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View this message online
 #2025-34 | Update for October 10, 2025
Latest Federal Updates:
This Week's To-Dos:
Meeting Workforce Needs:
This Week's Articles:
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Latest Federal Updates
Virginia Principal Michael Sidebotham Appointed by U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to National Assessment Governing Board
Article:2025-34-522
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced the appointment of three education leaders (two new members and one reappointed member) to the National Assessment Governing Board, which oversees the Nation's Report Card (also known as NAEP). The new members are early literacy expert Kymyona Burk from ExcelinEd and Virginia elementary school principal Michael Sidebotham. National educational assessment expert Scott Marion was reappointed to a second term. All three Governing Board members will serve four-year terms that began Oct. 1.
Michael Sidebotham, principal of Grafton Village Elementary School in Fredericksburg, joins the Governing Board in the elementary school principal role. Recognized this year as Virginia Department of Education Principal of Distinction, Sidebotham previously served as a teacher and assistant principal in Stafford. He was named Principal of the Year in Stafford County in 2018. Sidebotham’s leadership roles have involved many aspects of assessment, including planning and administering state and benchmark tests and using data to inform instructional decisions and accelerate student progress.
In its policy role, the Governing Board determines which grades and subjects to assess, what content to include in assessments, sets the NAEP achievement levels, and works to make the Nation’s Report Card results meaningful and relevant to the public.
New and reappointed members will be sworn in at the Governing Board's quarterly meeting in November. See the list of 26 Governing Board members here.
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The Commonwealth & Virginia Department of Education Recognized Nationally for Being a Leadership on AI in Education
Article: 2025-34-521
Governor Youngkin’s AI Task Force member and longtime Virginian John Bailey recognized the Commonwealth and VDOE’s leadership on AI in education at the Senate HELP Committee meeting early this week which focused on AI’s Potential to Support Patients, Workers, Children, and Families. Here’s an example: "The Commonwealth of Virginia has taken a similar statewide approach to AI in schools through Executive Order 30, which set standards and guidelines for responsibly integrating AI in education, focusing on ethical use, data privacy, and workforce readiness. The Department of Education has expanded professional development by training hundreds of teachers in generative AI, developed instructional resources and leadership programs collaboratively with community colleges, launched an AI Career Launch Pad in partnership with Google to boost AI literacy for students and teachers, and released comprehensive guidelines emphasizing both the opportunities and risks of AI in classrooms,…”. The full testimony is here and video can be viewed here.
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Superintendent's Message
Great Principals: The Cornerstone of Strong Schools
in Virginia
As we celebrate the start to National Principal’s Month, we are reminded of a simple truth: at the heart of every successful school stands a strong principal. It is the principal who sets the tone, drives accountability, and builds a culture of excellence inside the school walls.
In Virginia, we know that leadership matters. A great principal is not just a manager of daily operations but a leader of character who ensures expectations are high for every student, classrooms are safe and vibrant learning environments, and student success is non-negotiable. Principals shape the standards by which teachers are supported, families are engaged, and students are challenged to achieve their best.
As the Commonwealth raises expectations and commits to higher student achievement, the role of the principal has never been more important. We cannot improve outcomes without strong leadership in every school. Principals are the ones who hold the line on discipline, ensure parents’ voices are respected and valued, and empower teachers with the tools and clarity they need to focus on teaching instead of bureaucracy.
Principals embody the values that Virginians hold dear: personal responsibility, high standards, and accountability to the community and families they serve. When our elementary school principals demand that every student receives core literacy instruction from an evidence-based literacy curriculum as well as intervention and support, they are ensuring that students have a comprehensive literacy experience. When our middle school principals demand that students are prepared for advanced math, they are ensuring that students develop the mathematical connections, reasoning, and problem-solving skills needed throughout their lives. When our high school principals demand that every student be prepared for a high-demand trade certification, or earning college credit before graduation, they are advancing opportunity and strengthening Virginia’s workforce. When principals insist on Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone-Free schools, and protect instructional time from distraction, they are showing courage and conviction.
Most importantly, great principals attract and keep great teachers. Educators want to work in a school where leaders hold every student to high expectations, respect families as partners, and back teachers up. Principals who lead with focus and discipline help ensure that our schools raise the bar and expect more.
As we celebrate National Principal’s Month and recently hosted the first Principals of Distinction convening, the Virginia Department of Education remains committed to ensuring that every school in the Commonwealth has a strong, visionary leader at the helm. Our children deserve no less. A great principal is the single greatest lever we have for improving student achievement and preparing the next generation of Virginians to lead, serve, and build. As was shared last week at the Virginia Board of Education meeting, the Department is gearing up to better support principals and assistant principals as well as to spotlight those leaders delivering the highest results to capture their best practices for others to learn from and scale.
School principals build strong schools. Strong schools build a strong Virginia.
Emily Anne
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5 Things to Know from the Latest Virginia Board of Education Meetings
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RAISING EXPECTATIONS: On September 25, 2025, the Virginia Board of Education unanimously approved revisions to cut scores for mathematics and reading SOL assessments. Cut scores define the minimum score a student must achieve to reach a performance level on an assessment. By modifying cut scores, the Board ensures that "proficient" reflects the skills and knowledge students need to be ready for success in college, career, or in military pathways after high school.
