Virginia Department of Education

07/31/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/31/2025 19:31

#2025-28 Virginia Education Update July 31, 2025

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#2025-28 | Update for July 31, 2025

Download Superintendent's Briefing Note (To-Do & Article List)

This Week's To-Dos:

  • Article 2025-28-382
    ALL CALL for Best Practices for Parent Communication During Emergencies
  • Article 2025-28-378
    ESSER and ALL In VA Data Collection for Fiscal Year 2025 (Reminder)
  • Article 2025-28-389
    2025-2026 Active Learning Grant Pre-kindergarten Through Grade 2 Request for Proposals Is Now Open
  • Article 2025-28-388
    VDOE Special Education 2025-2026 Students with Intensive Support Needs Application - Due September 30

Meeting Workforce Needs:

  • Article 2025-28-387
    Accepting Applications for the Hometown Teacher Program - Due by January 9
  • Article 2025-28-386
    "Planning for Strand Integration" Professional Development for Division Leaders and Teachers - August 6-7
  • Article 2025-28-385
    World Language Supervisor Tuesday Virtual Meetings - Beginning August 12
  • Article 2025-28-384
    Required Training for Newly Hired Reading Specialists (2025-2026) - Register by August 15
  • Article 2025-28-383
    All Things Immersion Professional Learning Series for Dual Language/Immersion Educators and Leaders - Beginning September 2025

This Week's Articles:

  • Article 2025-28-381
    Suffolk School Board Unanimously Approves Amendments to Cell Phone Policy for New School Year
  • Article 2025-28-380
    Rappahannock County School Board Aims to Increase Student Engagement with No-Cellphone Policy
  • Article 2025-28-379
    July Virginia Literacy Act Update
  • Article 2025-28-377
    Draft 2025 Expanded High School Science Standards of Learning
  • Article 2025-28-376
    Military Recruiter Allow List: A Response to Support

5 Things to Know from this Week's Virginia Board of Education Meetings

  1. CHECK IT OUT: Amended Model Policy Concerning Internet Safety was unanimously approved and includes new access on upskilling, updated laws, new use for student training and elements to online safety, and incorporates AI.
  2. Calling all CTE directors and employers --> The Board held First Review of the revised High-Quality Work-Based Learning Implementation Guide. We need your input!
  3. CAN'T MISS: The Board held First Review of the Draft 2025 Expanded High School Science Standards of Learning and will kick off a listening tour in August for parents, students, educators, and business leaders for these 11 advanced high school courses.
  4. DID YOU KNOW? Over 40,000 Virginia students are now engaged with International Baccalaureate programmes, including at the primary, middle grades, Career, and Diploma route. Check out the deck from the Board's Work Session to see where this rigorous coursework is underway and the value for your students.
  5. The Board unanimously approved of the amended School-Connected Overdose Parent Notification guidelines which now align with bipartisan HB2774 (2025) and SB1240(2025) signed into law that include requirements for public school principals and heads of private schools to notify parents or caregivers within 24 hours of any confirmed or suspected school-connected overdose.

ICYMI: The Governor's Student Advisory Board which consists of high school students from all 8 Superintendent Regions pitched the Board on innovative policy solutions around expanding access to industry-recognized credentials, school counseling on pathways and student input, and civic readiness. Applications are now open for the third-year cohort of Board Members. Please relay to students in your community who might be interested!

Superintendent's Message

Rural Virginia Deserves Excellence: A New Merit-Based, Governor's School Model That Delivers

Today the Virginia Board of Education unanimously approved a new Governor's School model - the New River Valley Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities - and other rural communities should take note. This model is built on merit, parent-driven, and student-centered innovation for rural students in the New River Valley.

This is the first Governor's School approved by the Board since 2009. For decades, Virginia's Governor's Schools have delivered rigorous academics and world-class instruction. But many of these programs are clustered in urban and suburban corridors. This new model focuses on regional partnerships in an area of the Commonwealth for students in small towns and rural counties. We all know rural students are just as capable, just as ambitious, and just as deserving of advanced learning opportunities as anyone else in the state.

