|
|
View this message online
 #2025-20 | Update for May 23, 2025
This Week's To-Dos:
Meeting Workforce Needs:
This Week's Articles:
|
|
Virginia Board of Education
May 21-22 Meeting Recap
Top 5 Things to Know from this Week’s Board of Education Meeting:
- Unanimous support for Seat Time Flexibility Notice form and guide! Dig in here.
- NEW pathways to get more special education teachers into our classrooms plus a deep-dive on divisions’ use of iTeach to help meet talent pipeline needs.
- Unanimous adoption of high-quality work-based learning in the 3E Readiness Indicator in our School Performance & Support Framework.
- ON DECK: The Internet Safety Model Policy has been revised to incorporate AI components. Final review will be June 18 so now is the time to provide feedback!
- CATCH UP: The Board received robust updates on standards implementation efforts about English Language Arts and the Virginia Literacy Act, History Social Sciences, Math, Science (mainly focused on next steps for high school courses), Computer Science & AI, and Advanced Learning. Presentations are here which include notes on what’s underway for this summer and fall!
|
|
Superintendent's Message
A Promise Still Awaiting Fulfillment
In the week of the anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education, we remember the landmark Supreme Court decision that rightly declared separate educational facilities “inherently unequal.” That ruling was a moral and constitutional breakthrough.
I had the opportunity to attend an event by Virginians for Reconciliation featuring 7 Virginia governors and while immense progress has been made in education thanks to their leadership, educators, and focus on students, it remains clear we have still fallen short of the promise made in the 1954 ruling.
While the legal barrier of segregation is gone, an invisible wall remains: one built by ZIP codes, housing prices, attendance zones, and bureaucratic red tape. Today, a child’s educational opportunity is still largely dictated more by their address and family’s socioeconomic status. As Derrell Bradford of 50CAN has said, “You couldn’t design a less equitable system than by using school assignment zones and then layering them on housing zones to ensure that students will go to specific schools.” It’s not enough to talk about fairness while denying families the ability to choose the best path for their child.
Some school divisions in Virginia are leading by example. Principals and division leaders along with their governing boards are supporting innovative student-centered public models, creating options that serve the needs and learning styles of all their students, eliminating transportation barriers to help every household access new or alternative public school models that work for their child, and enabling families to opt into a model outside of their neighborhood attendance zone. They are showing that when families are empowered with public options, student outcomes improve, and communities thrive. Unfortunately, others continue to maintain one-size-fits-all models, hold strong to restrictive zoning boundaries, and some even charge tuition for coveted open public school seats that leave many kids – especially economically disadvantaged kids – behind.
Public schools should be available to all. This is not a left or right issue. It’s a justice issue. It’s time we move closer to the spirit of Brown: opportunity available to all.
While legislative efforts by both Republicans and Democrats over the last two years have failed to advance, we have seen new interest in policy changes to eliminate tuition for families to access open public school seats, require open enrollment policies for military families, and to establish best practices and model open enrollment policies by the Board of Education. I remain hopeful that more education stakeholders in the Commonwealth will embrace some of the best practices for out-of-zone and open enrollment, widely accepted and used in blue, purple, and red states, that could truly level the playing field for every public school student in the Commonwealth.
As we all head out for the three-day weekend, please take a moment to reflect and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country to protect these freedoms I write about today. We owe them our present and our future.
Lastly, for our leaders seeking resources to support innovation, best practices, and readiness, I encourage you to access opportunities in this newsletter to apply for grant dollars with looming deadlines. It's a busy time but I don't want you to miss these opportunities made possible by our state leaders.
|
|
Highlights
News from Across the Commonwealth
Dr. Beth Ackerman is a fantastic addition to our Board of Education, bringing years of executive leadership, teaching experience, and extensive knowledge of special education to support kids. Welcome Dr. Ackerman! |
|
 |
 |
|
The Turner Ashby Chamber Choir, under the direction of Mr. Ian Dively performed at the State Board of Education's business meeting on Thursday. A Blue Ribbon-awarded music program, the Turner Ashby Chamber Choir meets before school, allowing students to participate in additional fine arts programs and other academic courses. |
This past year, members of the group were selected for the Summer Residential Governor's School for Visual & Performing Arts and Humanities, Virginia Choral Directors Association District 5 Honor Choir, All-Virginia Senior Honor Choir, All-Virginia State Choir, and the Virginia Thespian Festival’s All-State Musical production of “A Chorus Line.” Mr. Dively was also selected as the music director for the All-State Musical Production. The Turner Ashby Chamber Choir has been invited to perform as part of the 2026 National Concert Chorus at Carnegie Hall.
Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) has launched an exciting new partnership with Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) to launch a Governor’s Health Sciences Academy (GHSA) in the 2025-26 school year. This collaboration will expand opportunities for students through dual enrollment, industry certifications, and pathways to associate degrees in growing healthcare fields.
|
 |
|
Last week was National Charter Schools Week! VDOE is celebrating by spotlighting some of our own public charter schools across the Commonwealth such as Middleburg Community Charter School- where curiosity, creativity, and community come together to inspire tomorrow's innovators! |
Congratulations to Director Kyle Mendez and the Franklin Military Academy from Richmond Public Schools for their beautiful performance at the Virginia State Teacher of the Year event. An inspiring performance and evening meeting the State Superintendent Emily Anne Gullickson, 2026 Teacher of the Year, Matthew Neale, and Governor Glenn Youngkin. |
|
 |
|
|
Recognitions
2025 Military Signing Day
Article: 2025-20-263
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Child Care Center Operators, Teachers, Non-teaching staff
Contact: Dan Dunham, Military Student and Families Specialist, Dan.Dunham@doe.virginia.gov
The central Virginia 2025 Military Signing Day was held on May 16, 2025 at the Virginia War memorial to honor the commitment to enlist being made by 162 students from across central Virginia. In 2020 The Virginia Department of Education along with the Virginia Secretary of Defense and Veterans affairs began to work jointly on hosting an annual Military Signing Day and took up the mantle to encourage localities across the Commonwealth to hold similar events. Superintendent Gullickson provided keynote remarks. She was joined by Major General David J. Sanford, Director of Logistics Operations and Commander of Joint Regional Combat Support for the Defense Logistics Agency. Over 500 guests and student enlistees were in attendance. Those gathered enjoyed refreshments provided by Uncle Jim’s Dress Blue BBQ, performances by the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard and the Fleet Forces Band, the National Anthem sung by Mrs. Hedi Taylor, and the parading of Colors by the James River High School JROTC color guard.
During her remarks Superintendent Gullickson conveyed Virginia’s excellent role of supporting military connected students and their families and shared appreciation of the noble commitment being made by the students on behalf of the Commonwealth from Governor Youngkin and members of his cabinet.
Mr. Ben King, master of ceremonies and War Memorial Operations Director shared the following observations, “Virginia War Memorial is deeply honored to host this year’s Military Signing Day. What a powerful gathering to recognize the brave young Virginians. This ceremony is both a celebration of their future and a reaffirmation of our shared national legacy.”
|
|
|
Meeting Workforce Needs
“Before, During, and After Crisis Management” Training Opportunity
Article: 2025-20-268
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Childcare Center Operators, Teachers, Non-teaching staff, Crisis Management Team Members
Contact: Center for School and Campus Safety and Crisis Management Supervisor, Shellie Evers, Shellie.Evers@dcjs.virginia.gov, (804) 629-7042
Provided by the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety, this training offers division and school administrators, emergency managers, crisis team members, and school security staff unique opportunities to collaborate with first responders and subject matter experts to enhance existing plans just in time for the August 31 annual Crisis Management Plan certification and the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.
Attendees will gain a unified understanding of current best practices, implications of new legislation, and develop the tools needed to address questions that may arise when discussing potential crises in schools.
Three opportunities are offered to participate:
-
June 2, 2025: King William High School, 80 Cavalier Drive, King William, VA 23086
-
June 3, 2025: Petersburg High School, 3101 Johnson Road, Petersburg, VA 23805
-
June 4, 2025: Russell County Government Center, 139 Highland Dr, Lebanon, VA 24266
VDOE Fine Arts Summer Professional Learning
Article: 2025-20-267
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals
Contact: Kelly Bisogno, Fine Arts Coordinator, Kelly.Bisogno@doe.virginia.gov
Webinar sessions provide relevant and accessible professional learning for Virginia’s fine arts educators related to implementation of the Fine Arts Standards of Learning and content of newly released Instructional Guides. Sessions are intended to support both new and returning fine arts educators and leaders in preparing for the 2025-2026 school year. Sessions will be offered live and will be recorded. Recorded sessions are posted to the VDOE website.
Educators and leaders who attend the live session and complete an exit survey will be sent a certificate of participation for one hour of professional learning. Certificates will not be offered by VDOE for viewing recorded sessions.
