On Wednesday, National Center for Educational Statistics released the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results. The results show that Virginia, like the nation, saw improvements in Grade 4 math, no change in Grade 4 reading, and declines in Grade 8 reading and math scores. These findings align with our recent Standards of Learning assessments, which indicate learning loss is plateauing with signs of recovery, especially among Grade 4 students and English Language Learners, economically disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities. As a reminder, NAEP was given during the winter of 2024.  

Governor Youngkin noted at Wednesday’s press conference how vital your learning recovery efforts are and the importance of your work on your ALL In plans. It is critical that schools continue high-intensity tutoring, implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act, and using the math and reading support platforms such as Zearn, Lexia, and Ignite. Additionally, school leaders need to continue to focus on efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism and ensure that students have a Cell Phone-Free Education.  

Our ALL In recovery efforts are working to help students catch up, but the data shows that our students in middle school and those now in their first years of high school were especially hard hit and have been much slower to recover from their pandemic learning loss.  As you look to continue your ALL In efforts in the year ahead, we are asking that you look at opportunities to extend your Grade 3-8 supports for at-risk high school students. The department will be providing additional information and resources over the next three weeks.  

The students who entered high school this year were in fourth and fifth grade during the pandemic, missing in-person instruction at these critical development stages, and we want to help you make sure they are getting the supports they need to recover. 

As we consider strategies for supporting students across all grade levels, I’d like to spotlight the impactful work happening at Deer Park Elementary in Newport News Public Schools. At Deer Park, hands-on learning experiences play a pivotal role in the school’s success. The school consistently demonstrates strong performance in Reading, Math, and Science, with students deeply engaged in problem-solving activities. This achievement is fueled by dynamic partnerships with local organizations and the seamless integration of STEM-based inquiry into the curriculum. 

Newport News Superintendent Michele Mitchell proudly shares, “Deer Park’s success is a testament to the collective efforts of our students, families, and staff. Through hands-on learning and strong academic supports, we empower students to reach their full potential and become leaders in their communities.”   

The focus on academic supports is reflected in the school’s impressive performance, as evidenced by the School Performance and Support Framework Overall Score of 98.8, with 21.78 out of 22.5 in Reading, 22.73 out of 22.5 in Mathematics, and 10.97 out of 10 in Science. In terms of growth, Deer Park scored 16.11 in Reading and 18.25 in Mathematics. The school also achieved a Chronic Absenteeism score of 8.94/10.   

Principal Scott Meadows attributes their success to his staff and community: “Our students thrive in an engaging learning environment that encourages critical thinking and innovation, supported by dedicated educators and a strong school community.” The staff's dedication to personalized learning is reinforced by programs like Lexia and district tutoring initiatives. A strong emphasis on community involvement and family engagement ensures that learning extends far beyond the classroom. Students actively apply their reading and math skills through hands-on experiences, such as growing food for the school’s animals and participating in habitat enhancement projects. In partnership with the Elizabeth River Project, the school has seamlessly integrated multiple subject areas into environmental efforts, including recycling and energy conservation. 

Like Deer Park Elementary, our schools are working hard to help their students recover. The data shows that we’re making progress, but we have a lot more work to do. We welcome the opportunity to ensure that every student has the resources and supports they need to succeed and reach their full potential. 

The VDOE Department of Special Populations continues to offer support in implementing the Virginia Literacy Act. The VDOE Office of Instructional Services is inviting up to 150 general education and special education teachers to participate in a no-cost professional development to address the needs of students who struggle with reading. Applicants must be current teachers, Grades 4-12, who work with students at least 60% of the day, preferably in special education. Teachers are encouraged, but not required, to register with a teaching partner from their school or division to maximize learning and application across classrooms. 

Teachers who are interested in participating should complete the Application: Lexia Aspire Professional Learning Series by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 21, 2025. Selected teachers will be notified by February 28, 2025, and provided instructional materials needed for implementation. Participants are expected to complete all Lexia Aspire learning modules no later than Friday, June 27, 2025, and will receive a certificate of completion for 30 professional learning hours towards recertification. Participants will also receive an invitation to attend a follow-up Community of Practice event hosted by special education literacy specialists from regional Training and Technical Assistance Centers. 

The Office of Career and Technical Education is seeking CTE Competitive Innovative Program Equipment Grant Applications from interested school divisions and CTE Regional Centers. We will award 16 competitive grants for $37,500 each. Priority will be given to state-identified challenged schools, the Governor’s STEM Academies, and the Governor’s Health Sciences Academies.  

The CTE Competitive Innovative Program Equipment Grant Application is due to the Virginia Department of Education by 5 p.m. on March 7, 2025. The completed application should not exceed five pages— consisting of contact information, a one-to-two-page abstract, proposed budget, and the signed statement of assurance. 

The General Assembly allocated $600,000 for state fiscal year 2025 to update career and technical education  equipment to industry standards. The appropriation provides for competitive innovative program equipment grants for high-demand and fast-growth industry sectors based on data from the Virginia Office of Education Economics. 

As our nation celebrates Black History Month, the Virginia Department of Education has provided school divisions with resources that honor the achievements and contributions of African Americans, recognizing their vital role in shaping America's history and culture.  