This Governor's School model aligns with the values that define rural Virginia: hard work, personal responsibility, and local control. The New River Valley Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities will provide advanced instruction and university-level academic opportunities based on merit for students demonstrating exceptional abilities in the arts and humanities and ready for collegiate-level work. Students with drive and talent finally have access to a high-performing option regardless of geography.

This model leverages regional partnerships between Radford University, nine high schools in five school divisions including Pulaski County Schools, Floyd County Public Schools, Giles County Public Schools, Montgomery County Public Schools, and Radford City Public Schools, as well as the New River Community College all pooling resources and shared excellence to create academically rigorous programs. This regional model will tailor instruction to local needs and is a great illustration of local control and innovative models that rural Virginians have been calling for.

Parents in the area have wanted more rigorous options and this model delivers. After 2.5 years of planning, this new school will provide opportunities for students with talents in the arts and humanities that students would not have had in their home schools. Participating students will have the opportunity to earn up to 30 university credits, potentially achieving sophomore status upon entering Radford University or other Virginia colleges and universities.

The proposal and unanimous vote by the Board signals that Virginia is serious about investing in talent no matter where it is found. Congratulations to the planning partners for their relentless commitment to excellence and opportunity for New River Valley families and students.

With 9 College Partnership Lab Schools opening in the next month, more regional CTE centers and Recovery High Schools opening their doors in a matter of weeks, and school divisions designing portfolios of academies and leveraging new transportation options, Virginia is growing exceptional public options in every Superintendent Region of the Commonwealth.

Cheers!

Emily Anne

Get to Know Newest Top Talent @ VDOE

Tiara Booker-Dwyer was selected in July to serve as Deputy Superintendent of Student Outcomes and School Quality. In this role, she will lead the Division of Student Outcomes and School Quality, which includes the Offices of School Performance, Student Performance and Metrics, Student and School Improvement, and Excellence and Best Practices, as well as the Division of Teaching and Educator Workforce, which includes the Office of Educator Workforce and Office of Teaching and Learning.

Booker-Dwyer joins the agency with over two decades of experience leading data-driven strategies and impactful initiatives at the state and local levels. She most recently served as a Senior Policy Associate at Policy Studies Associates, where she led the development of a strategic plan to align resources to strengthen and sustain an effective K-12 STEM teaching workforce. Prior to her most recent role, Booker-Dwyer held multiple leadership roles at the Maryland State Department of Education, such as Assistant State Superintendent and Executive Director for the Division of Career and College Readiness and Office of Leadership Development and School Improvement.

Booker-Dwyer has served on numerous boards and committees, including board chair and member-at-large on the Baltimore County School Board, the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) National Conference on Student Assessment Program Planning Committee, Maryland Association of Boards of Education Legislative Committee, Advance CTE Career Clusters National Advisory Committee, Notre Dame of Maryland University Advisory Board, and the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education Strategic Steering Committee. She received a bachelor's degree in biology from Lincoln University, a master's degree in biology from Johns Hopkins University, and a graduate certificate in school administration from Johns Hopkins University. She also holds a Maryland Advanced Professional License with endorsements in Maryland Superintendent I/II, Maryland Administrator I/II, and Biology grades 7-12.

Highlights

News from Across the Commonwealth

Summer learning is in full swing at Moncure Elementary in Stafford County Public Schools! Students are staying curious, engaged and excited as they build skills and grow through hands-on learning experiences.

A team of fifth grade students at Achilles Elementary in Gloucester County Schools worked alongside a local muralist to design and create a science mural inside their school. This project-based learning encouraged the students to recall their knowledge and represent science concepts to tell a story to younger and future students. Then, on painting day, all 5th graders were able to paint a block of the mural, leaving a lasting legacy!

