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View this message online
 #2026-01 | Update for January 12, 2026
Latest Federal Updates:
This Week's To-Dos:
Meeting Workforce Needs:
This Week's Articles:
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Latest Federal Updates
Opportunity for Students - America’s Field Trip
America’s Field Trip is a nationwide contest that invites students across the country in grades 3–12 to be part of our nation’s 250th anniversary by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them — with the chance to earn an unforgettable field trip experience at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.
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U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon Highlights Civic Learning at History Rocks! Event in Newport News, Virginia
Article: 2026-01-013
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Division Leaders
Contact: Dr. Angela Byrd-Wright, Director of Humanities, angela.byrd-wright@doe.virginia.gov
The U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited An Achievable Dream Middle & High School as part of the U.S. Department of Education’s national History Rocks! Trail to Independence tour in celebration of America's upcoming 250th birthday. Over the next year, America 250 Initiatives will engage students, educators, and communities in conversations about liberty, citizenship, and America’s enduring values nationwide.
Over 100 students in tenth through twelfth grade participated in interactive activities and games designed to deepen their understanding of America’s founding principles and the important role Virginia played in the fight for independence.
The Virginia Department of Education (the Department) proudly collaborates with the VA250 Education Committee to provide timely opportunities to educate, engage, and inspire Virginians around our history and foundational values and beliefs that continue to be relevant to our lives. “The Department remains committed to partnering with our divisions and communities to provide comprehensive and engaging history programming for students and educators. Initiatives such as History Rocks! are an example of making history come alive, sparking a civics renaissance, and celebrating democracy,” said Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson.
Click here to learn more about this special event.
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10 Items to Know from Last Week’s Board of Education Meeting
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🆕 The Board appointed Member Mashea Ashton to serve as President and welcomed new member Marc Carraway to the Board. 🎉 Thank you to former President and Board member Grace Creasey for her service to Virginia’s students, families, and educators.
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📈 The Board successfully exceeded EO19 goals and successfully repealed or streamlined 19 regulatory chapters, eliminated 3,527 discretionary regulatory requirements for a 62.69% total reduction, de-activated 50 guidance documents, and removed 438,496 words or 28.75% of the 2022 baseline. Moving forward, the Department will set up an Office of Regulatory Management to continue this effort into the new administration in partnership with the Board.
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✅ The Board unanimously approved of adding Advanced Placement Business with Personal Finance as a course to count for the graduation requirements of Economics and Personal Finance. Divisions had expressed interest in offering this course in the 2026-2027 school year and this course will provide students greater flexibility to meet graduation requirements.
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🔜 The Board has requested additional input by the newly established CTE Advisory Committee to the Board and for a tiered CTE Industry Recognized Credentials list ahead of the March 26 Business Meeting prior to taking a final vote. Interested in providing input? Submit to VDOE.CTE@doe.virginia.gov.
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📥 NEW opportunities to provide input for the Board will be up later this week on VDOE’s website and information on how to provide input will be shared in the newsletter later this week on two items: 1) the draft amendments to the strategic plan and 2) Every Student Success Act state plan modifications.
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🏗️ Two new School Construction Assistance Program grants were unanimously awarded by the Board with reallocated funds to support Sussex Central High School in Sussex County Public School Division and Petersburg High School in Petersburg City Public School Division. SAVE THE DATE: The next SCAP application window will open in March 2026.
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📕 The Board reviewed proposed changes to the Board-Approved Textbook and High-Quality Instructional Materials process which was last updated in 2011. Final consideration will be at the March 26 Board meeting.
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The Board received a written update on teacher licenses, which show high-quality teacher candidates and divisions are utilizing additional pathways to staff their classrooms.
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The Board received a written update and presentation on History and Social Science instructional guides and professional learning opportunities, including new resources that are available for teachers ahead of the spring semester.
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Highlights
News from Across the Commonwealth
Remembering Richard T. LaPointe
The Virginia Department of Education and the Board of Education extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Richard T. LaPointe. His commendable service to the Commonwealth as State Superintendent from 1996 to 1998 made a lasting impact on Virginia’s families and educators.