Advanced registration is required for each event. Click the event date to register and for the webinar description.
-
VDOE Fine Arts and Blue Ridge PBS Virginia Visual Arts Media Series and Instructional Resources - July 17, 2025, from 10-11 a.m.
-
VDOE Fine Arts Instructional Guide Overviews for Educators
-
Elementary Music - July 24, 2025, from 10-11 a.m.
-
Elementary Visual Arts - July 25, 2025, from 10-11 a.m.
-
Instrumental Music - July 28, 2025, from 10-11 a.m.
-
Secondary Visual Arts - July 29, 2025, from 10-11 a.m.
-
Theatre Arts - July 30, 2025, from 10-11 a.m.
-
Dance Arts - July 31, 2025, from 10-11 a.m.
Additional summer 2025 professional learning dates will be communicated to the field through upcoming Virginia Education Update Newsletters.
English Professional Learning Webinars for Division Leaders and Teachers
Article: 2025-20-266
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Reading Specialists
Contact: Jill Nogueras, Associate Director of English Literacy K-12, Jill.Nogueras@doe.virginia.gov
The Office of English is pleased to announce professional learning to support the implementation of the 2024 English Standards of Learning. Registration is required in advance for all sessions. We are excited to announce the first two sessions of the summer:
This targeted learning is for K-5 classroom teachers, division leaders, building administrators, reading specialists, and literacy coaches. This three-part series will provide interactive opportunities for educators to address the progression and rigor outlined in the 2024 English Standards of Learning for Kindergarten through Grade 5. It will also support educators in reviewing and analyzing student data to determine areas of strength and opportunities for growth and highlight the importance of student practice in foundational skills instruction. These sessions will be offered in grade bands. When registering, please select the grade bands you would like to attend.
-
Registration Link - Part 1: Grade Level Expectations for the Foundation for Reading and Foundations for Writing Standards: Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Purposeful Planning Meetings
This targeted learning is divided into elementary and secondary English-focused sessions for division leaders, building administrators, reading specialists, and literacy coaches. This three-part series will offer interactive opportunities for coaches and leaders to examine their division-adopted HQIM and/or grade-level texts to develop planning structures that support alignment with grade-level expectations in the 2024 English Standards of Learning. Purposeful planning meetings will support teachers, build educator capacity, and impact student achievement.
-
Registration Link - Part 1: Purposeful Planning Structures: Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Additional professional learning topics and session dates are provided on the registration form and will be announced in upcoming Virginia Education Update newsletters.
Dual Language Immersion Summer Leadership Institute – Registration Open!
Article: 2025-20-265
Audience: Division Curriculum Supervisors, School Administrators and Instructional Leaders, World Language and English Learner Supervisors, Title III Coordinators, World Language and English Learner Lead Teachers
Contact: Dr. Lisa Harris, Coordinator of World Languages, Lisa.Harris@doe.virginia.gov and Jo-el Cox, Coordinator of English Learner Instruction, Jo-el.Cox@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Dual Language Educator Network (VADLEN) will host the Dual Language Immersion Leadership Institute on Thursday, July 31, 2025, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Willow Oaks Office Complex in Fairfax, VA. This full-day professional learning event, themed Voices of Leadership: Elevating Dual Language Immersion in Virginia, is specifically designed for central office supervisors, division leaders, and school-based administrators who are leading or supporting Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs across the Commonwealth.
The institute offers a timely opportunity for education leaders to deepen their understanding of effective program models, assess readiness, and plan strategically for sustainable program implementation and growth. Sessions will address critical leadership topics such as staffing and recruitment, stakeholder engagement, program evaluation, policy alignment, and instructional leadership within multilingual learning contexts.
Participants will engage in facilitated discussions, hear implementation case studies from Virginia divisions, and collaborate with colleagues to build a stronger statewide community of practice. The institute also provides space for attendees to share challenges and solutions related to scheduling, funding, and assessment in DLI settings. Whether planning to launch a new DLI initiative or refine an existing one, this institute is designed to support leaders in making informed decisions that align with both state guidance and local goals. The $45 registration fee, which goes to VADLEN for the registration, includes lunch and access to all sessions and resources.
Register here by June 20, 2025.
