We have spent a great deal of time and focus on learning recovery since our release of 2023 SOL data. As many of you implemented ALL In plans focused on attendance, literacy and learning recovery, we have started to see some improvement in our students’ recovery.  Last year’s SOL data showed that this approach is taking root and starting to raise up the performance of our K-8 students. However, the NAEP data release a few weeks ago reminds us that we still have work to do. I am proud of your focus on Grades 3 through 8, and we must continue to focus on removing attendance barriers, implementing the Virginia Literacy Act, and creating additional time and space for learning.  As we know last year’s 8th graders are in the middle of their Freshman year, and the 2024 NAEP results demonstrated that many of our students still need extra assistance to recover.   

With that in mind, last week I asked that you consider using your All In resources to help our high schoolers.  In partnership with Zearn, the state’s no-cost math personalized learning platform, we are pleased to offer the Zearn Math Intensive Series, a focused 4-to-6-week program to help students prepare for Algebra I.  The program is available for current 9th graders, as well as for rising 9th graders, and is great opportunity to help our high schoolers catch up and move ahead.    

Other important work is being accomplished throughout the Commonwealth to help students and think differently about time. Seat time flexibility and the four K-12 models help to create meaningful opportunities for students to use their time in way that best meets their individual needs. This week, we have added a video model of the blended course approach from Virginia Beach Public Schools. We want to extend a thank you to Virginia Beach for sharing their Bio-Fit course as another consideration for seat time flexibility. 

The Bio-Fit course combines biology and physical education in an interdisciplinary approach, offering students an opportunity to explore the connections between these two subjects. Co-teachers collaborate closely to design instruction emphasizing real-world applications that makes learning more relevant. The course encourages students to not only understand the content, but to also see its direct application to their daily lives. I highly recommend reviewing this video of Virginia Beach’s Bio-Fit course, which provides an insightful look into how seat time flexibility is being used within blended courses to create engaging, positive outcomes for students. 

Forest Hills Elementary School in Danville Public Schools is another strong model of how schools are embracing innovative approaches to enhance student success. At Forest Hills Elementary, there is a strong commitment to continuous improvement and an unwavering focus on putting students first. Superintendent Angela Hairston considers the importance of the focus in the school’s success: “As educators at Forest Hills, professional learning communities are at the heart of our commitment to student success. Through collaboration, sharing ideas, and challenging one another, we continue to grow as a team, ensuring that every student receives the support and encouragement they deserve.” 

The school shares that the strategic use of PLC’s is one of the key factors contributing to their success. These collaborative opportunities allow staff to analyze data, unpack standards, and address critical issues such as student attendance and student’s overall well-being. The dedicated team at Forest Hills uses high-quality instructional materials such as Lexia Core, iReady, and other HQIM to ensure academic rigor and accelerate learning for all students. 

The impact of these efforts is evident in Forest Hills' impressive performance on the School Performance and Support Framework, where the school scored 21.25 out of 22.5 in Reading, 21.41 out of 22.5 in Mathematics, and 9.93 out of 10 in Science. Additionally, the school achieved a Chronic Absenteeism score of 9.16/10, reflecting the commitment to student engagement. 

“We are a confident staff who believe our collaboration and commitment to hard work will have a positive impact on student growth,” says Principal James Kirkpatrick. At Forest Hills, the focus is on creating a culture of success and support for students, staff, and the entire school community. 

As we learn from the success of schools around the Commonwealth, innovative educational models and collaborative practices can truly make a difference. VDOE continues to support schools sharing examples that focus on providing every student with the tools, support, and opportunities they need to succeed and thrive.

-Lisa 

New resources to support English teaching and learning have been released and are located on the 2024 English Standards of Learning webpage. 

The K-12 English Instructional Guides provide support to English and literacy educators as they implement the 2024 English Standards of Learning.   

School division literacy leaders will receive an invitation to attend an overview webinar of the 2024 English Standards of Learning to be held on February 12, 2025, from 9:30-11 a.m. Teachers can register to attend an overview webinar of the 2024 English Standards of Learning to be held on February 12, 2025, from 4:30-6 p.m. Invitations will be sent to ELA contacts as designated in SSWS.   

Recordings and resources will be posted on the 2024 English Standards of Learning webpage as they become available.

The Opioid Abatement Education Program was developed to support K-12 teachers, school-based mental health professionals, school nurses, school resource officers, and administrators with instruction on delivering evidence-based opioid abatement education and prevention programming for students that supports the 2020 Health Standards of Learning. 

The use of the Botvin Lifeskills program in schools to support instruction on opioid misuse and prevention is free to school divisions. Stipends are available to educators who complete the training program and implement it in their schools.

For those interested in participating, additional information can be found on the Opioid Abatement Education Program webpage.

For more information, please contact the Opioid Abatement Program Manager, Nenneya Shields, by email at nenneya.shields@doe.virginia.gov or by telephone at 804-923-0926. 

On February 2, 2025, the Senate Finance and Appropriations and House Appropriations Committees adopted separate changes to the amended 2024-2026 biennial budget as introduced by Governor Youngkin. The budget recommendations of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee were adopted by the full membership of the Senate and the budget recommendations of the House Appropriations Committee were adopted separately by the full membership of the House of Delegates on February 6, 2025.  These amendments include: 

• Increases to support positions funded in Basic Aid 
• Additional funding to support special education students 
• Bonus payments based on SOQ-funded instructional and support positions in addition to the compensation supplement included in the budget (3%) 

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has developed a distribution summary spreadsheet based on amendments adopted separately by the Senate and the House of Delegates.  This document can be accessed from the VDOE website. 

VDOE will provide additional information during the General Assembly session as changes to the estimated Direct Aid payments occur. After the conclusion of the General Assembly session, VDOE will publish a calculation template pursuant to §22.1-93 of the Code of Virginia.  

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.   

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!