NOTEWORTHY: The Virginia Department of Education is currently gathering feedback from stakeholders on the implementation of revised cut scores after sharing a robust school improvement, funding, and support presentation. To learn more about new cut scores and upcoming stakeholder listening sessions, please visit Raising Expectations in Virginia.
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FLEXIBLE LEARNING SPACES: The Board unanimously expanded its Guidelines for the School Construction Assistance Program grants which now adds school-based CTE programs to be eligible to score points and encourages innovative and creative use of underutilized space, flexible school-within-school concepts or public micro schools, and supports space renovations and leverage flexible learning models after school consolidations and closures. See the full list of modifications here. Office hours and additional information on the next grant cycle are coming soon!
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NEW TEACHER PATHWAY: The Board unanimously supported the addition of the Praxis Bridge program which supports Virginia teaching candidates who nearly pass the Praxis test to take a professional learning module crafted for their unique areas of difficulty to better master and demonstrate understanding of the material. Learn more about this new opportunity in the article below!
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DELIVERING RESULTS: The Board received an early review of 3E Readiness progress, with early evidence students are rising to the higher expectations and teachers are delivering on industry talent pipeline needs. For example, since 2022, there is a 58% increase in the number of students earning at least one high-demand industry-recognized credential. Dig into more trend data here.
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SEEKING INPUT: The Board is modernizing the process for Multidivision Online Providers (or MOPs) and is seeking input to improve the quality, transparency, and accountability of virtual learning in the Commonwealth. Feedback may be submitted via email to virtualprograms@doe.virginia.gov.
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Highlights
News from Across the Commonwealth
Virginia Raises the K-12 Student Test Bar: Nearly four years into his term, Governor Glenn Youngkin is continuing to advance his mandate to improve education in the Commonwealth. In contrast to national trends, the Board of Education voted to raise academic standards with higher cut scores for reading and math proficiency, or the minimum students must achieve to be considered proficient in math and reading.
Alleghany County Schools Report Sharp Decline in Absenteeism: As part of Attendance Awareness Month recognition, Alleghany Highlands Public Schools is reporting a significant drop in chronic absenteeism at its elementary schools. The school division also announced steady progress at the middle and high schools
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Congratulations to Henry County Public Schools on the recent ribbon cutting on the brand-new Bassett High School Field House! This is a new era for Bassett Athletics! |
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Get to Know Top Talent @ VDOE
Mark Jennings has been tapped to serve as the new Assistant Superintendent of Assessment, Accountability, and Best Practices. As part of this work, he will continue developing a cohesive assessment and accountability system to ensure students have an accessible, innovative, safe, and secure testing experience. In doing so, the Virginia Department of Education can continue to provide valid, reliable data to make instructional decisions and improve student outcomes.
Prior to this role, Mark served as the Executive Director in the Office of Accountability at the Department and supported school divisions in the implementation of the School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF). He has also worked in the Office of School Quality at the Department, partnering with school leaders in the continuous improvement process, using evidence-based interventions to support federally identified schools. Before coming to VDOE, Mark served in various school divisions in the Commonwealth, focusing on literacy, professional development, leadership, and school improvement. He holds a certification in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University and graduate degrees in Curriculum & Instruction and Administration & Supervision from the University of Virginia.
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Meeting Workforce Needs
Praxis Bridge Program
Article: 2025-34-501
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Prospective new teaching staff, HR Directors
Contact: Robert Gilstrap, Assistant Superintendent of Educator Preparation, Rob.Gilstrap@doe.virginia.gov
At the September 25, 2025 Virginia Board of Education meeting, the Board approved the use of the Praxis Bridge program to assist perspective teachers with attaining a license to teach in Virginia. Praxis Bridge provides candidates who nearly pass the Praxis test within one standard error of mean of the state's passing score will be provided with an option to take a professional learning module instead of retaking the full Praxis test. Educational Testing Service provides a fully aligned module that matches the area of greatest difficulty. The module includes content overview, practice items, and a knowledge check designed to affirm their understanding of the material.
Currently, Praxis offers the Praxis Bridge for the following tests:
- Praxis Elementary Education (5001)
- Teaching Reading: Elementary (5205)
- English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038)
Tests that are coming soon include:
- Mathematics (5165)
- Social Studies (5581)
- Middle School Mathematics (5164)
- Middle School ELA (5047)
- Middle School Science (5442)
Virginia has adopted a three-year retroactive eligibility. ETS will identify candidates from the past three years that fit the eligibility criteria. The current cost is $50 per module. Eligible candidates will be notified when they receive their scores. Candidates will have 6 months from the date of purchase to complete the module. Visit the Praxis website to learn more about the Praxis Bridge.
