omni Charlottesville Hotel, 212 Ridge McIntire Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Division federal programs coordinators are encouraged to attend the training and invite participating private schools to receive information about equitable services provisions under ESEA. Please forward this information to all participating private school officials. Registration is available here. A finalized agenda with detailed session information will be emailed prior to the training. Registration must be completed before January 31, 2025.
The Virginia Department of Education will provide a working breakfast and lunch to all participants. Participants will need to cover lodging, transportation costs, and all other needs with local or Title funds. Parking is free.
Questions concerning the technical assistance training or equitable services should be directed to Dr. Randall Johnson at randall.johnson@doe.virginia.gov or (804) 750-8144.
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Early Childhood & Learning
VQB5 Classroom Lists – Parent Notification and Classroom List Deadline – due December 22
Article: 2024-48-517 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Child Care Center Operators, Teachers, Non-teaching staff Contact: Lucy Mitzner, Quality Improvement Specialist, Lucy.Mitzner@doe.virginia.gov
This fall, VQB5 site leaders must inform all parents/legal guardians about VQB5 and classroom lists. This means every parent/legal guardian should be aware that your site is participating in VQB5, and how child-level information gathered in classroom lists helps Virginia improve experiences for all infants, toddlers, and preschoolers across the state. The resources below are available to support site leaders with informing families about VQB5 and successful classroom list completion by December 22.
Fall local CLASS Observations for VQB5 – due December 22
Article: 2024-48-516 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Child Care Center Operators, Teachers, Non-teaching staff Contact: Lucy Mitzner, Quality Improvement Specialist, Lucy.Mitzner@doe.virginia.gov
This fall all VQB5 classrooms must complete a local CLASS observation coordinated by their Ready Region with scores entered and verified in LinkB5 by December 22. Once scores are verified, site leaders can access their local CLASS scores via the LinkB5 Reports.
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Special Education
Revisions in Special Education General Supervision and Monitoring from the United States Department of Education
Article: 2024-48-508 Audience: Superintendents, Directors Contact: Department of Special Populations and Board Operations, specialed.assistantsuperintendent.memo@doe.virginia.gov
The VDOE has revised its monitoring of special education to implement required actions from the Differentiated Monitoring and Support Report from the United States Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). The agency has established and will continue to implement general supervision and monitoring policies, procedures, and practices that are designed to ensure local educational agencies meet the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) program requirements.
The Virginia Board of Education has revised the Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia to ensure consistency with the requirements of the IDEA. Information regarding these revisions is available on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall. For additional information, including communication with OSEP and specific information on recent changes made, visit the VDOE Special Education webpage.
The VDOE requests that Superintendent’s Memo #005-24 be shared with members of education communities and local boards of education. For providers and organizations that make use of VDOE resources in these areas, the VDOE encourages review of these documents in full and requests updates to forms and guidance to ensure consistency in support for students with disabilities and their families.
VDOE Receives Final Monitoring Closure Letter from U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs
Article: 2024-48-507 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Child Care Center Operators, Teachers, Non-teaching staff
Last week, VDOE received a final monitoring closure letter from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs, officially closing out the corrective actions process that began in 2020 with a clear update and positive closure status report.
Virginia also received a “Meets Requirements” designation, the highest rating for improving outcomes for students with disabilities and for compliance with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, for the annual state determinations from OSEP under the U.S. Department of Education’s Differentiated Monitoring and Support system for special education.
“OSEP appreciates the State’s continued efforts to improve the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B and the development and implementation of a reasonably designed general supervision system which ensures compliance and improving results for students with disabilities. OSEP notes that having a consistent and transparent system for identifying and correcting noncompliance, particularly noncompliance that impacts the delivery of early intervention services, in accordance with individualized education programs (IEPs), and dispute resolution systems that protect the rights of parents, are essential elements to ensuring improved results for children and youth with disabilities.”
VDOE staff worked to not only be responsive throughout the targeted monitoring process which began in 2020 but have also served as a state exemplar in best practices related to monitoring and dispute. resolution, undertaking a comprehensive review of the state special education regulations to update and ensure alignment to federal requirements and guidance. Concurrently, VDOE managed a record number of dispute resolution calls, inquiries, and filings, while maintaining compliance, creating resources, and supporting the area of special education to the field. These supports include the Learning Library of Resources for Dispute Resolution, which provides training, videos, and other resources to aid in understanding special education laws and regulations as well as encouraging effective collaboration between parents and educators.
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Recognitions
Reminder: Nominations for the 2026 Mary V. Bicouvaris Teacher of the Year Program are due February 3
Article: 2024-48-512 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Child Care Center Operators, Teachers Contact: Christine Harris, Executive Director of Educator Partnerships, TeacheroftheYear@doe.virginia.gov
As shared in the August 29, 2024, Virginia Education Update newsletter, completed applications for the 2026 Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year must be submitted by Monday, February 3 at 4 p.m. using the 2026 Teacher of the Year Application portal. Virginia school division superintendents are invited to nominate one teacher for state-level recognition. The program recognizes all teachers in pre-kindergarten through grade 12, including library media specialists, school counselors, career and technical educators, mathematic specialists, and reading specialists, who hold a current renewable Virginia teaching license in the assigned teaching area.
The superintendent may designate one individual, such as their school division’s Teacher of the Year candidate, to complete the application. Please use your work email to create or log into the online portal. Completed applications must be submitted by Monday, February 3 by 4p.m. using the 2026 Teacher of the Year Application.
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Additional Information
The VA250 Mobile Museum: A Classroom on Wheels
Article: 2024-48-506 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals Contact: Christonya Brown, History and Social Science Coordinator, Christonya.Brown@doe.virginia.gov and Katherine Dabney, Senior Program Associate, VA250 Commission, KDabney@va250.virginia.gov
Get ready for a history lesson unlike any other! The VA250 Mobile Museum is coming soon to a middle school near you. This immersive, interactive experience will travel across Virginia, offering students a unique opportunity to explore key stories of the American Revolution. From the Eastern Shore to the mountains, students will discover the rich history of their own communities and understand how these events shaped our nation. Whether your school hosts the museum or you plan a field trip to visit it, students will engage with carefully curated exhibits that bring history to life. They'll have the chance to engage with artifacts, participate in hands-on activities, and learn about the important role they play in shaping the future of our democracy. Ready to book your school’s visit? Visit the VA250 website to learn more and schedule your visit.
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