Committee on the Standards of Quality

The Board’s Standards of Quality Committee discussed their initial proposal for changes to the Standards of Quality. 

The following is a summary of these recommendations:

• Would propose legislation to amend the Code of Virginia to ensure that students and parents are made aware of career and technical education opportunities.
• Would require a full-time assistant principal for elementary schools with more than 400 students, one full-time assistant principal for every 400 students in secondary schools.
• Would require one full-time principal in every elementary school.
• Would require one school counselor for every 250 students in grades K-12.
• Would require one full-time school psychologist for every 1,000 students.
• Would require one full-time social worker for every 1,000 students.
• Would require one full-time school nurse for every 550 students.
• Propose elimination of the flexibility provisions established in the Appropriation Act that waives or override certain staff to student ratios that are established in the Standards of Quality.
• Would request that the General Assembly eliminate the methodology established in the Appropriation Act that artificially caps the number of state-funded support positions at 1 support position for every 4.03 instructional positions.
• Would propose legislation to shift the review of the SOQ from even to odd-numbered years to be aligned more effectively with the legislative budget process.
• Propose an in-depth study be conducted to ensure that adequate data is available regarding the local deployment of SOQ positions.

The proposed revisions would be subject to review by the General Assembly, with most of them requiring affirmative action by the General Assembly to change either current budget language or Code language. 

The Committee was presented with initial estimates of fiscal impact on the state should the new standards be adopted, as follows:

• Assistant Principal: One for every 400 students FY17 $69.4M; FY18 $71.4M
• Principal: One full-time in every elementary school FY17 $6.8M; FY18 $6.8M
• School Counselor: One for every 250 students FY17 $80.0M; FY18 $82.4M
• School Psychologist: One for every 1,000 students FY17-18 costs forthcoming
• School Social Worker: One for every 1,000 students FY17-18 costs forthcoming
• School Nurse: One for every 550 students FY17 $1.6M; FY18 $1.8M
• Eliminate the cap on funded support positions $332.5M; $339.6M

Note that these estimates are state fiscal impacts and do not include possible local impacts.  However, as the Board’s proposals almost universally exceed even local prevailing practice, potentially substantial local fiscal and staffing impacts are to be expected.

Materials from the meeting are available under the September 21^st tab at: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/boe/committees_standing/quality/meeting_materials.shtml#sep212016

Committee on School and Division Accountability

The Board’s Committee on School and Division Accountability discussed their initial recommendations for changes to the Standards of Accreditation, including changes to graduation requirements and continued development of the Profile of a Virginia Graduate.

The discussed amendments to the SOA provide for implementation of the Profile of Virginia Graduate, as well as further policy changes identified by the Board as part of its comprehensive review. Proposed changes identified by the Board include the following:

• Would add or change definitions of class period, instructional day, instructional hours and planning periods
• Would leave current standard and advanced diploma requirements and numbers of required credits largely intact
• Would reduce verified credits requirements to one per the four core disciplines for both diplomas (eliminates 2 for standard, 5 for advanced)
• Would allow for the local award of verified credits for all disciplines, based on Board guidelines
• Would allow for performance assessments to verify history/social science
• Would add language for core disciplines saying that the “board shall approve courses to satisfy this requirement”
• Would retain economics and personal finance credit requirement as well as other non-credit graduation requirements (e.g. CPR, virtual course).  Would change credential requirement for standard diplomas, allowing for either credential or AP/IB/honors course work for both diplomas.  Would add similar requirement for advanced diplomas
• Would require “acquisition and demonstration” of 5c’s for both standard and advanced diplomas
• Would for the most part leave current references to 140 clock hours and local waivers to clock hour requirements intact
• Would push beginning of Academic and Career Plan Portfolio creation to elementary school
• Would require career investigation course in middle school – would also require students to “select a career pathway” in middle school.
• Would adjust transfer requirements to reflect changes in verified credits
• Would require local policies on sexually explicit materials

The recommended changes are extensive, and all of the recommended revisions can be found at:    http://www.doe.virginia.gov/boe/meetings/2016/09-sep/agenda-items/item-i.pdf.  The proposed changes will be presented for second review at the Board’s October 27^th meeting, and up for final review at its November 17^th meeting.

The Board also received an overview of possible changes to Virginia’s system of accountability (including changes necessitated by the implementation of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act), which will be further discussed at the Board’s October meeting.

