|
This Week’s To-Do’s
This Week’s Articles
|
|
Dr. Lisa Coons, Superintendent of Public Instruction
|
|
|
Good afternoon!
I hope everyone had a restful Thanksgiving holiday last week and had an opportunity to recharge as we support our students and help them have a strong finish to the first semester.
Today, we are very excited to launch our new Virginia Licensure Online system (VALO), the platform for many of the improvements we are making to the teacher licensure process. VALO is online today to assist new and initial applicants, and we’ll be expanding the system to serve renewals later in the school year. You will be hearing more from our Teacher Licensure leaders in the days ahead about VALO and how it can assist your new applicants.
When I arrived at VDOE earlier this year, one of the first things I heard in my opening superintendents meeting was your frustration with the licensure process, both the antiquated application system and the length of processing time. While we have been making process improvements internally over the past six months, VALO is our first educator-facing improvement to that process, and we plan to keep those improvements moving forward in the months ahead.
We also were pleased earlier this week to announce Lexia as an additional free digital tutoring resource for your suite of ALL In reading resources. Lexia provides a standards-based approach to supporting literacy learning recovery while Ignite deeply dives into the skills of reading. Many of you had asked for additional options, and we are glad to be able to offer you Lexia as you work to meet the diverse learning gaps your students are experiencing.
Listening Sessions on the Board’s Accountability redesign continue throughout the commonwealth this month. We have heard from so many parents, educators and community leaders in Abingdon and Roanoke already, and the Board will be conducting six more sessions over the next two weeks. They want to understand what you feel is important in the re-design and sincerely encourage your participation in these sessions when they are in your region. They are in Brooke tomorrow night, and special thanks to Thomas Taylor and his staff in Stafford for hosting us.
We are also very pleased that 114 school divisions have submitted their ALL In plans. As Norton City Superintendent Gina Wohlford told Governor Youngkin last month in Abingdon, we are not just helping our students catch up, we are helping them get a step ahead.
Finally, before the Thanksgiving holiday, in conjunction with the Governor’s actions VDOE released Best Practices for School Related Overdoses and Collaboration with Law Enforcement, as well as resources for combating antisemitism and anti-religious bigotry and protecting the freedom to worship. We recognize that both situations are challenging for you and your educators, and I hope you will use both documents as a support in these matters.
- Lisa
|
|
News from Across the Commonwealth
|
|
Student Advisory Board
Established in 2022 to provide student perspectives on education related matters to the State Board of Education, the Student Advisory Board plays an important role in ensuring that student voices are heard in the creation of policies affecting education in the Commonwealth.
The Virginia Student Advisory Board meets twice a year and presents to the State Board of Education in the spring. Governor Youngkin has appointed these eight high school seniors representing each of the superintendent’s regions to the Student Advisory Board for the 2023-2024 term.
|
Region
|
Name
|
High School
|
Division
|
|
1
|
Elizabeth Cobb
|
Veritas School
|
Private
|
|
2
|
Sarah Byman
|
Homeschool
|
Homeschool
|
|
3
|
Abubakkar Rahim
|
North Stafford High School
|
Stafford
|
|
4
|
Yordanose Moges
|
West Potomac High School
|
Fairfax
|
|
5
|
Rafael Ibanez
|
Western Albemarle High School
|
Albemarle
|
|
6
|
Lane Toapanta
|
Salem High School
|
Salem City
|
|
7
|
Arrow Brooks
|
Washington County Career and Technical Education Center
|
Washington
|
|
8
|
Preston Riddle
|
Halifax County High School
|
Halifax
|
|
|
 ALL In Virginia
New ALL In Reading Options
To help address the varied level of support for literacy needed by students, VDOE has expanded the ALL in Tutoring reading initiative to include evidence-based reading resources from Ignite Reading and Lexia.
Lexia programs are now available for students participating in the ALL In Initiative in Grades 3-8 who are not proficient on the Virginia Standards of Learning. The department has added Lexia’s tutoring options, Lexia Core5® Reading and Lexia PowerUp Literacy®, in support of students with unfinished literacy learning because of pandemic learning loss.
Lexia Core5 Reading, Grades PK-5, provides explicit and systematic learning in six areas of reading instruction and delivering norm-referenced performance data without interrupting the flow of instruction. Core5 Reading provides an adaptive and individualized learning experience for Grades 3-5 struggling students and enables students of all abilities to advance their reading skills. This Lexia Core5 Reading video provides more information on the program.
Lexia PowerUp Literacy, Grades 6-8, is designed to enhance core English Language Arts instruction for students with unfinished learning. PowerUp is proven to be up to five times as effective as the average middle school reading intervention, enabling students to potentially make multiple years of growth in a single academic year. More information on PowerUp is available in this Lexia PowerUp video .
Ignite Reading continues to be available for students with the most critical needs and the most significant literacy-based learning loss. Ignite Reading will provide one-to-one, synchronous foundational reading skills tutoring to Virginia students with significant decoding gaps who require intensive Tier 3 support. Ignite Reading has a record of accelerating student reading growth with their evidence-based program meeting the goals of the Virginia Literacy Act. Ignite Reading should be reserved for students who need intensive or “Tier 3” type support for students with the most critical literacy needs. Their expertise in closing decoding gaps will help ensure that students who are reading well below grade level do not fall even further behind and that they develop crucial foundational reading skills.