Innovative Math Teacher Credentialing: Mathematics Acceleration Grant, Phase II Webinar and Application
Article: 2025-34-500
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals
Contact: Dr. Michelle Wallace, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, michelle.wallace@doe.virginia.gov; Dr. Anne Petersen, Director of STEM, anne.petersen@doe.virginia.gov; Vickie Bohidar, Mathematics Coordinator, victoria.bohidar@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education is pleased to announce the 2025-2026 Mathematics Acceleration Grant, Phase II. Chapter 725, Item 117, Paragraph P of the budget for the 2024-2026 biennium appropriates funding from the General Fund to support expanded access to online advanced mathematics programming and expanded mathematics experts through innovative math teacher credentialing options.
Applicants are encouraged to register for the 2025-2026 Mathematics Acceleration Grant, Phase II Information Session, October 16, 2025, 9-10 a.m. During this time, Department staff will review the application requirements and provide information for successful application submissions. Grant applications are highly competitive.
The application will open on October 16, 2025, after the grant information session has ended. Divisions may submit a single application to support one or more schools no later than October 30, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
The Virginia Department of Education will work through the division point(s) of contact for all matters related to the application, negotiations, and notifications. Applicants submitting applications that are not awarded by the Virginia Department of Education will be notified in writing. Grant notification emails will be sent by no later than mid-December 2025.
Dual Language Endorsement Webinar Series
Article: 2025-34-499
Audience: World Language Supervisors, HR Licensure Specialists, Principals, Title III Coordinators, Dual Language Program Administrators, University Teacher Preparation Program Managers
Contact: Jo-el Cox, Coordinator of Multilingual Learner Instruction,
jo-el.cox@doe.virginia.gov; Dr. Lisa Harris, Coordinator of World Languages, lisa.harris@doe.virginia.gov
The new Dual Language Endorsement is an official add-on to a Virginia teaching license available for educators who teach academic content in elementary dual language programs. It ensures that teachers have the training and skills needed to support students learning in both languages. This endorsement is relevant for school divisions that currently have, or are planning to start, dual language or immersion programs.
This series of informational webinars provides updates and descriptions of the new Dual Language Endorsement and ongoing support for divisions and institutes of higher education as the new endorsement is implemented.
Working in collaboration with the Offices of Humanities, Teacher Licensure, and Data Services, attendees will receive an overview of the various processes involved with adding a new endorsement option for teachers in dual language programs and how to implement the changes. The first session in the series was held August 7, 2025, with topics including endorsement requirements, issuing endorsements, data entry, and SCED codes. A recording of that session is available to the field.
The next session in the series will be held October 23, 2025, 10-11a.m. with topics addressing follow-up questions after the initial Master Schedule Collection (MSC).
Participants are asked to register in advance.
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VA250
The Washington Policy Institute’s Celebrate America 250 Essay Contest
Article: 2025-34-507
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
Contact: Christonya Brown, Coordinator of History and Social Science, Christonya.Brown@doe.virginia.gov; Washington Policy Institute contest@washingtonpolicyinstitute.org
In partnership with the VA250 Commission, the Virginia Department of Education is excited to announce The Washington Policy Institute’s Celebrate America 250 Essay Contest. In honor of the 250th birthday of the United States of America in 2026, students enrolled in grades 9-12 (or the home-school equivalent on November 11, 2025) are invited to reflect on what America means to them, how its history inspires their future, or how they envision the next 250 years. The contest is organized and administered by The Washington Policy Institute.
Students must submit essays electronically by completing the submission form at: washingtonpolicyinstitute.org/contest. No physical submissions will be accepted. Students must submit all entries by 11:59 p.m. EST on November 10, 2025.
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Recognitions
Virginia RISE Award Nominations – Due Wednesday,
October 15
Article: 2025-34-518
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Child Care Center Operators, Teachers, Non-teaching staff
Contact: Christine Harris, Executive Director, Educator Partnerships, Christine.Harris@doe.virginia.gov
The Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award is intended to honor and elevate classified school employees who provide exemplary service to their school, students, and their community. School divisions are invited to nominate one classified candidate for the 2026 RISE Award.
A classified school employee is an individual employed by a state, a political subdivision of a state, or a nonprofit organization who works in any grade from pre-kindergarten through high school in any of the following occupational specialties: paraprofessional, clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services, and skilled trades.
Submit your school division’s nominee using the SMApply online application found on the VDOE Educator Recognition website by October 15, 2025, by 4 p.m. EST. Virginia will select and celebrate two RISE Award recipients announced in late 2025. These two candidates will then be considered at the national level for the U.S. Department of Education RISE Award. In addition to participating in the state program, VDOE hopes this presents an opportunity to recognize outstanding classified school personnel within your local school divisions. Please send questions to teacheroftheyear@doe.virginia.gov.
Nominations for the Mary V. Bicouvaris Teacher of the Year Program – Due February 9
Article: 2025-34-502
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
Contact: Christine Harris, Executive Director, Educator Partnerships, Christine.Harris@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education is proud to announce the launch of the Mary V. Bicouvaris 2027 Virginia Teacher of the Year Program, elevating educators who exemplify the highest standards of teaching across the Commonwealth and the nation. This prestigious program offers school divisions the opportunity to recognize outstanding teachers and shine a positive spotlight on the teaching profession. Each division Superintendent is invited to nominate one exceptional teacher for consideration.