His commitment to educational excellence reflects our shared responsibility to uphold high expectations and ensure accountability for every learner across the Commonwealth.
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The Instructional Technology team at Norfolk Public Schools recently attended the annual Virginia Society for Technology in Education Conference in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It was an inspiring experience, and the team is ready to bring their new insights on artificial intelligence and technology tools back to their classrooms. #ElevateEducatorsVA
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Linkhorne Middle School student Kalisteth Burrows won second place in the Framatome North America U.S. Women in Nuclear chapter’s sticker design contest. Her creative design stood out among entries from students all over Virginia and Massachusetts. Congratulations to Kalisteth of Lynchburg City Schools for bringing nuclear science concepts to life with her beautiful artwork! |
January Board of Education Recognitions
2026 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees
On January 8, 2026, the Virginia Board of Education celebrated the Commonwealth’s two distinguished recipients of the 2026 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award: Lorie Barbour, In-School Suspension Coordinator at Staunton River Middle School in Bedford County Public Schools, and Lisa Delp, School Nurse at Galax High School in Galax City Public Schools.
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Proclamation on National Blue Ribbon Schools
On January 8, 2026, the Board of Education recognized the accomplishments of the following schools for 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools Program in their respective categories for meeting the aforementioned criteria:
Exemplary High Performing
- Tuckahoe Elementary School, Henrico County
- Central High School, Wise County
- Seaford Elementary School, York County
Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing
- Botetourt Elementary School, Gloucester County
- Francis W. Jones Magnet Middle School, Hampton City
- Central High School, Lunenburg County
- G.W. Carver Elementary School, Salem City
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Meeting Workforce Needs
Announcing Grow Your Own Teacher: Pre-Apprenticeship and Paraprofessional Development Program Competitive Subgrant Request for Applications (Round 2)
Article: 2026-01-003
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, CTE Directors
Contact: Shawna LeBlond, Director, Office of Apprenticeship, Shawna.LeBlond@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education Grow Your Own Competitive Grant for Teacher Pre-Apprenticeship and Paraprofessional Development (Planning and Implementation Grant) aims to establish a pathway for divisions to engage homegrown talent early in their exploration of the teaching profession. The main objectives of this grant program are (1) to increase the number of pre-apprentices engaged in high school programming that exposes them to teaching as a profession, and (2) increase the likelihood that these aspiring educators matriculate into a Department-sponsored Registered Apprenticeship in Teaching Programs (T-RAP) program with their home division.
By integrating academic coursework with hands-on learning experiences, and by ensuring that the division maintains a connection with the aspiring educator once they graduate from high school, the division increases its chances of the aspiring educator returning to teach in their home community after earning a bachelor’s degree via a T-RAP program.
Additional information can be found in the Competitive Request for Applications packet. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through the February 20, 2026. The Department will host information sessions in collaboration with the National Center for Grow Your Own. School divisions will receive an invitation to attend via email.
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Teacher of the Year
Reminder: Nominations for the Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year Program - Due February 9
Article: 2026-01-007
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
Contact: Dr. Christine Harris, Executive Director of Educator Partnerships, TeacheroftheYear@doe.virginia.gov
Just a reminder that the deadline is now only one month away for your school division’s locally selected Teacher of the Year to complete their portfolio application for the 2027 Virginia Teacher of the Year Program.
The Mary V. Bicouvaris 2027 Virginia Teacher of the Year Program celebrates educators who exemplify the highest standards of teaching across the Commonwealth and the nation. This prestigious program provides school divisions with an opportunity to honor exceptional teachers and shine a positive spotlight on the teaching profession. Each division superintendent is invited to nominate one outstanding teacher for consideration.
The locally selected Teacher of the Year will complete a portfolio application 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, Recommendations from the Superintendent and Principal, signatures, and acknowledgements. Applications cannot be submitted until all required components and signatures are received.
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3E Pathways & Readiness
Application Now Open
Article: 2026-01-009
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, School Counselors
Contact: Brittany Everett, Postsecondary Access and Success Specialist, Brittany.Everett@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education is pleased to announce that applications for the Granville P. Meade Scholarship opened on January 5, 2026. This scholarship provides financial assistance to academically successful Virginia high school seniors who have demonstrated significant financial need and plan to attend a public or private college or university in Virginia.
