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THANK YOU for subscribing to our policy updates.
Our goal is to keep you informed about issues and actions in state
and federal education policy that relate to VASCD's mission.
Thank you to our Partners:
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The Policy Team of VASCD is committed to elevating teaching and deepening learning through advocacy work as well as strong relationships with legislators and policymakers.
Our three policy priorities are:
- Outstanding Teachers for Virginia's Students: We must elevate the profession and professionals through "autonomy with integrity"
- Modernizing Virginia's Assessment System: Virginia's student assessment system should support and align with today's student learning goals.
- Personalized Learning Opportunities for Educators: Educators need relevant, competency-based professional learning opportunities
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Where the Work of VASCD is Converging | |
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Governor Youngkin Releases Executive Directive 3
On September 1, Governor Youngkin issued Executive Directive 3, addressing teacher shortages in Virginia schools.
- VASCD is positioned to support alternative pathways to licensure with our Micro-Credential program to support items 1, 3, and 5 of the directive.
- VASCD supports and advocates for strategies to improve RETENTION, which is not addressed in the directive.
- VASCD is a member representative of VPEC, which issued THIS STATEMENT on the teacher shortage, which includes specific strategies for addressing recruitment AND retention.
How Advocates can act: the language of retention is important to emphasize with decision makers. The issues of compensation and working conditions are not receiving enough attention during the current shortage crisis.
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Implementation of HB 938 and HB 585
During last month's work session, the Implementation of HB 938 Document was shared with the board.
- VASCD is positioned to provide support and development for teachers, school and division leaders, and support staff using The Profile of a Virginia Classroom to implement goals 1, 4, and 5.
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VASCD convened an Assessment Summit on July 19 and created an EXECUTIVE SUMMARY for distribution to support a strong assessment and accountability system in Virginia to implement goals 3, 4, 5, and 6.
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VASCD is positioned, along with its Assessment Summit Executive Summit, to lead and serve the work group identified in HB 585.
How Advocates can act: engage in professional learning, networking, and dialogue with local leaders about effective assessment practices and the impact of the current accountability system on instruction.
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Superintendent Balow's Memo for Implementing The Virginia Literacy Act
On August 19, Superintendent Balow issued Memo #186-22, outlining implementation of The Virginia Literacy Act.
- VASCD is positioned to support the professional development requirements outlined in the implementation by collaborating with the Science of Reading experts and the educators throughout the Commonwealth who are implementing high-quality reading strategies that are yielding successful results.
- VASCD is positioned to implement the micro-credentialing program outlined in the directive for implementation.
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Our Commitment to Virginians Implementation
In May 2022, Secretary Guidera and Superintendent Balow, under the direction of Governor Youngkin, release Our Commitment to Virginians. VASCD is positioned to lead:
- Establish and maintain High Expectations for students, schools, and ourselves.
- Advance parent and Teacher Empowerment to best serve students in partnership.
- Foster Innovation in all education environments.
How Advocates can act: attend, engage, and promote with others the portfolio of programs, services, and original content offered by VASCD. This includes events, conferences, podcasts, YouTube content, etc.
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Virginia Board of Education Update | |
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The Virginia Board of Education met on September 14 and 15. The newly-formed board met for the first time and covered a LOT of ground. They convened for two consecutive days that both lasted for long hours.
During the business meeting on Thursday (September 15), our Executive Director, who also serves as the Chair of the Virginia Public Education Coalition, provided public comment to introduce the new members of the board to VPEC and to submit our Position on Public Education.
Work Session
Business Meeting
Highlights
On the second day, toward the end of the business meeting, the board engaged in a dialogue to begin unpacking Virginia's School Accreditation Model. It was interesting to watch this dialogue unfold. If you have the time, we recommend watching THE MEETING VIDEO from 7:27:00 to 8:44:55 (the last hour-plus of the meeting).
During Item L: Update on Data Trends Used to Inform Virginia’s Strategic Plans for Educator Recruitment and Retention of the work session, Dr. Joan Johnson provided THIS PRESENTATION with data regarding the teacher shortage, including a soft outline of plan development. As mentioned above, VASCD is positioned to be a leader in this work!
Finally, the first review of the Revised 2022 History and Social Science Standards of Learning was again delayed. In THIS PRESENTATION:
- Close Public Comment Period at the end of September 2022
- Conduct Community Engagement Roundtable Sessions between October – November 2022
- Present Standards and Curriculum Frameworks for Board First Review in November
- Board Public Hearings in early December 2022
- Anticipate Final Approval by the Board in January 2023
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Virginia ASCD is a non-partisan, non-political organization.
Like you, we are interested in policy decisions that affect teaching and learning in Virginia.
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