The locally selected Teacher of the Year will complete a portfolio using the online platform SurveyMonkey Apply (SMApply). Teachers may collaborate with their Superintendent or designee by sharing their electronic application. The portfolio will include school information, educational history and professional development activities, essays, letters of support, signatures (Superintendent, Principal, Teacher of the Year), and acknowledgements. Applications cannot be submitted until all required signatures and recommendations are received.
Virginia Board of Education Recognizes Emmy-Winning Series “Virginia Roots”
Article: 2025-34-498
Contact: Calypso Gilstrap, Executive Director of Innovation, Calypso.Gilstrap@doe.virginia.gov; Kelly Bisogno, Coordinator of Fine Arts, Kelly.Bisogno@doe.virginia.gov
At its September meeting, the Virginia Board of Education celebrated Virginia Roots: A Journey into Appalachian Music, an Emmy Award®–winning series co-produced by Blue Ridge PBS, PBS Appalachia/Virginia, and the Virginia Department of Education. Virginia Roots features short videos and instructional materials aligned with Virginia’s 2020 Music Standards of Learning. Developed in collaboration with Virginia music educators, these resources are available on the VDOE website. The series, which explores the rich traditions of Appalachian music, received an Emmy® for Informational and Instructional Long Form Content from the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. It was also named Best Educational Resource for the Classroom at the 2025 Public Media Awards®, announced during the NETA Conference. Also honored at the Public Media Awards was Getting Started in Virginia Schools, which won in the category of Educational Resources for the Community. These national awards are especially meaningful to the partnership, as they recognize not only the quality of the programming, but also the strength of the impactful, classroom-ready content.
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School Finance & Grant Opportunities
National Board Certification Incentive Award Data Collection – Submissions due by October 15
Article: 2025-34-517
Audience: Superintendents, Directors
Contact: Shawna LeBlond, Director, Office of Apprenticeships, Shawna.LeBlond@doe.virginia.gov
Governor Youngkin and the General Assembly appropriated $4,997,500 in state funds to incentivize public-school staff members to pursue National Board Certification. In alignment with the Guidelines for Distributing National Board of Certification Incentive Awards approved by the Board of Education on February 27, 2025, the Virginia Department of Education is requesting school divisions submit data for all public school staff members who meet the eligibility criteria for the National Board Certification Incentive Award. Individuals seeking the National Board Certification Incentive Award must hold an active National Board Certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Standards, be employed in a public school in Virginia on September 30 of the current school year, and be a public-school employee holding an active ten-year renewable license issued by the Virginia Board of Education.
The 2025 – 2026 data collection should be submitted by Wednesday, October 15, 2025, through the Single Sign-On for Web Services system. 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.”
Mini-Grants Available to Support Professional Learning in Dual Language Programs – Due October 16
Article: 2025-34-514
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, World Language and Title III Coordinators
Contact: Dr. Lisa Harris, Coordinator of World Languages, and Jo-el Cox, Coordinator of English Learner Instruction, WorldLanguages@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is now accepting applications for mini-grants to support professional learning in Dual Language/Immersion (DL/I) programs. These grants are intended to strengthen literacy and biliteracy instruction and enhance leadership practices that contribute to high-quality, sustainable DL/I program implementation across the Commonwealth.
Each grant may provide up to $10,000 per school division and can be used for a range of professional learning activities in the 2025-2026 school year, including, but not limited to:
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Teacher stipends for participation in grant activities outside of contract hours
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Participation in national, regional, or statewide workshops and conferences
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On-site coaching or mentoring for DL/I best practices
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Development of local workshops aligned with DL/I local division program goals
Final award amounts for each grant will be contingent on the number of successful applications.
School divisions at any stage of DL/I program implementation, whether planning, launching, or expanding, are encouraged to apply using the online application form. Applicants will be asked to describe their professional learning goals, proposed activities, and intended outcomes.
Applications are due by October 16, 2025. Funding decisions will be made with thoughtful consideration for supporting underrepresented divisions, ensuring balanced regional representation, and addressing demonstrated need, including factors such as the Local Composite Index (LCI).
2025-2026 Federal Program Monitoring for Certain Programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as Amended as Amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) – Webinars October 20 & 22
Article: 2025-34-511
Audience: Superintendents, Federal Program Directors, Title I Coordinators, Title III Coordinators
Contact: Tiffany Frierson, Title I, tiffany.frierson@doe.virginia.gov; Nicki Saunders, Title III, nicki.saunders@doe.virginia.gov
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended, requires states to monitor school divisions for compliance in certain program areas. The purpose of this email is to share with school divisions information about federal program monitoring for the 2025-2026 academic year for the following programs: Title I, Part A, Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies; Title I, Part C, Education of Migratory Children; Title V, Part B, Subpart 2; and Title III, Part A, Language Instruction for English Learners and Immigrant Student. The full five-year monitoring schedule is available on the Federal Program Monitoring website.
In preparation for monitoring, the Office of ESEA Programs offers technical assistance to school divisions. 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 I, Part C and Title V, Part B, Subpart 2 will contact the school divisions being monitored this year to set up individual federal program monitoring 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.