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Opens: January 5, 2026
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Student Submission Deadline: February 2, 2026
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Final Awards Announced: April 3, 2026
Students should submit applications through their designated school contact:
Superintendents should complete the High School and Division Procedures and Contact Form for their division. Completed forms should be returned to the Virginia Department of Education by the specified deadline to ensure eligibility. Detailed instructions and forms are available on the Granville P. Meade Scholarship page.
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Instruction Implementation,
Support & Evaluation
Request for Feedback: Health and Family Life Education Standards of Learning
Article: 2026-01-011
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Higher Education personnel, Employers (industry, military, health organizations)
Contact: Jennifer Vedder, Coordinator, Health, Physical, Family Life, and Driver Education, jennifer.vedder@doe.virginia.gov
The Code of Virginia § 22.1-253.13:1:B requires the Board of Education to review and revise the Standards of Learning at least once every seven years to ensure that Virginia’s standards remain rigorous, current, and relevant by aligning to research and incorporating content to prepare students for entry into career, college and military pathways. The Department has begun the process of reviewing the 2020 Health Education Standards of Learning and the 2020 Family Life Education Standards of Learning and is seeking input from institutions of higher education, teachers, superintendents, and school principals in Virginia. This expertise is invaluable to ensure these standards reflect current best practices, research, and the evolving needs of Virginia's students.
The Department seeks feedback to determine:
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Content and Scope: Are the proposed standards comprehensive and age-appropriate? Do they address critical health and family life topics relevant to today's students?
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Clarity and Accessibility: Are the standards clearly written and easily understood by educators and stakeholders?
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Alignment: Do the standards align with current research, public health priorities, and the developmental needs of students across grade levels?
Each survey takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.
The Department will also host a series of preliminary public listening sessions online to gather ideas, experiences, and recommendations from communities across the state. Whether you are an educator, student, parent, artist, community member, or health organization representative, your voice matters in shaping expectations that guide health and family life learning in Virginia.
Register by clicking on a link for a listening session:
Feedback will directly inform the revision process and help shape health and family life education across the Commonwealth.
Survey feedback is due by January 20, 2026. For questions, please contact Jennifer Vedder, VDOE Coordinator for Health, Family Life, Physical, and Driver Education: jennifer.vedder@doe.virginia.gov
2026 National STEM Scholar Program
Article: 2026-01-010
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Middle School Science Teachers
Contact: Dr. Michelle Wallace, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, michelle.wallace@doe.virginia.gov
Applications are open for the 2026 National STEM Scholar Program. This prestigious, professional development experience is designed for middle school science teachers inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders nationwide. Founded 11 years ago through a partnership between the National Stem Cell Foundation and The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University, the program selects 10 teachers each year from across the country based on a proposed “Big Idea” classroom project.
“The program was established as a workforce development solution for an alarming shortage of U.S. STEM-educated graduates. Research shows that middle school students who get excited about science are the ones who will pursue STEM courses in high school and beyond. By focusing on the particularly influential middle school science teacher, it introduces STEM careers to students who may never have been exposed to the possibilities.” (NSCF, 2025)
Applications are due by February 1, 2026.
Call to Providers to submit for Phase I Initial Review for inclusion on Virginia Literacy Partnerships Recommended Core Instructional Program Guide
Article: 2026-01-008
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
Contact: Virginia Literacy Partnerships Curriculum Review Team, VLP-VLA@virginia.edu
The Virginia Department of Education (the Department) is seeking applications from providers of K-5 core literacy programs to review for inclusion on the Virginia Board of Education’s Approved Core Instructional Program Guide.
The Virginia Literacy Act (VLA), passed by the Virginia Legislature in 2022 and expanded in 2023, focuses on improving literacy outcomes for all students in the Commonwealth. The VLA requires the Department to recommend instructional programs in literacy – including K-5 core, K-8 supplemental, and K-8 intervention materials – for approval by the Virginia Board of Education. The Department has partnered with Virginia Literacy Partnerships (VLP) in the School of Education and Human Development at University of Virginia to conduct a review of instructional programs.
