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VDOE is set to extend its long-standing contract with Pearson to ensure smooth student assessments while preparing for potential changes in 2026.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #AssessmentContinuity #VendorTransitions #PerformanceMetrics #VirginiaEducation
VDOE plans bridge extension with Pearson to ensure continuity of student assessments
VDOE officials told the committee they plan a two‑year extension of the existing Pearson contract to avoid an assessment‑vendor change mid‑school year and to allow a transition if a new vendor is selected after an RFP targeted for late 2025 with a decision in May 2026.
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November 3, 2026 at 6:55 AM
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Virginia Beach educators are calling for urgent changes, demanding more planning time and support to tackle alarming staffing shortages that threaten their ability to teach effectively.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #PlanningTime #SpecialEducationSupport #VirginiaEducation
Teachers and union president urge more planning time, staffing and special‑education support
Public commenters and the Virginia Beach Education Association president urged the board to expand elementary planning time, fill dozens of vacancies (23 posted special‑education teacher positions among 72 certified openings) and reduce burden of professional development that encroaches on planning time.
citizenportal.ai
November 2, 2026 at 4:53 AM
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Virginia's council is pushing for a simple checkbox on IEP forms to ensure families know about vital waiver resources as students transition from special education.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #SupportedDecisionMaking #FamilyResources #VirginiaEducation #SpecialEducation
Council considers IEP checkbox, supported decision-making and studying extension of special education to age 26
Council members proposed adding a simple IEP checkbox and triennial reminder to inform families about waivers, exploring supported-decision-making presentations from DBHDS, and studying whether Virginia could extend special education to age 26 as other states have done.
citizenportal.ai
November 1, 2026 at 7:31 AM
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Virginia's school board just adopted a groundbreaking AI policy that sets age-appropriate guidelines and strengthens privacy safeguards for students!

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#VA #CitizenPortal #AIPolicy #VirginiaEducation #StudentUseGuidelines
Board adopts district AI policy setting age-based use, privacy and coordinator role
The board voted to adopt a DCPS artificial-intelligence policy that sets age-based expectations for student use, requires privacy and cybersecurity reviews, maintains human staff responsibility for consequential decisions, and creates an AI coordinator and use-plan process.
citizenportal.ai
November 3, 2026 at 9:18 PM
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Old Dominion University and Google Cloud are revolutionizing education and research with MonarchSphere, an AI incubator that's set to transform how we learn and innovate.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #HealthCare #GovernmentEfficiency #VirginiaEducation
ODU and Google outline MonarchSphere AI incubator and ask state to ease cloud procurement rules
Old Dominion University and Google Cloud presented MonarchSphere, a research and applied AI incubator for education, health and coastal resilience. Presenters requested that state agencies and institutions be enabled to adopt Google Cloud and asked legislators to review ETF restrictions on cloud purchases.
citizenportal.ai
October 29, 2026 at 2:45 AM
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Virginia is on the brink of a quantum revolution, but we need to empower our teachers and students now to fill the growing workforce gaps in this cutting-edge field.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #QuantumLiteracy #TeacherTraining #WorkforceDevelopment #VirginiaEducation
George Mason expert urges K–12 quantum education and new workforce pathways
Dr. Jessica Rosenberg of George Mason University told JCOTS that workforce gaps in quantum tech require early K–12 exposure, teacher training programs and new community‑college and master's pathways to meet growing industry demand.
citizenportal.ai
October 30, 2026 at 3:58 PM
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Virginia education leaders are calling for a united effort to align high-quality curriculum reviews and equitable funding to boost student success and support our dedicated educators.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #TeacherSupport #EducationReform #VirginiaEducation #DataSecurity
Superintendents, VEA and VSBA urge board to fund educators, safeguard student data and widen HQIM review
Representatives of Virginia education groups told the board that HQIM reviews, the VDOE strategic plan and adequate funding are essential to improving student outcomes; speakers urged measures including survey data, teacher retention metrics and AI/data-security safeguards.
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October 29, 2026 at 6:19 PM
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Chief Coy's back-to-school tour covered 1,878 miles across Virginia, showcasing inspiring instructional environments and a commitment to empowering students furthest from opportunity.