Materials from the meeting are available under the September 21^st tab at: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/boe/committees_standing/accountability/2016/meeting_materials.shtml#sep21

Regular Meeting

Revised Virginia Public Charter School Application and Application Process

The Board approved revisions to the Virginia Public Charter School Application and the application process in order to reflect the Board’s experience in reviewing charter school applications as well as charter school legislation approved during the 2016 General Assembly session.  Additional components/information were approved in the areas of Contracts for Public Charter Schools, the Charter Application, the Employment of Professional, Licensed Personnel, Applicability of Others Laws, Regulations, Policies and Procedures.  The changes will affect local school board reviews and local application processes as well as the State Board’s review of applications.  Details about the approved revisions can be found at: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/boe/meetings/2016/09-sep/agenda-items/item-a.pdf

Revisions to the High School Equivalency (HSE) Examination Guidelines for Virginia

The Board approved revisions to the High School Equivalency (HSE) Examination Guidelines for Virginia.  The GED assessment will continue to be the only approved HSE examination for Virginia at this time.  Other vendors will be allowed to reapply for approval in October 2016.  Revised guidelines will be available at the High School Equivalency (HSE) Credential page at:

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/adulted/ged/index.shtml

Revisions to the Licensure Regulations for School Personnel (8 VAC 20-22-10 et seq.) to Conform to General Assembly Legislation (Exempt Action)

The Board approved amendments to the Licensure Regulations for School Personnel (Exempt Action) related to dyslexia awareness.  The 2016 Virginia General Assembly passed legislation that required every person seeking initial licensure or renewal of a license to complete awareness training, provided by the Department of Education, on the indicators of dyslexia, as that term is defined by the Board pursuant to regulations, and the evidence-based interventions and accommodations for dyslexia. This requirement becomes effective on July 1, 2017.  An online tutorial to deliver awareness training on the indicators of dyslexia and the evidenced-based interventions and accommodations for dyslexia is currently being developed.  This tutorial will be available to licensees free of charge.

Revised 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning and Proposed Revised 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework

The Board approved the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning and the proposed revised 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework.

The revised 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning include:

• Edits to introductory statements;
• Edits to provide consistency and parallelism in language; and
• Edits to improve the progression of mathematics content which led to changes in selected standards (e.g., revisions to the Patterns, Functions, and Algebra strand in grades 6-8, which encompass standards 6.12, 7.10, and 8.16, develop the concept of proportional relationships, slope of a line, and linear functions).

The revised 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework includes:

• Additions to provide greater support to teachers through definitions, connections, and examples;
• Edits to clarify expectations through improved wording;
• Edits to provide consistency and parallelism in language;
• Edits to improve the progression of mathematics content;  and
• Edits to word choice or content limiters to inform instruction and assessment.

Additional information regarding the approved revisions can be found at:  http://www.doe.virginia.gov/boe/meetings/2016/09-sep/agenda-items/item-d.pdf

Requests for Continued Rating of Partially Accredited: Reconstituted School from Twelve School Divisions

The Board waived first review and approved requests to continue the rating of Partially Accredited:  Reconstituted School from the twenty-one schools who were granted a rating of Partially Accredited: Reconstituted Schools for the 2015-2016 school year.

Requests for Partially Accredited: Reconstituted School from Forty-Two School Divisions

The Board received for first review requests from forty-two (42) divisions for ratings of Partially Accredited: Reconstituted School for one hundred thirteen (113) schools.  Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School in Fairfax County is included among the schools requesting this designation.

All schools granted ratings of Partially Accredited: Reconstituted School would have to participate in technical assistance sessions provided by the Office of School (OSI). OSI technical assistance sessions for the 2016-2017 school year will focus on the comprehensive needs assessment component of continuous school improvement planning.  Additionally, schools rated Partially Accredited: Reconstituted School would have triannual meetings with OSI, the support of an OSI contractor, and the opportunity to select from the newly developed OSI/VDOE Technical Assistance Menu. Additional differentiated support will be provided as needs are identified through the development of the Reconstitution Agreement.

Memoranda of Understanding as Required of Schools in Accreditation Denied Status for Five School Divisions

The Board waived first review and approved the Memoranda of Understanding for Buena Vista City Public Schools, Hampton City Public Schools, Henrico County Public Schools, Newport News City Public Schools and Richmond City Public Schools for schools in Accreditation Denied status.  All schools rated Accreditation Denied will participate in technical assistance sessions provided by the Office of School (OSI). OSI technical assistance sessions for the 2016-2017 school year will focus on the comprehensive needs assessment component of continuous school improvement planning. Additionally, schools rated Accreditation Denied will have triannual meetings with OSI, the support of an OSI contractor, and the opportunity to select from the newly developed OSI/VDOE Technical Assistance Menu. 

Proposed Local Alternative Assessment Guidelines

The Board received for first review proposed local alternative assessment guidelines to replace those adopted by the Board in September 2014.  The proposed guidelines were developed based on the experiences of local school divisions in implementing these assessments in 2014-2105 and 2015-2016. The new guidelines are intended to clarify the expectation that school divisions are to demonstrate progress in moving toward the use of authentic performance assessments in their schools.