Event – Please Register Beforehand
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Mathematics Innovation Grant Webinar and Application
Article: 2025-34-510
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals
Contact: Dr. Michelle Wallace, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, michelle.wallace@doe.virginia.gov; Dr. Anne Petersen, Director of STEM, anne.petersen@doe.virginia.gov; Vickie Bohidar, Mathematics Coordinator, victoria.bohidar@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education announces the 2025-2026 Mathematics Innovation Grant, designed to support local school divisions in strengthening mathematics instruction and student outcomes.
Chapter 725, Item 117, Paragraph P of the budget for the 2024-2026 biennium appropriates funding for grants to local school divisions for mathematics curriculum, high-quality instructional materials, competency-based/mastery learning models, and regional network support to improve instruction for high-need student groups. Priority shall be given to schools preliminarily identified as off track and needs intensive support and that had performance gaps in overall grade level mathematics or mathematics student group performance as identified in 2025 Standards of Learning (SOL) mathematics assessment results.
Applicants are encouraged to register for the 2025-2026 Mathematics Innovation Grant Information Session, October 23, 2025, 9-10 a.m. During this time, Department staff will review the application requirements and provide information for successful application submissions. Applications are due by November 13, 2025, 3:00 p.m.
2025-2026 Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant – Applications due November 6
Article: 2025-34-508
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals
Contact: Dr. Michelle Wallace, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, michelle.wallace@doe.virginia.gov; Dr. Angela Byrd-Wright, Director of Humanities, angela.byrd-wright@doe.virginia.gov; Jill Nogueras, Associate Director of English Literacy K-12, jill.nogueras@doe.virginia.gov.
The Virginia Department of Education is pleased to announce the 2025-2026 Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) Grant that will provide additional support and funding to ensure schools have expanded structures, tools, capacity, resources, and service providers to increase literacy growth and achievement for all students through two opportunities – family engagement literacy resources for birth through Kindergarten entry and the Literacy Improvement Network.
Applicants are highly encouraged to register for the 2025-2026 CLSD Information Session, October 14, 2025, 9-10 a.m. During this time, Department staff will review the application requirements and provide information for successful application submissions. Grant applications are highly competitive. For those having attended previous Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant webinars, it is imperative that you register as the application contents and processes have been revised.
The application will open beginning October 14, 2025, after the grant information session is held. A division may submit applications on behalf of their schools by no later than November 6, 2025, 3:00 p.m. The application, along with a budget workbook, should be submitted by one division-level employee and requires division point(s) of contact; acknowledgement of general assurances, administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements for federal awards (uniform guidance); and a programmatic overview summary.
Optional office hours will also be held October 21, 2025, to support divisions through the application process. Division points of contact must register in advance:
The Virginia Department of Education will work through the division point(s) of contact for all matters related to the application, negotiations, and notifications. Applicants submitting applications that are not awarded by the VDOE will be notified in writing. Grant notification emails will be sent by no later than mid-December 2025. Reference the 2025-2026 Literacy Grant Information Guide for additional details.
Annual Report of Children in Institutions for Neglected or Delinquent Children, Adult Correctional Institutions, and Community Day Programs for Neglected Delinquent Children Used to Allocate Title I, Part A; Part D, Subparts 1 and 2 Funds for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2026 (school year 2026-2027)
Article: 2025-34-503
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, Student Services Directors, Title I, Part D, Subpart 2, Coordinators
Contact: Gueringe’ Richardson, Title I, Part A/D Specialist, Gueringe.Richardson@doe.virginia.gov
Each year, the U.S. Department of Education (USED) requires that all State Education Agencies conduct the Annual Report of Children in Institutions for Neglected or Delinquent Children, Adult Correctional Institutions, and Community Day Programs for Neglected or Delinquent Children. This annual report provides USED with current information on the location and number of children who live in local institutions for neglected or delinquent children, or who are in local adult correctional facilities. The information will be used by USED to calculate the 2026-2027 allocations for programs that serve neglected children through Title I, Part A, or delinquent children through Title I, Part D.
FY 2026 Annual School Report – Schedule R
Article: 2025-34-497
Audience: School Division Finance Directors
Contact: Ed Lanza, Director of Budget, Edward.Lanza@doe.virginia.gov
Pursuant to Chapter 564, 2025 General Assembly, the Virginia Department of Education is required to report support services personnel as outlined in subsections O and P of §22.1-253.13:2 of the Code of Virginia on its website. VDOE is required to collect support personnel data from school divisions through the Annual School Report.
Beginning with the FY 2026 Annual School Report, school divisions will report support personnel data in Schedule R. Some data for Schedule R will be extracted from the text file and reported in Schedule R on the verification report. Data elements that cannot be reported on the text file will be entered into Schedule R of the Excel template. Positions expected to require manual entry in Schedule R of the Excel template include:
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Licensed behavior analysts
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Licensed assistant behavior analysts
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Other licensed health and behavioral positions
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Human resource positions
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Fiscal positions
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School counselor administrator positions
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Homebound administrative positions
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Attendance support positions
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Health and behavioral administrative positions
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Fiscal technical and clerical positions
- Human resources technical and clerical positions
More information regarding Schedule R will be provided to school divisions in Spring 2026.