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#VA #DataInformedInstruction #CitizenPortal #CareerPathways #LiteracySupport #VirginiaEducation
VDOE back-to-school tour: 18 site visits, 1,878 miles, strong instruction in federally identified schools
Chief Coy summarized the VDOE's back-to-school tour: team visited 18 schools across eight regions (1,878 miles), focusing on schools serving students furthest from opportunity and finding repeated examples of high-quality instruction, literacy coaching and career-pathway instruction.
citizenportal.ai
October 29, 2026 at 5:06 PM
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Virginia's education secretary reveals a bold vision for the future, emphasizing that "there are no shortcuts to excellence" while outlining eight transformative priorities for the state's schools.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #AIInClassrooms #VirginiaEducation
Virginia education secretary outlines eight priorities, stresses no shortcuts to excellence
Secretary of Education Dr. Jeffrey Smith presented administration priorities centered on teaching and learning: expand early childhood access, strengthen tiered instruction, boost college and career pathways, refine assessment/accountability, improve recruitment/retention, expand wraparound supports, steward AI/technology use, and modernize the K-12 funding formula.
citizenportal.ai
October 29, 2026 at 5:03 PM
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Charlottesville officials are calling for a halt to high-stakes testing in the final days of school, warning that new mandates are pushing students to the brink of fatigue and confusion.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #CurriculumStability #AssessmentReform #VirginiaEducation #StudentStress
District asks state to stabilize SOL cut scores and move high‑stakes testing out of final 10 school days
Charlottesville officials told legislators that recent SOL cut‑score increases and a mandate to schedule statewide testing in the last 10 days of school create student stress and implementation strain; the district asked the General Assembly to direct the VDOE to use multiyear pacing and more gradual changes.
citizenportal.ai
October 30, 2026 at 8:07 AM
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The Virginia Department of Education is set to revolutionize the way science and English materials are approved, with a mid-cycle review promising transparency and new standards by July!

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#VA #CitizenPortal #CurriculumReview #PublicAccountability #VirginiaEducation
VDOE presents first-review timelines for science and English textbooks; board accepts items for further review
VDOE staff told the Board of Education it will move science and English high-quality instructional materials through a mid-cycle review process, with materials posted and rubrics available; staff said final approvals are anticipated in July and December (science/English) with public comment opportunities.
citizenportal.ai
October 29, 2026 at 6:44 PM
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Senator Mamie Locke and Delegate Sewell are set to lead Virginia's new subcommittee on K-12 education funding, paving the way for groundbreaking changes in how our schools are financed!

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#VA #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #VirginiaEducation #CivicAccountability #K12Funding
Subcommittee elects Mamie Locke chair and names Sewell vice chair
At the start of the session the joint subcommittee elected Senator Mamie Locke as chair and approved Delegate Sewell as vice chair by voice votes during routine organizational business.
citizenportal.ai
October 28, 2026 at 6:32 PM
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The board's decision to support the E-Rate program could be a lifeline for vital internet connectivity, as proposed cuts threaten to limit funding to only the most rural areas.

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#VA #DigitalAccess #CitizenPortal #RuralConnectivity #PublicFunding #VirginiaEducation
Board backs letter to FCC supporting E‑Rate funding, asks to CC legislators
The board approved sending an amended letter to the Federal Communications Commission supporting continuation of the E‑Rate program after staff warned proposed limits could restrict funds to the most rural counties and harm district connectivity funding for switches, firewalls and internet services.
citizenportal.ai
October 28, 2026 at 7:57 PM
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Virginia is taking a bold step towards revolutionizing K-12 funding by exploring a shift from a staffing-based model to a student-weighted formula.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #EducationFunding #DataModeling #VirginiaEducation #K12Reform
Joint subcommittee approves RFP to build model for a new K-12 funding formula
The Senate joint subcommittee approved a Department of Education request-for-proposals to hire a consultant to build a customizable data model and simulation tool to explore shifting Virginia's K-12 funding from a staffing-based system to a student-weighted formula, with flexibility for up to 24 months for completion.
citizenportal.ai
October 28, 2026 at 6:31 PM
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HCPS celebrates a surge in career ladder advancements to nearly 82%, but board members are digging deeper into retention data to tackle staffing challenges head-on.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #WorkforcePlanning #StaffRetention #VirginiaEducation #ProfessionalDevelopment
HCPS cites career‑ladder gains but board asks for disaggregated retention data
District reported career ladder participation near 82% and an employee intent‑to‑remain score above the 5.0 target, but noted employees with 5+ years of service fell from 59% to 58%; board members requested retention data split by certified/classified staff and separation causes including retirement and FMLA.
citizenportal.ai
October 27, 2026 at 6:43 PM
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The House Education Committee just wrapped up a pivotal meeting, voting on crucial bills that could reshape K-12 and higher education in Virginia!

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#VA #SchoolMealSupport #CitizenPortal #CyberbullyingGuidance #VirginiaEducation #InternetSafety
House Education Committee: votes and actions at a glance
A concise rundown of committee votes from the final full meeting: multiple K–12 and higher‑education bills were reported, several with amendments; key tallies and next steps are listed.
citizenportal.ai
October 25, 2026 at 10:13 PM
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A groundbreaking bill to boost participation in the Commonwealth Mental Health First Aid program just passed unanimously, paving the way for vital support in schools!