Under the proposed guidelines, school divisions would be expected to use the Framework for Local Alternative Assessment Implementation to assess their progress in implementing performance assessments in their divisions and to report their status on the continuum to the Department of Education. Department staff would be expected to use the results to plan professional development. For the 2016-2017 school year, school divisions would be expected to use at least one performance assessment in classrooms where Grade 3 Science, Grade 3 History, Grade 5 Writing, United States History to 1865 and United States History from 1865 to the Present are taught.

In 2017-2018 school divisions will be expected to share examples of performance assessments across divisions and by 2018-2019 school divisions should be prepared to partner with other divisions to score some of the assessments from each other’s schools.

Proposed Amendments to the Regulations Establishing the Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia, Parts I-VII (8VAC 20-131)

The Board received for first review the proposed revisions to the Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia, Parts I-VII as discussed by the Board’s School and Division Accountability Committee meeting (see above for summary details).  All of the recommended revisions can be found at:    http://www.doe.virginia.gov/boe/meetings/2016/09-sep/agenda-items/item-i.pdf

The proposed changes will be presented for second review at the Board’s October 27^th meeting, and up for final review at its November 17^th meeting.

Recommendations to Revise the Standards of Quality

The Board accepted for first review the proposed revisions to the Standards of Quality, as discussed by the Board’s Committee on the Standards of Quality (see above for summary details).  Additional information regarding the proposed revisions to the Standards of Quality can be found at: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/boe/meetings/2016/09-sep/agenda-items/item-j.pdf.  The proposed revisions are scheduled for final adoption at the Board’s October 27^th meeting.

Proposed amendments to the Regulations Governing the Operation of Private Schools for Students with Disabilities

The Board waived first review and authorized the Virginia Department of Education to proceed with the Fast Track option for promulgating the proposed addition to the Regulations Governing the Operation of Private Schools for Students with Disabilities.  As a result, 8 VAC 20-671-710 will be amended to reflect new requirements related to the procurement, possession, provision, storage and disposal and administration of epinephrine. Additionally, clarification on the immunity of private schools for students with disabilities and their staff against any liability for any civil damages for ordinary negligence in acts or omission resulting from rendering the administration of the epinephrine. Training requirements will be included for private schools with disabilities staff and the documentation and reporting of the use of epinephrine.

Revisions to Family Life Education Board of Education Guidelines and Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools

The Board received for first review proposed revisions to Goal 7, the Family Life Education Board of Education Guidelines and Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools.  These proposed revisions include requirements as included in House Bill 659 (passed during the 2016 General Assembly session) which requires that the Standards of Learning objectives related to dating violence and the characteristics of abusive relationships be taught at least once in middle-school and at least twice in high school, as described in the Board of Education’s family life guidelines. The proposed revisions also include requirements in House Bill 659 that any high school family life education curriculum offered by a local school division incorporate age-appropriate elements of effective and evidence-based programs on the prevention of dating violence, domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and sexual violence.

Additionally, the proposed revisions provide additional education, clarity, and further expose issues associated with human sex trafficking and the dangers and repercussions of using electronic means or social media to engage in sexually explicit communications

Board of Education’s 2016 Annual Report on the Condition and Needs of Public Schools in Virginia

The Board received the 2016 Annual Report on the Condition and Needs of the Public Schools in Virginia for first review.  The report identifies four key priorities:

• The Board believes in redesigning the public school experience to better prepare students for life after high school by ensuring that all students, during their k-12 experience, achieve and apply appropriate academic knowledge, demonstrate productive workplace skills, exhibit responsible and responsive citizenship, and align knowledge, skills, and interests with career opportunities.
• The Board believes that to provide a statewide quality system of public education, our teachers and school leaders must be supported to a higher degree.
• The Board believes in an accountability system that provides tiered interventions based on need, encourages continuous improvement for all schools, and measures and reports multiple indicators of school quality.
• The Board believes that equity in our schools is essential to provide the highest quality education to each and every student in the Commonwealth. In particular, greater attention and support must be provided to communities with high poverty where achievement and opportunity gaps persist.

The report also summarizes key actions by the Board to advance these outcomes, and provides recommendations for more resources, both fiscal and human, and collaboration amongst governing bodies in education. 

The complete report can be found at:  http://www.doe.virginia.gov/boe/meetings/2016/09-sep/agenda-items/item-n.pdf

Reports

The Board received the following reports:

• Annual Report from the State Special Education Advisory Committee (SSEAC)
• Report on the Virginia Federal Preschool Expansion Grant (VPI+) – note that Fairfax County is a participating school division.

• Update on Regulations Governing the Use of Seclusion and Restraint in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools in Virginia