If your school division is interested in using Lexia as a reading resource, please complete the Lexia Interest Form and Lexia will be in touch to begin your division’s implementation.
If you have questions regarding the All In Tutoring digital platforms for literacy, Dr. Marcey Sorensen (email) is available to assist.
|
|
News from our Content Specialists and Special Education
|
|
VALO Modernizes Teacher Licensure Process
Audience: Superintendents, School Principals, Teachers; Perspective Teachers
Contact: Rob Gilstrap, Assistant Superintendent of Education Preparation
Earlier this week VDOE launched its Virginia Licensure Online system (VALO) to help modernize the teacher licensure process and make the application and renewal experience more user-friendly for perspective and current teachers.
Bringing current technology such as smart prompting and enhanced communication tools to the user experience, VALO is designed to assist applicants as they move through the licensure process. VALO will make it easier for prospective teachers to submit complete and accurate applications, keep track of their application status, and efficiently correct any needed information in their application.
The new VALO system is now online for all new and initial applicants for Virginia teacher licensure. Potential teachers can access the new system at the Licensing Services section of the VDOE website.
Renewals for current licensed teachers, as well as additional enhancements to benefit division staff, will begin in VALO later in the school year. The Department of Teacher Education and Licensure will be reaching out directly to school divisions to discuss VALO’s features and any changes to the initial application process.
|
2024-2025 Special Education Annual Plan/Part B Flow-Through Application
Audience: Superintendents; Division Finance and Special Education Staff
Contact: Office of Special Education Finance and Budget
Under provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia, local educational agencies (LEAs) are required to submit an Annual Plan/Part B Flow-Through Application for providing special education and related services to children with disabilities.
The 2024-2025 Special Education Annual Plan/Part B Flow-Through Application serves as the formal agreement between a local school board and the VDOE for implementing federal and state laws and regulations governing these services. Accordingly, the disbursement of state and federal funds appropriated for the education of children with disabilities is contingent upon the approval of this plan and each of its components. The 2024-2025 plan/application must be submitted to the VDOE by Friday, May 10, 2024.
Executive Directive Six
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
As noted in Governor Youngkin’s Executive Directive Six, Virginia is the birthplace of the
Freedom of Religion in America and this freedom encompasses the comprehensive protection of all ethnic and religious communities in Virginia.
Last week, VDOE published a set of student safety resources designed to promote the safety of Virginia’s religious and ethnic communities. We hope that these resources are useful to you and your educators as you confront and combat incidents of antisemitism, anti-religious bigotry, and ethnic-based violence.
Executive Order 28
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
As noted in Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order 28, transparency and community awareness regarding school-connected overdoses are essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of Virginia’s children.
VDOE has published a set of best practices regarding the notification of all parents within 24 hours of a school-connected overdose, as well as best practices for ensuring close collaboration between local school divisions and law enforcement to prevent student overdoses.
|
|
School Performance & Support
|
|
VVAAS Single Sign-On Update
Audience: Superintendents; Division Technology Leaders
Contact: Morri Pace, VVAAS Coordinator
VDOE is beginning the implementation phase of the VVAAS Single-Sign-On (SSO) project. This implementation has two aims: 1) for divisions to control account management and 2) to provide a quicker sign-in process to VVAAS for educators.
In the Spring of 2023, there was a successful proof of concept with Clever, Classlink, and Google. During the Fall of 2023, all products were procured, VVAAS role types were expanded, and pilot divisions were identified. Now, VITA (Virginia IT Agency) along with the OKTA specialist (VDOE’s SSO platform) will take the lead on the SSO project with the support of SAS EVAAS and the VDOE.
To ensure an effective implementation, each division should complete a short form to select an SSO option. The first onboarding phase will be with divisions that select to connect with Clever.
This information was shared with Technology Directors and Directors of Testing on 11/27/2023.
|
Free COVID-19 Tests for School Divisions ⚠️
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, Principals
Contact: Dr. Samantha Marsh Hollins, Assistant Superintendent, Department of Special Populations
Free rapid, at-home COVID-19 tests are available to school divisions through the U.S. Department of Education, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to help prevent the spread of the virus. Schools may use these test kits to stock main and school nurses’ offices; send home with students or parents; or distribute by other means to students, parents, staff, and the school community.
To participate in the program, school divisions must designate an official point of contact (POC) to complete the COVID-19 Testing Supply Program Registration Form. The POC will be solely responsible for managing the delivery and dissemination of tests for the school division. The designee will be required to participate in a training on December 6, 2023, at 1 p.m. prior to ordering the tests; a recording to the training and ancillary materials will also be made available.
2024 Multidivision Online Provider (MOP) Application Process Open
Audience: Superintendents, Directors; Division Virtual Learning Contacts
Contact: Dr. Meg Foley, Virtual Learning Coordinator
The 2024 Multidivision Online Provider (MOP) application process and forms are now available on the MOP Approval, Renewal, & Course Submission website. Applications for the 2024-2025 school year may be submitted beginning January 1, 2024. Completed applications must be received by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) by 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on February 1, 2024.