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#VA #CitizenPortal #MentalHealthAwareness #VirginiaEducation #CommunitySupport #SchoolSafety
Committee reports bill to incentivize participation in Mental Health First Aid in schools
SB 1377 would direct the Department of Education to develop and implement incentives for participation in the Commonwealth Mental Health First Aid program; the committee reported the bill 20-0.
citizenportal.ai
October 25, 2026 at 11:11 PM
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Progress is being made at the bargaining table, but key proposals like paid parental leave have been withdrawn due to financial concerns.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #CollectiveBargaining #VirginiaEducation #UnionCommitment #PaidParentalLeave
MCEA president: progress at bargaining table but several proposals withdrawn
Katie Seideman, MCEA president, told the board that bargaining with MCPS produced four tentative agreements out of six in-scope proposals; the union withdrew six proposals (including paid parental leave and a revised PTO plan) because of the division's financial situation; bargaining continues Nov. 3.
citizenportal.ai
October 25, 2026 at 8:50 PM
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Virginia's House Education Committee has advanced a vital bill to form an Internet Safety Advisory Council, taking a significant step towards enhancing online security for K-12 students.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #YouthProtection #LegislativeReform #VirginiaEducation #InternetSafety
K‑12 subcommittee bill to create Internet safety advisory council advanced out of committee
The House Education Committee reported SB 905, which would require the superintendent to appoint a 12‑member Internet Safety Advisory Council, recommending a substitute; the committee voted to report the bill to the next stage.
citizenportal.ai
October 25, 2026 at 10:10 PM
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MCPS is taking transparency to the next level with its new online "open checkbook" while revealing ambitious plans to rebuild the budget from scratch!

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#VA #CitizenPortal #CivicEngagement #BudgetTransparency #PublicFunding #VirginiaEducation
MCPS launches public "open checkbook" as finance leaders outline budget cycle
Director of finance Morgan Sklar demonstrated MCPS's new online open checkbook and described funding sources, the budget cycle and planned oversight committees; Sklar said grant reimbursements are in process and pointed to upcoming budget appropriation steps with the county.
citizenportal.ai
October 25, 2026 at 7:56 AM
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Albemarle County is facing a major shift in SOL assessments that could impact student morale and school designations—are you ready for the changes ahead?

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#VA #CitizenPortal #TeacherSupport #AssessmentReform #VirginiaEducation #StudentMentalHealth
State'led SOL modernization will raise cut scores over four years; local leaders warn of communication and morale challenges
ACPS staff reviewed the Virginia Department of Education's four-year phase-in raising SOL cut scores and adding a 'pass approaching' band for 2026-27; presenters said higher passing bars and a compressed retake schedule will change school designations and could affect students, teachers and communication needs.
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October 24, 2026 at 2:08 PM
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Virginia is stepping up to tackle the urgent shortage of qualified preschool special education teachers with a new endorsement proposal that offers flexible pathways for educators.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #VirginiaEducation #EarlyChildhoodEducation #TeacherRecruitment
VDOE seeks first review of early‑childhood special‑education add‑on to expand preschool special‑ed workforce
VDOE presented a first review of a proposed early‑childhood special‑education (ECSE) add‑on endorsement to address shortages of qualified preschool special‑education teachers; options include coursework, assessment, or work‑experience pathways with a 45‑hour practicum or validated year under a provisional license.
citizenportal.ai
October 22, 2026 at 6:17 AM
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Exciting changes are underway in Franklin City Schools as Interim Superintendent Dr. Kelvin Edwards announces a $4.1 million grant aimed at empowering teachers and reducing vacancies!

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#VA #CitizenPortal #TeacherDevelopment #GrantPartnerships #VirginiaEducation #StaffingSolutions
Interim superintendent highlights $4.1M teacher‑development grant and falling vacancies
Interim Superintendent Dr. Kelvin Edwards told the Franklin City School Board the division is part of a $4.1 million, five‑year teacher‑development grant with Surry, Isle of Wight and Sussex counties, reported vacancies have fallen from 12 to 8, and introduced SP Morton’s new principal.
citizenportal.ai
October 21, 2026 at 8:14 PM
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FCPS is calling for immediate support to tackle the critical shortage of special education teachers by enhancing mentoring and licensure rules for early-career educators.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #TeacherRetention #VirginiaEducation #ProfessionalDevelopment #SpecialEducation
FCPS urges targeted mentoring and licensure changes to retain special education teachers
FCPS leaders told delegates special education remains a critical shortage area; the division asked for state support for mentoring, differentiated training for alternative-pathway teachers and alignment of licensure and continuing-contract rules to improve retention of early-career educators.
citizenportal.ai
October 20, 2026 at 11:37 AM
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A heated debate unfolded as board members questioned whether new attendance coding changes were truly addressing chronic absenteeism or just reshaping the numbers.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #EducationMetrics #ChronicAbsenteeism #VirginiaEducation #AccreditationStandards
Board debates chronic absenteeism and ‘PDL’ coding as accreditation weight looms
Board members and staff spent extensive time on chronic absenteeism metrics and the state's principal-discretionary-leave (PDL) coding, debating subjectivity and whether coding changes will materially shift reported absenteeism; staff said they have standardized coding and added attendance coordinators.
citizenportal.ai
October 20, 2026 at 12:12 AM