Just released…
RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today announced the winners of the 2012 Virginia College/University Partnership Laboratory School Application Planning Grants. Eligible applicants were public institutions of higher education that operate a teacher education program approved by the Virginia Board of Education. After a long review process, the following institutions were awarded grants:
- George Mason University ($145,500)
- James Madison University ($228,000)
- Longwood University ($86,000)
- Virginia State University ($140,000)
Administered by the Office of the Secretary of Education, the planning grants are designed to enhance teacher education and training as part of the Governor’s “Opportunity to Learn” agenda to improve K-12 education and will provide more flexibility, innovation and autonomy outside the traditional public school system. In addition, the grants will serve ultimately to expand educational options for Virginia students.
All grant awards were made to public institutions pursuant to existing statute. However, as part of “Opportunity to Learn” the law was amended to promote greater flexibility and provide more choice for students by allowing both public and private institutions of higher education to establish a college partnership laboratory school in partnership with one or more local school boards.
“The proposed college laboratory schools are examples for the Commonwealth of what is possible when our institutions of higher learning and local school districts partner with people and organizations in the public, private and philanthropic sectors to initiate and develop innovative academic programs, ” Governor McDonnell said. “The planning grants aren’t just about money. They are about collaboration among all stakeholders, building a shared agenda and challenging ourselves to improve the way our students learn.”
Secretary of Education Laura Fornash remarked, “Each institution that applied for a planning grant represents a partnership among engaged stakeholders that is charting a path for education reform in Virginia. I salute all of the applicants for their hard work.”
A distinguished panel of individuals from higher education, local school districts and the business community reviewed each of the applications. Decisions about award amounts took into consideration a number of factors including the amount of available funds, the number of applications recommended for funding, and the amounts requested in the recommended applications.
For more information about the grants, visit: http://www.education.virginia.gov/.
The Virginia Department of Education just issued the following press release:
The state Board of Education voted today to ask the U.S. Department of Education (USED) for a waiver from provisions of the 10-year-old federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law that have resulted in the misidentification as failing of successful and improving Virginia schools.
If approved by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, the waiver would allow the commonwealth to merge state and federal requirements into a single accountability system. Virginia schools and school divisions would no longer have to meet increasingly unrealistic annual yearly progress (AYP) benchmarks in reading and mathematics, nor the law’s mandate that all students achieve grade-level proficiency by 2014.
“The model the board is proposing would relieve Virginia schools from the overly prescriptive and unworkable dictates of the federal law while maintaining a tough and transparent accountability program,” said Board of Education President David M. Foster, who was unanimously elected by his colleagues today to lead the state board for the next two years. Betsy D. Beamer was elected vice president.
“Based on preliminary feedback from federal education officials, and the similarities between Virginia’s waiver application and applications from other states that have already been approved, I am optimistic about federal approval,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia I. Wright said.
Currently, Virginia schools receive two annual accountability ratings: a state accreditation rating and a federal AYP rating under NCLB. School divisions also receive an AYP rating. Under the system outlined in the board’s waiver application, schools would continue to receive annual state accreditation ratings based on overall achievement in English, mathematics, science and history, as they have since 1999 under Virginia’s Standards of Learning (SOL) program.
Annual report cards would include a “dashboard” graphically illustrating progress toward closing proficiency gaps. The enhanced reporting would focus on the following “gap” groups:
- Gap group 1: Students with disabilities, English-language learners and economically disadvantaged students
- Gap group 2: African-American students, not of Hispanic origin, not already included in gap group one
- Gap group 3: Hispanic students, of one or more races, not already included in gap group one or two
“The new report cards will clearly show which schools are not making progress in raising the achievement of historically low-performing student subgroups to state standards,” Wright said.
In its application, the Board of Education requests approval of the waiver in time for the calculation of accountability ratings for 2012-2013.
The full press release follows:
Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement after Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling cast the tiebreaking vote to pass SB 131 (Stanley and Obenshain) that establishes a tax credit for donations by individuals or corporations to nonprofit organizations providing education improvement scholarships to low-income students or eligible students with disabilities in order for them to attend nonpublic elementary or secondary schools. There is a $25 million cap for the credits.