The applications will be reviewed based on the Criteria for Approval of Multidivision Online Providers. The VDOE will provide the applicant with a written decision regarding the approval or denial of the application within 45 business days of the close of the application period. Approved applicants will be publicly available on the MOP webpage.
New and previously approved providers may submit new or revised courses during this application window. Courses submitted for approval must align with the newest revisions to the Standards of Learning (SOL).
|
|
Division Finance and Budgeting
DEADLINE EXTENSION: Grow Your Own – Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program Grant Application ⚠️
Audience: Superintendents, Directors
Contact: Shawna LeBlond, Director of Apprenticeship
VDOE will be extending the deadline for school divisions interested in submitting a Grow Your Own – Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program grant proposal. Interested applicants are requested to electronically submit a grant application no later than 4 p.m. on December 15, 2023. It is our hope that this extension will give interested school divisions the opportunity to continue their collaboration and development of regional partnerships which will lead to strong programs across the Commonwealth.
The purpose of the Grow Your Own initiative is to prepare individuals from the community to enter and succeed in the state’s registered teacher apprenticeship program and ultimately be employed as an educator in their local school division.
The competitive grant application outlines the required components of the program and includes sample documentation.
Upcoming Webinars on Davis-Bacon Act ⚠️
Audience: Superintendents, Directors; Federal Programs Coordinators
Contact: Carol Sylvester, Director of Office of Federal Pandemic Relief Programs
VDOE Office of Federal Pandemic Relief Programs is announcing two upcoming webinars for school divisions related to the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, including information on recently updated regulations. The Davis-Bacon Act is a federal law establishing the requirement for paying local prevailing wages to laborers working on public works projects under contract for more than $2,000. It includes construction, alteration and/or repair to buildings.
-
The United States Department of Education, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, will hold an Office Hours session to discuss the October 2023 Davis-Bacon regulatory update. This session will provide an overview of the key changes in the regulations that impact construction, renovation, and repair projects supported with federal education funds. The webinar is scheduled for December 6 at 4:00 p.m. This event will not be recorded. Interested parties should pre-register.
-
The VDOE Office of Federal Pandemic Relief Programs will host an additional webinar for school division staff to review Davis-Bacon Act provisions and updates on Thursday, December 7 at 1:00 p.m. This webinar will be recorded.
2023-2024 School Security Equipment Grants Program Awards ⚠️
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals
Contact: Vijay Ramnarain, Director Office of Support Services
In May 2023, the Virginia Public School Authority issued $12.0 million in funding to support the School Security Equipment Grants program for the 2023-2024 school year.
On November 20, 2023, VDOE awarded grant funds based on a rank ordering of application point totals on the competitive application criteria to 483 schools in 98 school divisions.
Awarded school divisions must indicate their intent to purchase the security equipment no later than March 1, 2024. All equipment must be purchased and installed, and reimbursement requests from awarded funds submitted to VDOE, no later than June 30, 2024. Reimbursement requests, including all supporting documentation, may be submitted using the Drop Box located in the SSWS portal, by email to supportservices@doe.virginia.gov, or mailed to VDOE.
|
|
News from the Virginia Board of Education
Listening Sessions
Audience: All
The Board of Education continues its Listening Sessions across the Commonwealth over the next week with sessions in Brooke, Manassas and Bedford. Starting in Abingdon before Thanksgiving, this past week’s session was held in Roanoke City, where 80 parents, educators and community leaders attended to share their thoughts on Virginia’s current accreditation system and potential new accountability measures.
When the Board is in your Region, your attendance would be greatly appreciated. As an educator or someone closely following education issues, your input in this process is particularly valuable. Use this registration link to register for any of the remaining sessions listed below.
Board of Education Listening Sessions
|
Location
|
Date
|
Time
|
Event Site
|
|
Region 3
|
Friday, December 1
|
5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
|
Stafford Public Schools, Brooke Point High School, 1700 Courthouse Rd, Stafford, VA 22554
|
|
Region 4
|
Tuesday, December 5
|
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
|
Jacquemin Family Foundation Rehearsal Hall at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Cir, Manassas, VA 20110
|
|
Region 5
|
Thursday, December 7
|
6:30 to 8 p.m.
|
Bedford County Public Schools, Liberty Middle School, 1237 Lacey Putney Way, Bedford, VA 24523
|
|
Region 1
|
Monday, December 11
|
6:30 to 8 p.m.
|
Chesterfield County Public Schools, Career Technical Center, 13900 Hull Street, Midlothian, VA 23112
|
|
Region 2
|
Wednesday, December 13
|
6:30 to 8 p.m.
|
Chesapeake Public Schools, Indian River High School, 1969 Braves Trail, Chesapeake, VA 23325
|
|
Region 8
|
Thursday, December 14
|
6:30 to 8 p.m.
|
Greensville County Public Schools, Greensville County High School, 403 Harding Street. Emporia, VA 23847
|
|
|
|
|
|