Developing Skilled Readers and Building Reading Stamina (DSR) Webinar Recordings Posted
Article: 2025-20-264
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Reading Specialists
Contact: Jill Nogueras, Associate Director of English Literacy K-12, Jill.Nogueras@doe.virginia.gov
As indicated in Education Update Article 2025-10-101, the English Office hosted live webinars that explored how the DSR standards are met through content-rich texts read by students. Participants in these webinars learned grade-level expectations for students to fluently read complex texts, purposefully gather textual evidence from a variety of texts and genres to support claims, conclusions, and inferences, and understand how intentionally selected texts provide opportunities for students to read widely about a topic to gain knowledge and expand their vocabulary. As indicated, the webinar series was recorded to be publicly posted. Grade-band specific recordings can be found below:
|
|
ALL In VA
Planning for Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) 4-8 Implementation
Article: 2025-20-262
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals
Contact: Jill Nogueras, Associate Director of K-12 English & Literacy, Jill.Nogueras@doe.virginia.gov
As divisions are planning for the 2025-2026 school year, and year two of VLA implementation to include the legislative expansion through grade eight, the Virginia Department of Education will continue to provide updates regarding pertinent information for Grades 4-8. As additional decisions are made, information will be shared with the field.
To date, the following information can be utilized by divisions to plan for VLA 4-8 implementation:
- Students who score in the basic or below basic range on the end of year Standards of Learning assessment for reading (grades 3-7 in the current school year) will be screened using the VALLSS 4-8 screener in the fall of the following school year. These students will also have individual student reading plans to support their literacy intervention and development.
- Teachers may administer VALLSS: 4-8 to students who are not required to participate. The decision to administer VALLSS: 4-8 to students who are not required to participate will be a school level decision. Parents may also request that their child be screened, regardless of the student’s SOL score.
- In grades 4-8, local school divisions may determine how schools meet the additional instruction time for intervention. There is not a time requirement for intervention instruction as there is with grades kindergarten through grade three through the Early Intervention Reading Initiative. Local intervention decisions will depend on the master schedule, staffing, resources available, and individual student’s needs. School divisions have flexibility and can use a combination of any of the options included below to ensure that students receive literacy intervention. This is an opportunity for middle school grade level teams to collaborate and determine the best interventions and supports for students. Intervention may include the following services for the student:
- instruction from a reading specialist, trained aide, computer-based reading tutorial program, or classroom teacher with support from an aide,
- extended instructional time in the school day or school year,
- an additional literacy course, outside of the required SOL English course, that provides the specific evidence-based literacy instruction identified in the student's reading plan (optional for grades 6-8).
- Intervention materials for grades K-8 must be selected from the Board Approved Intervention List for K-5 and the Board Approved Intervention List for Grades 6-8.
- Any student who receives intervention services will require a Student Reading Plan (SRP). The SRP for grades 4-8 is currently in development, however, like the SRP template for grades K-3, the plan will target the specific needs of the student.
- A reading specialist, in collaboration with the teacher of any student who receives reading intervention services, shall develop, oversee implementation of, and monitor student progress on a student reading plan. School divisions may employ certified reading specialists or educators who have successfully completed the Reading Specialist microcredential course and received the add-on endorsement. Any add-on endorsement that results from completion of such microcredential program shall be provisional for a period of five years.
- Reading specialists are SOQ funded. Division literacy leaders should collaborate with division finance personnel to determine how many reading specialists are allocated at the secondary level to meet the 1:1100 requirement of the Virginia Literacy Act.
- Local school divisions may establish additional communication and protocols regarding division-level decisions around participation in the VALLSS Screener, Student Reading Plan, or intervention services. Parents may opt their student out of these services.
- Updated Biennial Division Literacy Plans are due June 30, 2025. Divisions will need to identify selected supplemental and intervention materials for Grade 6-8. Additionally, divisions will update their plans to include communication planning, training, monitoring student progress, assessing division level progress, and engaging parents, caregivers, and community in grades K-8.
Divisions should send any questions to vla@doe.virginia.gov for consideration and to share as more information as it becomes available.
Lexia Professional Learning to Drive Student Growth
Article: 2025-20-261
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
Contact:Dr. Michelle Wallace, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Michelle.Wallace@doe.virginia.gov
As the 2024–2025 school year comes to a close, ALL-In educators are invited to opt into flexible professional learning opportunities to prepare for summer school and strengthen EOY myLexia data routines to ensure all stakeholders are equipped with timely, efficient, and meaningful next steps. Throughout the end of May, parts 1-3 of our ongoing series prepare new-to-Lexia educators for implementation and parts 4 and 5 focus on class and student-level data routines, allowing educators to reflect on student progress; make connections between myLexia data, resources, and SOL alignment; and identify reports to share with students’ families. Detailed session descriptions are below. For additional information or to get connected with your Lexia Success Manager, contact vatutoring@lexialearning.com or visit the ALL in with Lexia Landing Page.