Cell Phone-Free Education

ALL CALL for Best Practices for Parent Communication During Emergencies

Article: 2025-28-382
Audience: Superintendents, Principals, Family Engagement Directors, Communications Directors

As you all know, Final Guidance on Executive Order 33 Establishing Cell Phone-Free Education was provided on September 16, 2024, and Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone-Free Education is now law. As we have heard through stakeholder feedback and public comment, one concern with the new policy was the need to strengthen effective, timely communications between home, law enforcement, and school. The Best Practices: Parental Communication During Emergencies survey is one way we are soliciting model examples and best practices on how to always strengthen communications, but especially during school-based emergencies. We are hoping to build your suggestions and exemplars into trainings, our existing guidance, and other best practice documents.

Suffolk School Board Unanimously Approves Amendments to Cell Phone Policy for New School Year

Article: 2025-28-381

At its July 10 meeting, the Suffolk School Board unanimously approved amendments to the Suffolk Public Schools (SPS) cell phone policy. Board Chair Heather Howell stated the changes will make the policy more aligned with the additions that were submitted in Virginia's new cell phone-free education law.

The amended policy includes definitions for bell-to-bell and smart devices.

The revised policy prohibits students in grades K-12 from using cell phones or other personal electronic communication devices within school buildings or on school grounds during the school day, with exceptions for medical reasons or as an accommodation or assistive technology support that has been predetermined in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 Plan, Health Plan, or Limited English Proficiency Plan.

A clause was also added to emphasize the enforcement and implementation of the policy is the responsibility of the school administration, should not conflict with teacher responsibilities, should not disturb instructional time, and should not involve any school resource officer. Students cannot be suspended or expelled as a result of a single policy violation and must be addressed in accordance with the student code of conduct.

Rappahannock County School Board Aims to Increase Student Engagement with No-Cellphone Policy

Article: 2025-28-380

The Rappahannock County School Board recently adopted its no-cellphone policy in an effort to reduce distractions and improve engagement. Rappahannock County Public Schools (RCPS) leaders emphasized the policy is not intended to be punitive but aims to create a more focused and productive learning environment.

Executive Director of Administrative Services Dr. Shannon Bolt explained that phones can be a significant source of both academic and social distractions.

"We want students to be present in the classroom," said Dr. Bolt. "Removing phones during school hours ensures they are more engaged with their teachers and peers."

The no-cellphone policy will apply to all RCPS students and staff. Protocols around enforcement and storage methods are being finalized, with input from parents and teachers to ensure a smooth transition.

Meeting Workforce Needs

Accepting Applications for the Hometown Teacher Program

Article: 2025-28-387
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals
Contact: Ahmad Saidi, Grants Manager, Office of Apprenticeships, Ahmad.Saidi@doe.virginia.gov

Applications are currently open for the fiscal year 2026 Hometown Teacher Program. This program provides grants of $7,500 to low-income high school graduateswho graduated from an institution of higher education in the Commonwealthand subsequently returned to teachwithin one year of college graduation in a high-need public school in the school division in which they graduated from high school.  

Eligible individuals should work with their Human Resources Directors to submit applications using the designated process outlined in the application packet. Each Superintendent's Region may select up to four applicants for consideration. Individuals who received an award through this program during a previous fiscal year should complete the continuing application. All applications are due by January 9, 2026.  

Additionalinformation can be found in the Hometown Teacher Program Application Packet.

"Planning for Strand Integration" Professional Development for English Leaders and Teachers -
August 6-7

Article:2025-28-386
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Reading Specialists
Contact: Jill Nogueras, Associate Director of EnglishLiteracy K-12, [email protected]

Join VDOE for ongoing professional learning and support for the implementation of the 2024 English Standards of Learning continues nextweek, August 6-7, 2025, with "Planning for Strand Integration". Registration is required in advance for all sessions. Additional professional learning topics and session dates are provided in the registration form.

This webinar on "Strand Integration" will explore concrete examples of how to meaningfully integrate the strands of the 2024 EnglishStandards of Learning, including grade-band specific models. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on a lesson from a high-quality instructional material (HQIM) resource or division curriculum and apply strategies for integration that can inform planning and instruction for the 2025-2026 school year.

Join us by filling out this registration form.