Community Schools Development and Implementation Planning Grant Award
Article: 2025-34-496
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals
Contact: Dr. Alexandra Javna, School Social Work Specialist, Alexandra.Javna@doe.virginia.gov
The 2025 Virginia General Assembly amended the Budget Bill – HB 1600, providing an additional $2,500,000 from the general fund to support the Community Schools Development and Implementation Planning Grant for Fiscal Year 2025. As a result of this additional funding, VDOE announced a grant opportunity to support school divisions in the planning and implementation of community school initiatives. Eligible applicants included Virginia school divisions as well as Communities in Schools and its affiliates.
The following applicants have been awarded funding:
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Arlington County Public Schools
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Buchanan County Public Schools
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Charlottesville City Public Schools
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Danville City Public Schools
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Dickenson County Public Schools
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Portsmouth City Public Schools
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Richmond City Public Schools
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Roanoke City Public Schools
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Smyth County Public Schools
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York County School Division
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Communities in Schools – Hampton Roads
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Communities in School – NOVA
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Communities in Schools – Richmond
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Communities in Schools of Virginia – Southside
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Communities in Schools – Tri-Cities
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Innovation
Request for Information: AI Literacy Initiative for K–12 Educators
Article: 2025-34-509
Audience: Vendors
Contact: Calypso Gilstrap, Executive Director of Innovation, Calypso.Gilstrap@doe.virginia.gov
Virginia continues to lead in preparing educators and students for an AI-powered future.
The RFI outlines a scalable, blended training model hosted on Virtual Virginia’s Canvas LMS. It includes tiered educator courses, student-facing micro-courses, and strategic planning support for school divisions. The program will serve up to 85,000 educators and all 131 school divisions.
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Public Posting: October 1, 2025
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Submissions Due: October 30, 2025 (by 11:45 P.M.)
Interested vendors should submit responses via eVA by October 30.
2026 VITAL Conference
Article: 2025-34-505
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
Contact: Reginald Fox, Educational Technology Specialist, Reginald.Fox@doe.virginia.gov
Virtual Virginia is excited to announce the return of its flagship professional learning event—the Virginia Innovative Teaching and Leadership (VITAL) Conference—happening online on February 4–5, 2026. This annual gathering honors and amplifies the work of Virginia educators and leaders who drive innovation in classrooms, schools, and divisions across the Commonwealth. Attendees will gain access to dynamic sessions, collaborative networking opportunities, and insights from educational trailblazers shaping the future of learning. Conference registration is free!
Virtual Virginia welcomes proposals for engaging, informative, and fun presentations that reflect the spirit of educational innovation. The submission deadline is November 14, 2025.
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Instruction Implementation,
Support & Evaluation
Engaging Secondary Newcomers in Content Area Literacy Workshop – Registration Due October 16
Article: 2025-34-515
Audience: Secondary Classroom Teachers, Secondary English Language Development Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Contact: Jo-el Cox, Coordinator of Multilingual Learner Instruction, jo-el.cox@doe.virginia.gov
In partnership with WIDA, the Virginia Department of Education will be offering the Engaging Secondary Newcomers in Content Area Literacy Workshop. This workshop is designed for secondary English language development teachers and content teachers. It will take place at the Hanover County School Board Office, located at 200 Berkley Street, Ashland, VA, 23005, on October 21, 2025, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In this one-day workshop, educators will explore key factors that influence literacy acquisition and development in content areas, focusing on how to engage secondary newcomer students in content learning. Participants will learn strategies to analyze secondary newcomers’ literacy strengths and identify areas for growth. Through practical application, educators will gain tools for scaffolding instruction to ensure secondary newcomers can engage with grade-level content in reading and writing, promoting their academic success.
Participants will identify ways to create supportive and rigorous literacy learning environments for secondary newcomers in any program model, analyze secondary newcomers’ literacy strengths and areas of growth, and examine approaches to scaffolding secondary newcomers’ engagement in grade-level content area literacy learning.
Interested educators must register by no later than October 16, 2025.
Virginia Literacy Act Cycle IV Supplemental and Intervention Programs Public Comment
Article: 2025-34-520
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Non-teaching staff
Contact: Jill Nogueras, Associate Director of K-12 English & Literacy Jill.Nogueras@doe.virginia.gov and Virginia Literacy Partnerships literacy@virginia.edu
The Virginia Department of Education partnered with Virginia Literacy Partnerships (VLP) at the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development to facilitate reviews of additional supplemental and intervention instructional programs. The review process for core, intervention, and supplemental materials evaluated instructional programs for alignment with evidence-based literacy instruction, science-based reading research (SBRR), and the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL). On October 23, 2025, the Virginia Board of Education will receive the Cycle IV recommended lists of Virginia Literacy Act Supplemental and Intervention Programs for Kindergarten through Grade 8.
The Virginia Literacy Act Cycle IV Supplemental and Intervention Programs is available for a 30-day public review and comment period via the VDOE website. It is anticipated that the Board of Education will take final action on the recommended lists of Virginia Literacy Act Supplemental and Intervention Programs for Kindergarten- Grade 8 at the November 13, 2025, meeting.
