Virginia’s investments in our youngest learners are paying off. The latest VKRP Data Snapshot shows that our newest kindergarteners are more school ready this year as compared to fall 2024.

Roughly 6% more kindergarteners met the overall benchmark for school readiness, meaning they entered kindergarten ready in literacy, math, social skills and self-regulation. Kids who enter ready are more likely to be successful in K-12 and beyond.  

Thanks to your efforts with Virginia’s new literacy screener, VALLSS, we saw the largest gains in literacy, an 8% improvement from last fall.  We are especially excited about growth for students who may need greater support, including students from low-income households, English Language Learners, and students with disabilities. 

Taken together, these results show the positive impact of Virginia’s investments in early childhood, and the dedicated work of educators in all types of child care settings across the Commonwealth.

Parents often tell me they want to be sure their young children are ready for school. And kindergarten teachers say they can see firsthand the impact of quality early childhood. On behalf of families and educators alike, thank you to everyone who helped make this growth happen for our youngest learners.  

In response to Executive Order 4, the Virginia Department of Education is opening up the legislatively-required Innovative Assessment Workgroup for additional members. This Workgroup serves as an advisory board to the Department and helps inform the development of a new, innovative statewide assessment system.  

The Department is appreciative of the 17 current members and is looking to expand membership.  

Workgroup participants should have expertise in one or more of the following areas: assessment design and administration, using assessment outcomes to improve instruction, implementation and change management, testing accommodations, teaching and assessing a variety of student groups (multilingual learners, students with disabilities, advanced learners, etc.), or supporting students to improve academic outcomes.  

The Innovative Assessment Workgroup will have monthly meetings beginning in March 2026. A full list of dates is shared in the application. All meetings will take place in Richmond or will be hosted virtually. 

Educators, administrators, advocates, professional associations, parents, and community members are invited to submit applications. Applicants who speak a language other than English are encouraged to apply.  

Applications may be submitted by completing this form.  

All applications must be received by March 2, 2026. 

At the November 13, 2025, Board of Education meeting, the Virginia Department of Education was authorized to proceed with the K-12 Fine Arts Standards of Learning review process. It is anticipated that the review will be completed by June 2027. 

An important part of the review process for the Fine Arts Standards of Learning is the solicitation of comments from classroom teachers, students, parents, administrators, curriculum supervisors, fine arts educators, and other stakeholders who have worked with the current standards. Comments may be submitted via the 2020 Fine Arts SOL Public Comment Form. Public comments will be received for Visual Arts, Music, Theatre Arts, and Dance Arts from February 12- March 30, 2026. 

At the November 13, 2025, Board of Education meeting, the Virginia Department of Education (the Department) was authorized to proceed with the K-12 Fine Arts Standards of Learning review process. It is anticipated that the review will be completed by June 2027. 

As an important part of the review process for the Fine Arts Standards of Learning, review teams will meet in the summer of 2026 to review proposed revisions to the Standards. Educators, leaders, and additional stakeholders interested in taking part in the review process must complete the 2027 Fine Arts Review Committee Interest Form to be contacted when the official application process opens. Dates, locations, compensation information, and the official application process will be provided in April 2026 to those who complete the form and qualify to serve on a review team. Interest form responses are due by March 30, 2026. 

The Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS), in partnership with Virtual Virginia and Advanced Learning Partnerships, has launched AI Part II: Into the Classroom, a statewide initiative designed to expand AI literacy and instructional confidence among educators across all school divisions in the Commonwealth.  

Building on the AI Year of Learning, this next phase focuses on practical, safe, and classroom-ready applications of artificial intelligence, aligned with Virginia Department of Education guidance and local division needs.  

Starting in spring 2026, educators will gain access to a three-tiered asynchronous learning pathway through the Virtual Virginia LMS, including foundational AI literacy, instructional integration strategies, and advanced practices such as teaching student AI literacy and evaluating AI tools.  

To support long-term sustainability, VASS will also implement a train-the-trainer model, equipping divisions with local leaders who can guide ongoing implementation. All materials will meet accessibility standards and transition to VASS/VDOE ownership for continued use.  

Superintendents can confirm participation through the VASS certification form. 

On January 8, 2026, the Virginia Board of Education approved the Guidelines for Selecting Parent Materials Related to Student Safety Concerns. The creation of these guidelines was driven by two bills passed in the 2025 General Assembly (HB2055 and HB2679) which update § 22.1-79.4 and § 22.1-272.1. It requires behavioral threat assessment and suicide risk assessment teams to provide parents or guardians with materials that help them recognize and respond to behaviors suggesting a student may pose a risk to self or others. It mandates that this information be shared either immediately upon initial parental notification or as soon as practicable following notification.  

This bill also requires that parents be informed of the legal requirements regarding children’s access to firearms under § 18.2-56.2. Approved caregiver materials can be located on the VDOE’s Parent & Caregiver Resources for Self-Harm, Suicide, & Violence Prevention web page. 

To assist Behavioral Threat Assessment and Suicide Risk Assessment Teams in implementing these notification requirements, a webinar will be held on March 4, 2026, from 2:30-3:15 p.m. Those interested in attending can register using the Selecting Caregiver Materials Related to Student Safety Concerns Webinar Registration Form. A recording will be sent to those who register. 

The VDOE and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) continue to collaborate to improve health and educational outcomes for students across the Commonwealth. This spring (February-May), approximately 376 randomly selected schools will participate in the biennial VDH School Health Profiles Survey. It assesses school health education practices, policies, and activities. This survey does not involve student participation. 

The data collected is vital to improving the quality and delivery of health services for Virginia’s students. The VDOE remains committed to working with agency partners to ensure students stay healthy, safe, and ready to learn. 

What to Expect: In the coming weeks, principals or assistant principals of selected schools will receive an email from the VDH containing a unique survey link. This link is intended specifically for the school principal and lead health educator. Contact Freda Williams, VDH Surveys Supervisor, at (804) 864-7863 or Freda.Williams@vdh.virginia.gov with any questions. 

The Virginia Department of Education, Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs is committed to supporting sponsors’ procurement efforts by providing guidance, reminders, and resources. Please review SCNP (Dir.) Memo #2025-2026-26 for more information on: 

• the recent increase in federal purchasing thresholds, 
• the Virginia law that requires public school divisions to give preference to Virginia goods and Virginia residents, and  
• new and updated SCNP procurement resources available in SNPWeb Download Forms.