|
|
School Finance
Apply Now for an Innovation Grant – Proposal Deadline June 1
Article: 2025-20-269
Audience: Superintendents
Contact: Sofia McDaniel, Senior Innovation Policy Analyst, Sofia.McDaniel@doe.virginia.gov
VDOE is opening general interest proposals for competitive grants to support systemic innovation in Elementary, Middle, and High School programs. Chapter 725 of the 2025 Acts of Assembly allocates $500,000 for the first year and $500,000 for the second year for grants of up to $50,000 each which will be awarded to individual school divisions or consortia of divisions.
These grants aim to support the planning or implementation of innovative school programs that engage students through personalized learning, promote career readiness, and focus on mastery of content. Successful proposals should include:
- Student-centered learning with progress based on demonstrated proficiency.
- Real-world connections aligned with community workforce needs and transitions to college/career.
- Innovative models for educator supports and staffing.
Interested applicants must submit a general interest proposal. Upon submission, VDOE staff will contact applicants for a follow up consultation.
Applications are open and due by June 1. The application is linked herein.
Middle School Mathematics Acceleration Grant Webinar
Article: 2025-20-271
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals
Contact: Amanda Nevetral, Director, Office of Advanced Learning, Amanda.Nevetral@doe.virginia.gov; Victoria Bohidar, Mathematics Coordinator, Victoria.Bohidar@doe.virginia.gov
In August 2024, the Board of Education passed the School Support and Performance Framework which includes provisions for accelerated mathematics pathways in middle school. In April 2025, the passage of HB2686 by the General Assembly solidified Virginia as a national leader in advancing eligible students in accelerated mathematics coursework using automatic enrollment and other means of eligibility.
The 2025 General Assembly appropriated funds to provide grants to support expanded access to online advanced math programming and expanded math experts through innovative math teacher credentialing options. This expansion may include funding for students to enroll in Virtual Virginia, teachers to engage with professional learning or college courses focused on advanced coursework and higher-level mathematics endorsements, the development of compacted curriculum, and salary support needed to provide teachers to teach accelerated middle school curriculum or advanced mathematics coursework in high school. Other innovative strategies are encouraged and may be included in the grant application.
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is inviting stakeholders to take part in the Middle School Mathematics Acceleration Grant Webinar. The webinar will take place at 9 a.m. on May 29, 2025. Applications for school divisions to apply for these funds will be released after the webinar and will be due June 12, 2025.
Provisions to Carryover State Funds from FY 2025 to FY 2026
Article: 2025-20-260
Audience: Superintendents, School Finance Staff
Contact: Ed Lanza, Director of Budget, Edward.Lanza@doe.virginia.gov
Section 22.1-100, Code of Virginia, requires school divisions to return unexpended state funds to the Commonwealth at the close of each fiscal year. Chapter 725, 2025 General Assembly, overrides this Code section and permits school divisions that have met required local effort and required local match for fiscal year 2025 to carry forward to fiscal year 2026 any remaining state Direct Aid fund balances that are unexpended as of June 30, 2025.
This language permits school divisions to use carry forward funds to address any revenue shortfall related adjustments in state funding to the locality, regardless of the original purpose of such funds. The adopted language requires the state carry forward funds to be reappropriated by the local governing body to the school division’s budget for fiscal year 2026.
This provision does not alter the existing requirement that school divisions must spend the fiscal year 2025 required local effort and required local match amounts before the end of fiscal year 2025, which ends on June 30, 2025.
Chapter 725 also encourages certain local funds to be carried over into fiscal year 2026 pursuant to the following language (Item 125 B.23.). To be eligible to carry forward any local fund balances from fiscal year 2025 to fiscal year 2026, school divisions must meet their required local effort and required local match expenditure obligations in fiscal year 2025.
Chapter 725 provides separate carry forward authority (Item 125 C.5.f.4) for the Textbooks account. A school division must first meet all required local effort and required local match obligations in the current fiscal year prior to carrying forward any portion of its state or local funds for Textbooks to the next fiscal year. If a division meets these requirements without spending all or a portion of its local matching funds for Textbooks, then the division is permitted to carry forward both the state and local shares of Textbooks funding.
Preliminary IDEA Funding Allocations for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2025
Article: 2025-20-259
Audience: Superintendents, Division Finance and Special Education Staff
Contact: Shalonda Lewis, Special Education Financial Data Specialist, Shalonda.Lewis@doe.virginia.gov
The VDOE recently received preliminary Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding allocations for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2025 from the United States Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs.