World Language Supervisor Tuesday Virtual Meetings

Article: 2025-28-385Audience: World Language Supervisors, World Language Lead TeachersContact: Dr. Lisa Harris, Coordinator of World Languages, [email protected]

In an effort to keep World Language Supervisors informed and to discuss topics of interest for World Language professionals, VDOE will be offering monthly outreach sessions. VDOE invites divisions which may not have a supervisor dedicated to World Language to identify a World Language Lead Teacher or designated leader who can attend sessions and take back relevant information.

Sessions will take place virtually on the second Tuesday of each month, 10-11 a.m. and will include topics related to world language leadership and supervision and the impact of each topic on teaching and learning.

Participants will register onceand select the sessions of interest from the following topics:

  • August 12, 2025: New Supervisor Orientation and Updates
  • September 9, 2025: Orientation and Informational Sessions for the SSWS system and Governor's World Language Academies
  • October 14, 2025: Governor's World Language Academies
  • December 9, 2025: World Language Standards of Learning
  • January 13, 2026: Seal of Biliteracy
  • February 10, 2026: Graduation Requirements
  • March 10, 2026: SCED codes
  • May 12, 2026: Legislative and General Updates

Required Training for Newly Hired Reading Specialists (2025-2026)

Article:2025-28-384
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Reading Specialists
Contact: Jill Nogueras, Associate Director of K-12 English & Literacy [email protected] and Virginia Literacy Partnerships [email protected]

VDOE and VLP are excited to welcome newly hired K-8 Reading Specialists for the 2025-2026 school year! To fulfill the requirements of the Virginia Literacy Act, VLP will host one-day, in-person training sessions focused on evidence-based literacy instruction aligned to science-based reading research for all new K-8 Reading Specialists. 

Please review the following eligibility guidelines: 

  • Only newly hired Reading Specialists should attend. 
  • Reading Specialists must have a primary role working directly with students to be eligible. 
  • If a Reading Specialist is transitioning between grade levels (e.g., from elementary to middle school) and has already completed a previous in-person training with VLP, then they are not eligible to attend again.  

School divisions are responsible for arranging travel, hotel accommodations, and covering any related expenses for attendees. 

Training capacities were determined based on projected staffing numbers submitted by division leaders last spring. We appreciate each division's support to ensure that only eligible, newly hired Reading Specialists are registered so we can accommodate all who need the training. Registrants will be directed to one of the following locations and dates according to the division entered in the registration survey:

  • Manassas - September 3rd
  • Virginia Beach - September 9th
  • Richmond/Chesterfield - September 15th
  • Charlottesville - September 16th
  • Radford - October 20th

If a division is still in the process of hiring for one or more Reading Specialist positions, please email [email protected] to indicate how many seats should be reserved.

VLP will send details regarding lunch, parking, directions, etc. to those registered as the date approaches. 

Please complete the registration (VLP Training for New Reading Specialists for the 2025-2026 school year) no later than August 15, 2025.

All Things Immersion Professional Learning Series for Dual Language/Immersion Educators and Leaders - beginning September 2025

Article: 2025-28-383Audience: Directors, School Principals, Teachers, World Language SupervisorsContact: Dr. Lisa Harris, Coordinator of World Languages, [email protected]

The Virginia Department of Education, in collaboration with the Southern Atlantic Language Collaborative (SALC), is pleased to announce the 2025-2026 All Things Immersionprofessional learning series, with two targeted strands now open for registration: one for administrators and program leaders, and one for dual language/immersion (DL/I) teachers.

The leadership strand, hosted by VDOE, begins September 16, 2025, and will be held at 10 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month throughout the school year, except November. This new offering is designed specifically for DL/I program leaders and school or district administrators. It builds on the success of the All Things Immersioninstructional series launched in 2024 and will provide monthly sessions focused on leadership topics, updates, and implementation support. Each session will include a featured topic and time for open discussion.

