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Virginia Literacy Act Training Requirements Update
Reading specialists are required to take the nine-module Canvas course after attendance at the reading institutes, hosted by Virginia Literacy Partnerships, to meet the training requirements as outlined in the Virginia Literacy Act. These modules will prepare reading specialists to successfully implement evidence-based literacy instruction and supports for students needing additional services. In addition, per the Virginia Literacy Act, teachers will receive training in evidence-based literacy instruction and science-based reading research. VDOE will provide a list of approved professional development programs that meet the requirements of the legislation later this spring. School divisions will have flexibility in the selection of a professional development for their teachers from the approved list. Read more in #2023-18 Virginia Education Update 2 November 2023.
Digital Reading Platform Webinars-November 9
Due to varying school division schedules this week, the webinars for the digital reading tutoring platform originally scheduled for Monday and Wednesday this week are rescheduled for this Thursday. Access the webinar: Digital Reading Platform Webinar: November 9 at 2:30 p.m.
National School Psychology Awareness Week: November 6-10
Please join the VDOE in celebrating Virginia School Psychologists during the week of November 6-10, 2023. National School Psychology Week is an opportunity for schools to recognize and highlight the critical work that school psychologists do for Virginia’s schools, students, families, and communities. This year's theme, “Let’s Grow Together”, recognizes every aspect of growth as fundamental to effective learning environments and to school psychologists’ role in supporting student well-being and learning. Read more in #2023-18 Virginia Education Update 2 November 2023.
Blueprints for Better Blending Conference-February 17
Virtual Virginia and VSTE are gearing up for our fourth annual free, one-day Blended Learning Conference for public school educators nationwide. With topics in both synchronous and asynchronous instruction, “Blueprints for Better Blending” will highlight some of the amazing things teachers and leaders are doing to improve instruction. Presentation proposals are currently being accepted for the conference. Visit the website for more details about the conference and to submit a presentation proposal.
Purple Star Schools
VDOE and the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on the Educational Opportunity for Military Children are recognizing 110 public and private schools as “Purple Star” schools. Of these 110 schools, 29 were second time recipients of the distinction. The Purple Star designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated their commitment to meeting the needs of military-connected students and their families. To reach and maintain Purple Star division status all schools in the school division must have an active Purple Star School designation. Read all about the Purple Star schools from VDOE today!
Sample Integrated Lesson Plans for VESOL and Introductory Webinar
VDOE Office of Student Assessment and the Office of Special Education Instructional Services would like to remind teachers that the Sample Integrated Lesson Plans for Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning (VESOL) webpage and the prerecorded Introductory Webinar for Sample Integrated Lesson Plans are now available. These sample lesson plans are designed to support instruction of VESOL in the content areas of reading, mathematics, and science. Most include an integrated component that provides opportunities for students to practice these content area skills simultaneously. Teachers should visit the webpage regularly as new lesson plans are added weekly.
Virginia Statewide LMS Credentials for Educators & Technology/Infrastructure Personnel
Four credential opportunities are available, with two tracks for teachers and other education personnel and two tracks for technology/infrastructure personnel. Each will include a series of webinars and a brief online course. Participants who successfully complete a track will earn a certificate and digital badge worth five hours of professional learning. Register for the webinar series.
English Language Proficiency Assessments Test Administration Schedule: 2023-2024
The statewide ELP assessments testing window for the 2023-2024 school year opens January 16 and closes March 22, 2024. School divisions must assess all English learners (ELs) with an approved ELP assessment during this testing window. A detailed ELP assessment test administration schedule for the 2023-2024 school year is available online and includes information and important dates for administering the assessments. Additional information is available on the Virginia English Language Proficiency Assessment webpage and the Virginia WIDA website.
Request a Visit from Miss Virginia!
Miss Virginia is traveling across the state encouraging healthy choices, wellness, and substance use prevention. Through the Miss Virginia School Tour, each student will receive a copy of the Virginia ABC educational Health and Safety Activity Workbook. Request a visit from Miss Virginia for your elementary students today!
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 below, first make sure you are logged into your Canvas account for your local school division. Click the Help button found on the lower-left of the screen and select Training Services Portal. Select the Live Training Calendar to register. Upcoming 4 p.m. sessions include:
11/9: Integrating Canvas and Office 365
11/13: Assessment Tools for Admins
11/14: Creating Assessments with New Quizzes
11/15: Pages and the Rich Content Editor
VCTM Professional Development Grants
The Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 Ena Gross Professional Development Grants, as well as the Karen Dee Michalowicz First Timers Grants. First round of applications are due December 15th. For more information, review the VCTM Grants and Scholarships Table website.
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Virginia English Journal Submission Deadline Extended
The Virginia Association Teachers of English has extended the deadline for the call for submissions for the 2024 Winter Edition of the Virginia English Journal (VEJ) to December 1. English and Language Arts educators at all levels are encouraged to write for the VEJ or apply to serve as reviewers. Additional information about becoming an author or reviewer can be found by completing the interest form or contacting Cinde Wollenberg, VEJ Editor.
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Power of Parents Resources
Virginia ABC, in partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the “Power of Parents” resources. he Power of Parents handbooks can help guide middle and high schooler in positive decision making and support ongoing conversations about the dangers and consequences of underage drinking and substance abuse. See additional information and resources on the website.
VIRGINIA COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS
Education Leadership Master’s and Certificate Programs
George Mason University’s Education Leadership Program is hosting two virtual information sessions for educators interested in pursuing a pathway to leadership and earning licensure in administration and supervision. Register for the November 13 or December 5 session at 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about the program’s hybrid regional cohort and fully online formats designed to fit the schedules of working professionals and will receive a fee waiver code for their Spring 2024 application. Email with questions.
Reading Specialist and Literacy Coach Opportunities
Are you interested in becoming a Reading Specialist or Literacy Coach? You can earn your Master’s Degree in Literacy Education or obtain your Reading Specialist Certificate (K-12) with Radford University. Engage in advanced graduate study in literacy and related fields, improve your classroom teaching, open up options for Title 1 instruction, Reading Specialist expertise, Literacy Coaching, and more! Join an upcoming information session on November 13, 29, or December 11 to learn about cohort opportunities.
TCLDEL Information Session
A virtual information session will be hosted on November 15 from 5-6 p.m. by George Mason University’s Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and Exceptional Learners program faculty for all PK-12 teacher candidates and in-service educators. Faculty will be on hand to present an overview of the Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and Certificate programs in ESOL and World Languages concentrations. Participants will learn about program structures, outcomes, requirements, and have time to ask questions. The application fee will be waived for attendees.
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