Technical Review Schedule for Submission of Local Divisions’ Plan for Gifted Education – Due October 16
Article: 2025-34-513
Audience: Superintendents, Directors
Contact: Kevin Carr, Specialist for Governor’s Schools and K-12 Gifted Education, kevin.carr@doe.virginia.gov
School divisions in Region I and Region III are required to submit their Local Plan for the Education of the Gifted by October 16, 2025. Each division must also submit the names of three participants for the Technical Review process; the gifted coordinator plus two additional reviewers. These participants will be assigned to different evaluation teams, avoiding any review of their own division’s plan.
This submission is part of the Virginia Department of Education's ongoing cycle of Technical Reviews, where each school division's gifted plan is evaluated every five years, as mandated by the Regulations Governing Education Services for Gifted Students (8VAC20-40-60).
Participating divisions include:
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Region I: Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights City, Dinwiddie, Hanover County, Henrico, Hopewell City, New Kent, Petersburg City, Powhatan, Prince George, Richmond City, Surry, Sussex
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Region III: Caroline, Colonial Beach, Essex, Fredericksburg, Gloucester, King and Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Northumberland, Richmond County, Spotsylvania, Stafford, West Point, Westmoreland
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Save as a PDF of the division’s Local Plan for the Education of the Gifted using the following convention: <full division name> Local Plan.pdf
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Email to kevin.carr@doe.virginia.gov, by October 16, 2025.
WIDA Assessment Webinars 2025-2026
Article: 2025-34-504
Audience: LIEP Teachers, Teachers, Test Administrators, Title III Coordinators
Contact: Jo-el Cox, Coordinator of Multilingual Learner Instruction,
jo-el.cox@doe.virginia.gov
Virginia joined the WIDA Consortium in 2008. As a consortium member, Virginia educators and leaders can access standards resources, assessment tools, professional learning, and resources for families targeted to support the English language development of multilingual learners. The following webinars, presented by WIDA, are free to Virginia’s educators, Title III Coordinators, and Test Administrators during the 2025-2026 school year.
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Exploring WIDA ACCESS for Kindergarten (November 19, 2025, 3-4:30 p.m.): Supports the redesigned assessment by reviewing its new and updated features exploring the unique characteristics of assessing language for kindergarten students.
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WIDA ACCESS Online for Test Administrators (December 3, 2025, 10-11:30 a.m.): Provides an overview highlighting features of the WIDA ACCESS Online requirements.
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Understanding WIDA Alternate ACCESS Score Reports (April 15, 2026, 3-4:30 p.m.): Identifies the components of the WIDA Alternate ACCESS score reports and how to interpret information they contain.
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WIDA ACCESS Score Reports for Instruction (April 22, 2026, 3-4:30 p.m.): Provides an overview of WIDA ACCESS score reports for educators.
Select this link to register.
Annual Resources Update for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities
Article: 2025-34-495
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals
Contact: Amy Scott, Coordinator of Sensory Disabilities and Supports, Amy.Scott@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education is required by the Code of Virginia, § 22.1-217.01, to annually prepare and distribute to local school boards information describing educational and other services that are available to students who are deaf, hard of hearing, or visually impaired. School boards are required to post this information on school division websites annually and to inform the parents of students who are identified as deaf, hard of hearing, or visually impaired of the availability of such services.
Special Test Accommodations Resource Guide
Article: 2025-34-494
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Non-teaching staff, Division Directors of Testing, Directors of Special Education, Title III Coordinators, School Counselors, Parents
Contact: Office of Student Assessment, student_assessment@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education's Office of Student Assessment has developed a new resource, the Special Test Accommodations Resource Guide, that contains all information regarding testing accommodations for Virginia Assessment Program tests. The accommodations and their definitions pertain to all students receiving services through Individualized Education Programs (IEP), Section 504 Plans, and English Learner Assessment Participation Plans.
This new resource replaces the Examiner’s Resource Guide and the Testing Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: Growth Assessments and Standards of Learning Tests document. Additionally, the testing accommodation information located in the Special Test Accommodations Resource Guide is no longer available in appendix B of the Test Implementation Manuals.
Consolidating this information into one resource ensures parents, teachers, administrators, and division level staff access the same information and guidance when determining and providing the appropriate testing accommodations necessary for students to participate in the Virginia Assessment Program.
2026 Summer Residential Governor’s Schools and World Language Academies
Article: 2025-34-493
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Gifted Education and World Language Supervisors, School Counselors, Non-teaching staff
Contact: Kevin Carr, Specialist for Governor’s Schools and K-12 Gifted Education, Kevin.Carr@doe.virginia.gov and Lisa Harris, Coordinator of World Languages, Lisa.Harris@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education is pleased to announce that the 2026 Governor’s Summer Residential Program will include seven Summer Residential Governor’s Schools (SRGS) and five Governor’s World Language Academies (GWLA). The SRGS offer gifted and/or advanced high school students opportunities for intensive study in academics, the visual and performing arts, and mentorships. The GWLA offers full-immersion academies for French, German, and Spanish; a partial-immersion academy for Japanese; and a Latin Academy. Students do not need to be identified as gifted to be nominated for one of the GWLA.