Virginia’s IDEA Part B Section 611 flow-through grant award decreased by $532,456, or 0.18 percent reduction, from FFY 2024 to FFY 2025. The IDEA Part B Section 619 flow-through grant award was level funded and remains unchanged from FFY 2024 to FFY 2025. This information may not reflect the final FFY 2024 IDEA funding allocations.
The VDOE will release the final allocations after the final FFY 2025 grant award notification is received from the USED. The Preliminary Section 611 Flow-Through Subgrant Awards Allocation and the Preliminary Section 619 Preschool Subgrant Awards Allocation documents will be sent via email by Dr. Samantha Marsh Hollins, Associate Superintendent of Special Populations and Board Operations.
For questions regarding the preliminary IDEA funding allocations for FFY 2025, please contact Shalonda Lewis, Special Education Financial Data Specialist, at (804) 774-4279 or Shalonda.Lewis@doe.virginia.gov; or Tracie L. Coleman, Director of Special Education Finance and Budget, at (804) 750-8652 or Tracie.Coleman@doe.virginia.gov.
|
|
Early Childhood & Learning
VQB5 End of Year Action Items – due May 31
Article: 2025-20-270
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Child Care Center Operators, Teachers, Non-teaching staff
Contact: Lucy Mitzner, Quality Improvement Specialist, Lucy.Mitzner@doe.virginia.gov
1) Complete and Verify Required Local Observations - The spring local observation window ends on May 31. Site administrators must make sure that all local CLASS observation scores are entered and verified in LinkB5 the end of the window.
-
Note: Since May 31 falls on a weekend this year, verification in LinkB5 will be accepted through Monday, June 2 this year.
2) Update Curriculum Use – If you would like to update your site’s curriculum use information, please make sure to do so in LinkB5 by June 2.
Migration of VALLSS, VKRP, and LinkB5 into Virginia Connects for Kids (VAConnects)
Article: 2025-20-258
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Child Care Center Operators, Teachers
Contact:
Virginia Connects for Kids (VAConnects) is an integrated data system that brings together three state data collection systems, Virginia Language & Literacy Screening System (VALLSS), the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP), and LinkB5. VAConnects is managed by the University of Virginia’s School of Education and Human Development and funded by the Virginia Department of Education.
VAConnects was launched in the 2024-2025 academic year; educators in every division have been using VAConnects for data entry and reporting for VALLSS. Next academic year (2025-2026) the system will expand to include VKRP and LinkB5 in one platform with a one-stop log-in for all three systems.
VAConnects will serve as the integrated platform for:
-
VALLSS: PreK, VALLSS: K-3, and VALLSS: 4-8, created by Virginia Literacy Partnerships, provide language and literacy screening and resources.
-
VKRP (Pre-K through K) provides assessments of mathematics, self-regulation, social skills, and mental health well-being to complement VALLSS.
-
LinkB5 collects information about all publicly-funded birth-to-five ECE sites and is the data system for Virginia's unified measurement and improvement system, Virginia Quality Birth to Five (VQB5).
Collectively these three initiatives impact almost every child in a publicly-funded program ages birth – 3rd grade in Virginia as well as 4th-8th graders who need additional assistance.
|
|
Targeted Resources
Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage and History: A K-12 Teacher's Toolkit – Released!
Article: 2025-20-257
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
Contact: Christonya Brown, History and Social Science Coordinator, vdoe.hss@doe.virginia.gov
In collaboration with our external partner, Make Us Visible, a toolkit has been created celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. While May is a powerful opportunity to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, this toolkit can be used at anytime.
The toolkit was developed for the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) by educators, parents, and community members of Make Us Visible, a national nonprofit empowering local communities, to integrate Asian American contributions, experiences, and histories in K–12 classrooms. Through actions of the 2024 Virginia General Assembly (HB30), the following was passed: “N. Out of this appropriation, $100,000 the first year from the general fund is provided to identify and create model curriculum, tools, and resources to support local school divisions in teaching Asian American history, including the history of Virginians of Asian descent, as part of the History and Social Science Standards of Learning and supporting programming for Asian American and Pacific Islander History Month.”
VDOE values the efforts of teachers in promoting a quality and comprehensive exposure to American and Virginia history. For instructional support and information, please contact the History and Social Science Program at vdoe.hss@doe.virginia.gov.
|
|
|
|
|
