As National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month wraps up, we want to celebrate the incredible impact of CTE programs across Virginia. Each day, our students are gaining valuable real-world skills which will prepare them for success after graduation, whether they go directly into the workforce or continue their educational careers. I’m so excited by the innovation happening in schools and CTE centers all around the state.

In Henrico County Public Schools for instance, the 6th annual CTE Career Rodeo Skills Challenge showcased the power of work-based learning. Seniors tackled real-world industry challenges, demonstrating not only technical expertise but also the durable, life-ready skills that employers value most. 

Meanwhile, in Winchester, the new Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center is showing us what the future of career-connected learning can look like. With state-of-the-art labs and industry-aligned programs, students are preparing for high-demand careers. The Center’s Professional Skills Academy offers hands-on training in essential trades such as carpentry, welding, and electricity—equipping students with the skills and confidence to thrive.

Thank you to the educators, staff, students, and community partners who make these opportunities possible. I look forward to seeing more outstanding CTE programs alongside Secretary Smith as we begin our listening tour next week! 

At the 2026 National ESEA Conference, during the session “U.S. Department of Education: Unpacking the Secrets of Title I, Part D, to Serve At-Risk Youth,” Staunton City Public Schools was proudly highlighted on the national stage for its exceptional work serving at-risk students. The division’s impressive data and program outcomes were shared as a model of what strong leadership and strategic use of federal funds can accomplish. 

Title I, Part D, funds are designed to support youth facing some of the most significant educational barriers. At the conference, the United States Department of Education emphasized the often-overlooked potential of Title I, Part D, to uplift at-risk youth and transform outcomes when implemented with fidelity and purpose. 

Under the leadership of Mr. Nate Collins, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, Staunton City Public Schools’ At-Risk Programming has become a statewide and national example of excellence. Through their strategic implementation of Title I, Part D, funds, chronic absenteeism has decreased significantly, and the on-time graduation rate increased to an astonishing 93% - the highest in division history. 

These outcomes are not accidental! They reflect a clear vision and strong systems. Mr. Collins has cultivated a culture where at-risk students are not defined by their challenges but empowered by opportunity. Staunton’s national recognition reflects what is possible when federal resources are used intentionally and strategically. Congratulations to Mr. Nate Collins and Staunton City Public Schools! 

Article: 2026-07-094
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, Facility Directors, Finance Directors, Grant Managers 
Contact: Vijay Ramnarain, Director, Office of Support Services, Vijay.ramnarain@doe.virginia.gov

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.

These “bite-sized” professional learnings support the implementation of the 2024 English Standards of Learning and target areas identified by divisions in their survey responses to the fall professional learning series. The English team has created multiple short professional learning opportunities around evidence based instructional practices that educators can immediately apply in classrooms.  Sample topics include using think alouds to support comprehension in elementary classrooms, understanding syllable types, and using cold reads in secondary English classrooms. These webinars are between 15-30 minutes and have an application task for educators to complete in order to receive certificates of participation, which can be considered locally to support teacher re-licensure points. This will be an ongoing professional learning opportunity with more bite-sized webinars on additional topics to be added throughout the spring.  

National School Social Work Week is March 1-7, 2026, and VDOE recognizes school social workers for their unique contributions in helping students achieve academic success. As mental health professionals, school social workers are vital in supporting students’ needs to optimize their learning and are instrumental in linking school leaders, families, and communities to help students succeed.  

The theme for National School Social Work Week 2026 is “Unite to Ignite: Celebrating our Impact.” It is a time to honor the impact school social workers have made as they empower others and work collaboratively to ensure all students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Ideas for promoting and celebrating School Social Work Week are available at the School Social Work Association of America website.  

School divisions are encouraged to join VDOE in recognizing Virginia school social workers for their dedication to students, families, and school communities.