This next cycle of review is focused exclusively on K-5 core instructional materials. Additional reviews of supplemental and intervention programs will be conducted at a later date.
The Core Instructional Program Review consists of two phases:
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Phase I: Initial Review for alignment to features of evidence-based core instructional reading programs, as required by the VLA.
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Phase II: In-depth Program Review for detailed alignment to evidence-based literacy instructional practices grounded in science-based reading research for teaching essential literacy skills, by grade level, as required by the VLA.
Applications are being accepted for Phase I Initial Review beginning Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. EST. The application window will close on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST.
Providers submit information and instructional materials to indicate that each grade level of the instructional program is aligned with the eligibility criteria of the VLA, namely evidence-based literacy instruction grounded in science-based reading research. Providers will complete an initial worksheet aligned with the Phase I review rubric and submit supporting materials.
Review teams composed of educators and experts in early literacy will review submissions. All programs that receive a rating of “Meets Expectations” will receive an invitation to proceed to Phase II. Programs that do not receive a rating of “Meets Expectations” will receive a Notice of Denial and Eligibility for Appeal.
Submission of materials either in hard copy or via email will not be accepted.
The final date for submission is Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST.
Thirty English and Literacy Professional Learning Webinar Recordings Available
Article: 2026-01-002
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
Contact: Jill Nogueras, Associate Director of K-12 English & Literacy, jill.nogueras@doe.virginia.gov
The Office of Instruction is pleased to share the complete collection of professional learning webinars hosted this fall and recorded for educators across the Commonwealth to support the implementation of the 2024 English Standards of Learning. These on-demand supports for educators can used during Professional Learning Communities, department meetings, and other professional learning experiences.
All 30 webinar recordings from the Fall 2025 English Professional Learning Webinar Series are available on the 2024 SOL Instructional Resources | Virginia Department of Education page of the Virginia Department of Education website. Topics include Effective Practice of Foundational Skills, Text-Dependent Questioning, Purposeful Planning, Writing Instruction, Considerations for Planning Reading Intervention, and more. Each session includes a recording, pdf, and scripted slide deck for use in future professional learning settings.
The recordings and accompanying slide decks should be shared broadly with literacy educators throughout divisions. Schools identified as Off-Track or Needs Intensive Support should review local assessment data and use these webinars to strengthen English and literacy practices to support the implementation of the 2024 English Standards of Learning.
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Innovation
Register NOW for the Virginia Speak Up Survey
Article: 2026-01-004
Audience: Superintendents, Directors
Contact: Morri Pace, Digital Learning Coordinator, morri.pace@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education has partnered with Project Tomorrow to administer customized Virginia Speak Up surveys in the areas of educational technology. Schools and districts will be able to access their own data for planning purposes and join a Virginia data analysis cohort. Speak Up is an annual research project conducted by Project Tomorrow, a national education nonprofit group that collects and reports on the views of K-12 students, teachers, administrators, and parents on education and technology.
Surveys are available from December 6th, 2025, to May 29, 2026. To participate, designate a local school division Virginia Speak Up administrator to register with Project Tomorrow.
The Speak Up team will email customized links for the school division’s schools to the designated division administrator. Divisions will receive a promotional toolkit that includes supplemental lesson plans for educators and customizable promotional materials.
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School Finance
2026 VDOE Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B Fiscal Collaborative Forum – Register by February 3, 2026
Article: 2026-01-005
Audience: Invited Directors of Special Education and Division Finance and their staff only
Contact: Office of Special Education Finance and Budget, SPED-Finance@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education Office of Special Education Finance and Budget will host the second Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B Fiscal Collaborative Forum on February 24-25, 2026. The IDEA Part B Fiscal Collaborative Forum will provide the opportunity for special education and finance office IDEA specialists to enhance collaboration, increase knowledge, and build capacity. Invited participants will discuss IDEA fiscal regulations for the accurate implementation of the approved Annual Plan, fiscal data reporting, state monitoring preparation, and the Virginia Students with Intensive Support Needs reimbursement process.