The SRGS and GWLA are available to students enrolled in public schools, accredited private schools, as well as homeschooled students. The availability of these programs is contingent upon the provision of state funds by the 2026 General Assembly.
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Behavioral Health & Student Safety
Youth Mental Health First Aid Train the Trainer Opportunity – Register by October 17
Article: 2025-34-512
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Child Care Center Operators, Teachers, Non-teaching staff, School-based mental health professionals
Contact: Kristinne Stone, School Mental Health Grant Manager, Kristinne.Stone@doe.virginia.gov
The VDOE Office of Behavioral Health and Student Safety is facilitating a Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Train the Trainer opportunity for school personnel, sponsored by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). This is a free virtual course scheduled for November 18-20, 2025. In order to participate in the course, you must have attended the eight–hour Youth MHFA class within the last three years. Participants must register by October 17, 2025, by emailing Laura Roberson, DBHDS Suicide Prevention Coordinator.
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Data Collection
2025 Fall Master Schedule Collection
Article: 2025-34-506
Audience: Superintendents, Data Manager
Contact: Dana Hannifan, Education Data Specialist, Dana.Ratcliffe@doe.virginia.gov
To comply with state and federal reporting requirements, school divisions and regional centers are required to annually submit transcript-like data via the Fall Master Schedule Collection (MSC). The Fall Master Schedule Collection opens October 16, 2025. A successful submission is due no later than November 13, 2025. Superintendents must electronically approve the verifications no later than December 12, 2025. For complete details about this requirement, access our 2025-2026 Fall Master Schedule Collection Guide.
2025-2026 Fall Positions and Exits Collection
Article: 2025-34-516
Audience: Superintendents, IT/Data and Division HR Personnel
Contact: Myesha Garnes, Education Data Specialist, (804) 750-8156 Myesha.Garnes@doe.virginia.gov
In order to comply with the requirements of the Code of Virginia (§§22.1-290.2) and ESEA TITLE II, PART A reporting, the Virginia Department of Education will be conducting the Fall Positions and Exits Collection (Fall PEC) for the 2025-2026 school year.
The Fall PEC is designed to collect information on:
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The total number of full-time equivalent positions (FTEs) for licensed and unlicensed personnel in public school divisions and regional centers.
- The number of filled and unfilled bus driver positions by headcount.
A detailed listing of the data elements on the Fall PEC, instructions for completing and submitting the file, and related resources are available on the Positions and Exits Collection website.
The Fall PEC will be open and accessible through the Single Sign-on for Web Systems (SSWS) portal on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, a successful submission is due on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Each school division and/or regional center’s Superintendent or Director must complete the verification process, by electronic signature via SDCA by Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
For questions regarding the Fall PEC, please contact Myesha Garnes, Education Data Specialist in the Office of Data Services at Myesha.Garnes@doe.virginia.gov.
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School Nutrition
National School Lunch Week — October 13-17, 2025
Article: 2025-34-519
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, School food authorities
Contact: Andrea Nannery, SNP Coordinator, Andrea.Nannery@doe.virginia.gov; Sara Bennett, SCNP Director, Sara.Bennett@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs encourages schools to promote and celebrate National School Lunch Week (NSLW) on October 13-17, 2025.
NSLW has been an annual observance since 1962 when it was established by President John F. Kennedy. The goal is to highlight the vital role of healthy school lunches in promoting student wellness, supporting academic achievement and increasing student participation.
Celebrate National School Lunch Week 2025
We encourage school divisions to tag VDOE-SCNP in their social media posts and stories so we can help amplify and promote their NSLW events and celebrations.
Second Review of School Meal Applications Criteria
Article: 2025-34-492
Audience: Superintendents, Directors
Contact: Andrea Nannery, SNP Coordinator, Andrea.Nannery@doe.virginia.gov
The Code of Federal Regulations Title 7, Part 245.11(b)(1)(i-ii) require local education agencies (LEAs) that meet certain criteria to conduct a second review of free and reduced-price meal applications. SFAs may review SCNP (Dir.) Memo #2025-2026-19 for detailed information on the second review of applications criteria, process, and reporting requirements.
Virginia Farm to School Task Force Resources
Article: 2025-34-491
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Local School Boards, School Food Authorities and/or community sponsors
Contact: Bee Thorp, Lead Farm to School Specialist, Brittany.Thorp@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Farm to School Task Force (Code of Virginia 22.1-23.4), led by the Virginia Department of Education, Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs, is happy to share three new resources to support Virginia Farm to School programs.
The Task Force consisted of 22 Virginia farm to school stakeholders, including leaders from local school divisions and school nutrition programs; Virginia farms and food cooperatives; distributors and food hubs; local, regional, and statewide organizations; and state agencies. The VDOE-SCNP is grateful to the Task Force members for their dedication to increase student access to fresh, healthy, Virginia grown food while providing hands-on learning opportunities.
Farm to School Task Force Resources
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