Call for Nominations to Board of Education Advisory Committee
The Virginia Board of Education is seeking nominees for several vacancies on its advisory committees. A full list of vacancies is available on the Board’s Advisory Committee webpage. Some of the vacancies on advisory committees require specific categories of expertise, qualifications, or geographic representation. Self-nominations are accepted. Nominations may be made by completing the Board’s Nomination Form for Advisory Committees by August 11.
Public Comment Sought regarding the Proposed 2023 Mathematics Standards of Learning
As shared in Superintendent's Memo #133-23, the Board of Education seeks to acquire quality feedback to help Virginia create best in class Standards for the children of the Commonwealth. Written public comment regarding the proposed 2023 Mathematics Standards of Learning will be accepted through August 11, 2023 and may be submitted using the online public comment form or by emailing vdoe.mathematics@doe.virginia.gov. Public comment may also be offered through public hearings, being held both in-person and virtually. Additional information can be found on the Revision of the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning webpage.
Field Experiences Across Virginia
Through a collaborative effort with the Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance and the Friends of Mineralogy-Virginia, VAST is facilitating a series of tours of quarry properties in Virginia on July 21 at Vulcan Materials, Dale Quarry in Chester and July 28 at Luck Stone, Bull Run Quarry in Chantilly. Programs run from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Registration is required.
Canvas's Training Services Portal Weekly Sessions
Educators can participate in training sessions each week via Canvas's Training Services Portal. To find any of the sessions listed, make sure you are logged into your Canvas account for your local school division. Click on the Help button on the lower-left of the screen and then select Training Services Portal. The upcoming hour-long sessions are appropriate for Division and School Leaders, Statewide LMS Admin, Instructors, and Support. Session dates are:
7/20 at 2:30 p.m.: Data for Teachers
7/21 at 8:30 a.m.: Accessibility
7/24 at 1 p.m.: Outcomes & Rubrics for Instructors
7/25 at 1 p.m.: Home Pages
7/26 at 2:30 p.m.: Group Work & Collaboration
2023 Donna Sterling Award
Applications for the 2023 Donna Sterling Award are open until August 15 at 5 p.m. This award recognizes that exemplary teachers engage in continuous improvement of science teaching. Each awardee receives $4000 across two years to implement a professional development plan as well as registration and travel to Virginia Association of Science Teachers PD Institute in 2023 and 2024.
License Certificates
On June 21, 2023, the VDOE Office of Licensure and School Leadership ceased the printing and mailing of paper licenses and evaluations. The Office of Licensure and School Leadership will make license certificates and evaluations available in the future on the eGOV portal. Applicants and license holders are encouraged to create an eGOV account to view pertinent licensure information.
Free NMSI Professional Development for Virginia Teachers-July 25-27
Join your peers at Norfolk State University to attend a free two and a half-day professional development opportunity hosted by The National Math and Science Initiative. The NMSI’s Laying the Foundation training sessions are for math, science, and ELA teachers in grade 3-12. Participants will experience hands-on activities and receive resources that can be taken directly into the classroom. To register, first create an account as a teacher in the NMSI Partner Portal. Select the Content Workshop tab and choose Norfolk State University. Follow these directions to register for the LTF training. Contact customerservice@nms.org with any questions.
Virginia Literacy Act: Core Instructional Programs
The Virginia Board of Education approved an initial list of research-based core instructional programs for grades K-3 to align early elementary literacy instruction with research on how students best learn to read and write. The implementation of the programs is a key component of the Virginia Literacy Act, a comprehensive law passed by the 2022 General Assembly and signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin to improve literacy outcomes for all students. The next review cycle will evaluate core instructional programming kindergarten through fifth grade, as well as intervention and supplemental programs to help students who have reading and writing difficulties in kindergarten through eighth grade.
LFVA Teacher Performance Evaluation Training
Learning Forward Virginia is providing support for the VA Teacher Performance Evaluation System with training sessions on the following dates:
-Teacher Performance Evaluation System for Evaluators September 19 (In-person, Full Day).
-Making Summative Decisions/Inter-rater Reliability October 17 and 19 (Virtual, Half Day).
-Formative Feedback to Support Teacher Growth November 15 (In-person).
Visit Learning Forward Virginia for more information and to register.
Proposed Changes to Certain Testing Requirements for Writing
On June 15, 2023, the Virginia Board of Education considered a proposal that would change the expectations for writing assessment for grade 5 and grade 8 students. The proposal would eliminate the grade 8 SOL Writing test beginning in spring 2024 and would occur concurrently with the implementation of the new integrated reading and writing items as part of the grades 5, 8, and end-of-course (EOC) SOL Reading tests. The intent of implementing the new item type is twofold:
(1) to reinforce the importance of students writing about what they have read to support the development of literacy skills
(2) to provide a measure of students’ writing skill without the burden of an additional test.
The proposal included a new set of Guidelines for Local Alternative Assessments: 2023-2024 and Beyond that recommends that school divisions use the integrated reading and writing assessment items that will be administered as part of the grade 5 SOL Reading test beginning in spring 2024 to meet the assessment requirements for Grade 5 Writing contained in the guidelines. The board is expected to vote on this proposal at the July 27, 2023 meeting. Submit feedback regarding this proposal by emailing the Office of Student Assessment.
VIRGINIA COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS
New Online Dual Language Methods Course
The University of Virginia will offer a new, asynchronous online course, EDIS 5481: Dual Language Methods focuses on dual-language curriculum and instructional methods starting August 22. The course includes exploration of WIDA, Virginia's SOLs and Early Learning & Development Standards. PreK-12 educators may be eligible for a reduced tuition rate. Contact Courtney Sullivan for details.
Master of Science in Special Education
Broaden your knowledge of teaching diverse learners, including students with disabilities, in inclusive classrooms with Longwood University’s Special Education program. Participants will enhance their skills using creative strategies and practices that can be applied to all educational environments. This master’s degree has a track for licensed teachers and one for initial licensure. Apply by July 25 and Longwood will waive the application fee! Contact Kat Alves with questions.
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