The instructional strand is hosted by our SALC partner in the South Carolina Department of Education and will continue on the last Tuesday of each month at 4:30 p.m., beginning September 30, 2025. Topics for fall 2025 include:

  • Planning for Biliteracy Development in One-Way and Two-Way Dual Language Programs
  • Integrating the Science of Reading in DL/I Teaching and Learning - Amplifying Impact
  • Literacy Strategies: Reading and Writing in the Target Language

To register, select the appropriate link below:

  • Registration for the All Things Immersion - Leadership Strand
  • Registration for the All Things Immersion - Instructional Strand

ALL In VA

July Virginia Literacy Act Update

Article: 2025-28-379Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, TeachersContact: Jill Nogueras, Associate Director of K-12 English & Literacy, [email protected]

To support school divisions' continued implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act(VLA),VDOE has released an extensive update on the VLA. In this edition of the Literacy Update, there is information regarding VLA and VALLSS 4-8 implementation for next school year. 

  • Instructional Materials    
  • VALLSS  
  • Professional Development    
  • Planning    
  • Reference Charts for Planning   

Superintendents are asked to share these resources with key literacy staff and elementary and middle school principals.   

School Finance

2025-2026 Active Learning Grant Pre-kindergarten Through Grade 2 Request for ProposalsIsNowOpen

Article: 2025-28-389
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Child Care Center Operators 
Contact: Jennifer Vedder, Health and Family Life Education Specialist, [email protected]

The 2025-2026 Active Learning Grant Request for Proposals is open. The Active Learning Grant provides funding to school divisions to encourage and implement active learning for pre-kindergarten through Grade 2 students in various settings. The funds may be used to support the development and use of high-quality resources and professional development and to purchaseeducational platforms integrating 2023 Mathematics and 2024 English Standards of Learninginto movement-rich activities. The grant aims to enhance engagement and effectiveness in mathematics and literacy instruction while promoting physical and mental health alongside academic achievement.

The applicationand additionalinformation can be found on the VDOE Health Education Website.

VDOE Special Education 2025-2026Students with Intensive Support Needs Application - Due September 30

Article: 2025-28-388
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, Division Finance and Special Education Staff
Contact: Cynithia Reid,Special Education FinancialIntensive Support Analyst, [email protected]

The VDOE provides school divisions with funds to offset the high cost of providing instructional and other direct services for students identified in low-incidence disability categories who met the criteria as Students with Intensive Support Needs. The 2025-2026 Students with Intensive Support Needs Application (SISNA) is open. School divisions are required to have a partnership with one or more school divisions to access these funds.

Having an approved SISNA will allow school divisions to submit reimbursement claims for certain costs and services provided to their identified Students with Intensive Support Needs. The amount reimbursed is the State Share, which is determined after the school division's Local Composite Index is applied to the actual costs expended for an individual student.

School divisions should be aware of the following:

  1. The SISNA must be submitted to VDOE by 5 p.m. on September 30, 2025.
  2. The SISNA, guidance, and resources will be available by August 1, 2025, on the VDOE Single Sign-on for Web Systems (SSWS) portalin the Special Ed. Students with Intensive Support Needs Application (SISNA).
  3. The school division's SSWS contact staff should ensure appropriate staff involved with SISNA have access to the application.
  4. Pre-recorded training for school divisions will be provided to include specifics on SISNA requirements, review and approval process, data submission procedures, funding and reimbursement, and other pertinent information.
  5. Access to the training, as well as live Zoom sessions for follow-up questions and answers, will be emailed to school division directors of special education.

ESSER and ALL InVA Data Collection for Fiscal Year 2025(Reminder)

Article: 2025-28-378
Audience: Superintendents, Directors
Contact: Tommy Coleman, Director of Federal Pandemic Relief, [email protected]

Item 125, Paragraph B.30, of the Chapter 2 budget for the 2024-2026 biennium requires school divisions to report to the Department of Education on the use of their federal ESSER (i.e., Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund) formula funds since 2020 and on their use of the state ALL In Virginia initiative $418 million funds they received in FY 2024 with a focus on tackling learning loss. The Department of Education must provide a report of this information to the Governor and Chairs of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance and Appropriations Committees by October 1, 2024, 2025, and 2026. To meet the requirements VDOE has developed a survey to collect the data required to fulfill the reporting requirements.