Local school divisions are encouraged to create and implement instructional and community programs that highlight Black history through an interdisciplinary approach, fostering inclusive, year-round lesson plans. To deepen understanding and promote meaningful connections, instruction should engage students, teachers, parents, and the broader community. The following resources are available to support local school divisions in enhancing their curriculum and instructional programming: 

• The National Museum of African American History and Culture 
• National resources including collaborative projects such as February is Black History Month and the National Archives: Black History 
• Home – African American Research at the Library of Virginia to 1870 – Research Guides & Indexes at The Library of Virginia (libguides.com)  
• Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia 
• eMediaVA: African American History Video Series Collection   

George Washington Day, sometimes called Presidents’ Day, gives Americans the opportunity to honor George Washington and the fascinating history of the American presidency and the contributions of the men who have led the country in that role. Resources outlined below provide schools with an opportunity to explore and expand upon content in the History and Social Science Standards of Learning.   

• Presidents Day | USCIS 
• George Washington's Birthday or Presidents Day? | George Washington's Mount Vernon 
• Presidential Homes of Virginia: Montpelier, Monticello, and Mount Vernon - Montpelier 
• Washington’s Birthday (Presidents Day) | National Archives 
• Presidential Libraries and Museums of the National Archives | National Archives 

In alignment with the approved budget language regarding National Board Certification, the Virginia Department of Education  is requesting school divisions submit data for all public school staff members who have an active national certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. School divisions will be asked to verify that these individuals were employed by a Virginia school division as of September 30, 2024.    

The Virginia Board of Education decided to prioritize funding to classroom teachers at their December 2024 Board meeting. As a result of this decision, VDOE previously requested school divisions to submit only classroom teacher names who held an active National Board Certification as of September 30, 2024, during the December data collection which informed the Division Awards released on January 9, 2025.  

The VDOE revised the data collection application in the Single Sign-On for Web Services system to allow school divisions to submit all public school staff members who held an active National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The new application asks school division personnel to identify an individual’s role within the school division, such as classroom teacher, administrator, or central office. It is important to note that submitting an individual’s name for the data collection does not guarantee funding.  

The 2024 – 25 supplemental data collection should be submitted by Friday, February 14, 2024, through the SSWS system. All previously submitted data will be saved in the system with a default of “classroom teacher” assigned to those individuals. Note that all school divisions need to submit a verification report to the VDOE even if they do not employ any individuals eligible to receive the incentive award. In this case, indicate on the verification report that: “No eligible individuals are employed; therefore, none are reported for this collection cycle.” If a school division inadvertently left off a teacher from the December data collection or added individuals who were later discovered not to be eligible, they should take this opportunity to correct that data as well.  

Moving forward, VDOE will only collect this data once a year now.

As we approach the end of the fiscal year, it is important to ensure that you are maintaining financial management and compliance as it relates to all funds including federal grant funds with reimbursement requests being submitted through OMEGA. School divisions are encouraged to submit your grant reimbursement requests at least monthly.  

Following these best practices helps improve the chances of a successful reimbursement process and supports financial health.   

If you need support with OMEGA please email OMEGASupport@doe.virginia.gov. If you have any questions related to your federally issued grants, please contact the individual grant program offices for support.   

Thank you to the superintendents and school leaders for joining us and sharing your division’s important story of hard work, innovation, and success – you are truly making a difference. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin has designated February 2025 as Career and Technical Education Month in the Commonwealth. Across the nation, Career and Technical Education is celebrated in February to recognize the achievements and accomplishments of CTE programs.  Its theme for 2025, “Celebrate Today, Own Tomorrow!,” provides Virginia schools an opportunity to showcase success stories of excellence and communicate the crucial role that CTE plays in preparing a highly skilled workforce for Virginia’s economy. Please refer to the Governor’s Proclamation for Career and Technical Education Month for more information.  

For more information on CTE Month, visit the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) website.

National School Counseling Week is February 3-7, 2025, and this annual observance honors the significant impact that school counselors have as mental health professionals in our schools. Virginia’s professional school counselors are deeply dedicated to helping students reach their full potential, with comprehensive school counseling programs that play a key role in fostering academic, career, and life skills development. 

As mental health professionals, school counselors collaborate with school staff, families, and community partners to cultivate a school environment that supports healthy learning, growth, and well-being. Virginia’s commitment to the vital work of school counselors is reflected in the state’s requirement that counselors spend 80% of their time delivering direct counseling services to students. 

Do you know an outstanding school counselor? The nomination period for the Virginia School Counselor Association Counselor of the Year is now open! 

The deadline for the 2026 Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year applications is quickly approaching—due by February 3. Superintendents (or designee) are encouraged to nominate one teacher for state-level recognition through the online 2026 Teacher of the Year Application portal. The superintendent (or designee) and the selected division teacher have the opportunity to collaborate within the SM_Apply application. The teacher will need to electronically sign the application, provide three references, and send an email via SM_APPLY to their superintendent and principal for selection confirmation. Completed applications are due by February 3 at 4 p.m.  

Visit the VDOE Educator Awards and Recognition webpage for more information and send questions to TeacheroftheYear@doe.virginia.gov.