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Update on the Virginia Growth Assessments for Winter 2023-2024
The winter administration of the Virginia Growth Assessments in grades 3-8 reading and mathematics will begin November 27, 2023. School divisions have identified their winter growth assessment test dates so the tests are administered to their students no later than Friday, February 16, 2024. Unlike the 2023 fall growth assessments focused on content from each student’s previous year of enrollment, the winter growth assessments will assess content from each student’s current enrollment. Student registrations for the winter growth assessments are to match each student’s enrollment in grades 3-8 reading and mathematics. Test blueprints for each of the grades 3-8 reading and mathematics growth assessments are available on the Virginia Growth Assessments webpage on the VDOE website. Read more from #2023-19 Virginia Education Update 9 November 2023.
The Newcomer Tool Kit
This Tool Kit is published by the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition (NCELA) and supported by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA). It has five chapters and contains an overview, sample tools, and resources designed to help elementary and secondary teachers, principals, and other school staff who work directly with immigrant students and their families. Explore it today!
English 10: AP Seminar Information Webinar
Virginia educators are invited to join the College Board to learn more about advancing opportunities for your students with Eng 10: AP Seminar. In April 2023, Eng 10: AP Seminar was approved by the Virginia Board of Education to substitute for English 10. School division instructional leaders, administrators, and interested teachers are invited to register to attend the information session on November 27 at 11 a.m. Contact Valerie Keating, Senior Director at College Board, with questions.
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.
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.
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.
PAEMST K-6 STEM Teacher Award
Do you know a K-6 grade STEM teacher in the Commonwealth whose impact goes beyond the classroom? Help VDOE celebrate the future of STEM education by nominating a K-6 STEM teacher for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Nominations close January 8, 2024. The nomination form and the application packet as well as complete directions are available on the PAEMST website.
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.
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.
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 a virtual information session for educators interested in pursuing a pathway to leadership and earning licensure in administration and supervision. Register for the 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 29 or December 11 to learn about cohort opportunities.
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