The two-day forum will be held at The DoubleTree Hotel - Midlothian, 1021 Koger Center Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia, 23235, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. each day. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. each day.
Registration for the VDOE 2026 IDEA Part B Fiscal Collaborative Forum must be completed by February 3, 2026. A separate registration is required for each attendee. An agenda and additional information will be emailed to school division staff who register.
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Behavioral Health & Student Safety
Youth Mental Health First Aid Train the Trainer Opportunity – Register by February 10, 2026
Article: 2026-01-006
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Child Care Center Operators, Teachers, Non-teaching staff, School-based mental health professionals
Contact: Sarah Bazemore, Behavioral Health and Instructional Supports Coordinator, Sarah.Bazemore@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education 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 on March 17-19, 2026. 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 February 10, 2026, by emailing Laura Robertson, DBHDS Suicide Prevention Coordinator.
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School and Community
Nutrition Programs
Virginia Prohibits Certain Color Additives in School Meals — Effective July 1, 2027
Article: 2026-01-001
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, School food authorities
Contact: Sara Bennett, MS, RDN, SNS, Director, VDOE Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs, sara.bennett@doe.virginia.gov
In the 2025 General Session, Governor Youngkin signed SB1289/HB1910, which prohibits public schools from offering foods served in school meals and competitive foods with the following color additives, effective July 1, 2027 (Code of Virginia 22.1-207.4:3):
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FD&C Blue No. 1 (CAS Reg. No. 3844-45-9),
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FD&C Blue No. 2 (CAS Reg. No. 860-22-0),
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FD&C Green No. 3 (CAS Reg. No. 2353-45-9),
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FD&C Red No. 3 (CAS Reg. No. 16423-68-0),
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FD&C Red No. 40 (CAS Reg. No. 25956-17-6),
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FD&C Yellow No. 5 (CAS Reg. No. 1934-21-0), or
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FD&C Yellow No. 6 (CAS Reg. No. 2783-94-0).
Per Code of Virginia 22.1-207.4, “competitive food” means any food, excluding beverages, sold to students on school grounds during regular school hours that is not part of the school breakfast or school lunch program. This includes a la carte items sold on the serving line and vending machine items sold to students during the school day. Compliance with Code 22.1-207.4:3 will be assessed during Administrative Reviews.
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School Improvement
School Improvement Support Resources Released and Upcoming Regional Sessions
Article: 2026-01-012
Audience: Designated Office of School Improvement Contacts
Contact: Dr. Quentin L. Ballard, Director, quentin.ballard@doe.virginia.gov, Office of School Improvement, OSI@doe.virginia.gov
Previously Released Resources (January 6, 2026): Self-paced sessions are available in Canvas to assist divisions in meeting federal requirements and preparing for improvement planning:
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Navigating Requirements for School Improvement
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Identifying and Prioritizing Needs
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Developing the Multi-year School Support Plan
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Funding for Impact Part I: School Improvement Grant Application Process
Upcoming Online Regional Meetings: Additionally, the Office of School Improvement will host online regional meetings to support division and schools with accessing school improvement resources, understanding timelines for deliverables, addressing clarifying questions, and to provide support to Division Contacts. The point(s) of contact for school improvement in each division received the registration links via email.
- Region/Time: Region 1, 9-10 am
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Region/Time: Region 2, 1-2 pm
- Region/Time: Region 3, 9-10 am
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Region/Time: Region 4, 1-2 pm
- Region/Time: Regions 5 and 6, 9-10 am
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Region/Time: Regions 7 and 8, 1-2 pm
Additional Upcoming Resources: Stay tuned for additional resources that will be available soon in Canvas to provide further guidance and support for divisions:
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Identifying and Addressing Resource Inequities
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Identifying and Implementing Evidence-based Interventions
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Planning for Outcomes-based Monitoring
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Funding for Impact Part II: Direct Student Services Grant
These resources are designed to support effective school improvement practices and prepare divisions for successful grant submissions.
The School Improvement Grant Application and Budget Workbook were released on January 6, 2026, and the Direct Student Services Grant application will be released next week.
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