An online surveywas created to collect the data from divisions needed to meet this reporting requirement. In the survey, divisions will provide amounts obligated and expended across various use of funds categories presented through June 30, 2025 (FY2025). School divisions will also report how these funds address learning loss in Reading and Mathematics Achievement and support preparation and implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act.

The Department will compile the survey data submitted by school divisions and submit a summary report to the Governor and the Chairs of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance and Appropriations Committees by October 1, 2025, as required. The reporting requirement reoccurs in October 2026, so updated data will be collected again next year for fiscal year 2026.

To assist divisions in completing the survey, a webinarwas hosted on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, and July 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM with reoccurring office hours for the next three Wednesdays at the same time (July 30 and August 6, 2025). Coordinators should have received individual emails with additional information, including responses from last year's survey. A recording of the webinar is available using this link.

Thank you for your work on this collection.  If you have any questions or run into any technical issues, please contact [email protected]or [email protected].

Teaching & Learning

Draft 2025 Expanded High School Science Standards of Learning

Article: 2025-28-377Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, TeachersContact: Laura Casdorph, Science Coordinator, [email protected]

On July 31, 2025, the Virginia Board of Education held first review for the draft 2025 Expanded High School Science Standards of Learning. The Draft 2025 Expanded High School Science Standards of Learningdescribe the Commonwealth's expectations for student learning and achievement in eleven high school science courses that are approved by the Board but do not have current academic standards. This includes:

  • Environmental Science
  • Biology II: Anatomy and Physiology
  • Biology II: Ecology
  • Biology II: Genetics
  • Biology II: Advanced Survey of Biology Topics
  • Earth Science II: Astronomy
  • Earth Science II: Geology
  • Earth Science II: Oceanography
  • Earth Science II: Advanced Survey of Earth Science Topics
  • Chemistry II: Advanced Survey of Chemistry Topics
  • Physics II: Advanced Survey of Physics Topics.

The expansion of the standards to include these eleven new courses will provide for access and rigorous expectations and opportunities across the Commonwealth in all Board-approved science courses. The 2018 Science Standards of Learning for Kindergarten - Physics remain unchanged in content and practices.

The Board is accepting public comment on the draft Expanded High School science standards. For details about public comment, see Review and Revision of 2018 Science Standards of Learning.

Policy

Military Recruiter Allow List: A Response to Support

Article: 2025-28-376
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Directors of Technology, Student Information and or Student Data
Contact: Daniel Dunham, Military Student and Families Specialist, [email protected]

On June 24, 2024, the VDOE entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Navy Talent Acquisition Group Richmond (NTAG Richmond) to share student "directory information," as defined in 20 U.S.C. § 1232g(a)(5)(A) and 34 C.F.R. §§ 99.3, 99.37, between the parties in a manner consistent with the Family Education Records Privacy Act of 1974(FERPA).

Following the dissemination of these reports to NTAG, school divisions and military recruitment commands reported that military recruiters would find it difficult to utilize the provided student emails unless the school division IT teams added the names and email addresses of military recruiters in their systems under a military recruiter allow list.

In response to this request for support, the VDOE Military Student and Families Specialist has collected the names of active Virginia military recruiters and is prepared to provide a list of these names twice annually to school division IT teams. These names will be routinely updated, and recruiters no longer assigned to Virginia will be removed before each military recruiter allow list is provided to Virginia school divisions.

It is recommended that school divisions inform parents and students that recruiter engagements are limited in scope and are tailored for the purpose of providing information concerning training, employment, and scholarship opportunities available through military enlistment. Students and parents who have opted out in writing in accordance with FERPA will not be receiving these communications.

For additional guidance on FERPA notices to parents related to this report, please visit the VDOE Policies web page.

VDOE Careers

The Virginia Department of Education is hiring. Access the list of our current job openings to learn more and apply.

Virginia Department of Education published this content on July 31, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 01, 2025 at 01:31 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]