“Virginia students deserve a world-class education regardless of their zip code and socio-economic status. Public- and private-sector entities must come together to provide every possible opportunity for students to get the education they need to fill the good jobs available in the 21st century. That is why, as part of our ‘Opportunity to Learn’ agenda, I have supported this effort to provide a tax incentive for individuals and private corporations that will spur their investment in students. This legislation will increase the ability of nonprofit organizations to provide education improvement scholarships so low-income students or students with disabilities can attend the non-public school of their choice. It is a common-sense measure that will spur private support in educating the leaders of tomorrow and will give students a new opportunity to learn the skills they need to be successful in the future. I applaud the leadership of Senators Stanley, Obenshain and Stosch, as well as the senators who voted for the measure and the Lieutenant Governor for advancing this legislation.”
The Governor’s budget for this year is scheduled to be released next Sunday, February 19th. Following Virginia budgeting procedures, the House and the Senate will also prepare their own budgets proposal to be released on the same day. Delegates may also add Amendments on to the Governor’s budget proposal, which are then also under consideration. There is much speculation that this year will be a particularly heated budgetary process. Today, February 14th, will also be a critical day for the Legislature, as it is the last day that both the House and the Senate have to complete work on either house’s legislation. What does not get accomplished as of COB tomorrow is declared dead for the Session.
Here are some highlights on the progress of other bills throughout the Legislature:
HB 1092—requiring the Board of Education to consult with the American Heart Association, American Cancer Association, American Academy of Pediatrics and other interested stakeholders in devising physical education requirements—has moved to the Senate after passing in the house on February 9th.
SB 656—allowing local school boards to develop plans for having a supply of epipens in schools—passed in the Senate Monday, February 13th. The passage of this bill came after long consultation with the Virginia Department of Health.
Virginia Retirement System Bills—the proposals being considered in the House (HB 1192, 1130) and the Senate (SB 298,497, 498) are vastly different.
HB 1192—The House Appropriations committee endorsed this plan sponsored by the Governor, except that it also removes the additional 1% of employee contribution by new state employee hires that was previously proposed.
HB 1130—This is an alternative retirement plan for certain state employees
SB 298—This bill requires the Virginia Retirement System to conduct an analysis of the fiscal impact each time the appropriation for employer contribution rate (included in the Governor’s budget proposal) is less than the contribution rate established by the Board. It also requires a fiscal impact analysis if/when either house in the Legislature adopts an amendment that is less than the Board-certified rate.
SB 497—This bill would require local school districts to offset a requirement that workers pay 5% into pensions by requiring that local school divisions and governments pay 5% raises to employees.
SB 498— creates an optional hybrid retirement plan that future and state local workers hired after January 1, 2014 may chose to enter. Doing so is an irrevocable decision.
HB 576 & SB 438—These two bills concerning teacher evaluations increase the length of the probationary period for teachers to receiving continuing contracts from 3 years to 5 years. Additionally it would require that teachers who have not yet received continuing contract status will be contracted on a three-year basis, and evaluated formally in the 3rd year and informally the two years preceding.
HB 947—This bill, allowing homeschooled children to participate in extra-curricular, interscholastic activities, passed in the house on February 8th and will not be heard in the Senate Committee on Education and Health.
HB 1173—This bill provides unsuccessful charter school applications with the opportunity to come before the Board of Education to testify, requiring that local school boards document the why a charter school has been denied or revoked.
SB 598—provides that if a student is attending a virtual school in a district other than that which he/she lives in, the expenditure per student that would have been received by the local school district in which the student lives, is transferred to the school district of the virtual school.
HB 1061 & SB 489—These two bills are identical and would change the requirements necessary for a student to receive a standard or an advanced diploma. The change would require students to meet a career and technical education requirement in order to receive a standard diploma. The advanced diploma would then be the recommended diploma for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree. The increase in career and technical education enrollment is anticipated to result in increased costs to local school districts.
By Mechelle Hankerson
RICHMOND – After undergoing a dramatic edit last week in committee, a bill to fundamentally change how teachers are hired and evaluated passed the House on a 55-43 vote Monday.
House Bill 576 would replace continuing contracts with annual contracts for teachers and principals. Teachers not eligible for continuing contracts by the 2013-2014 school year would receive three-year contracts that would not automatically renew.
The legislation, sponsored by Delegate Richard “Dickie” Bell, R-Staunton, would also require that anyone who would work under a contract serve a probationary five-year term before being given a three-year contract.
Local school boards would adopt an evaluation process based on state guidelines, and student academic success would account for 40 percent of the evaluation.
Delegate Kirkland Cox of Colonial Heights applauded Bell’s compromise on the bill and urged his colleagues to approve it.
“This is one I really want to emphasize for the children,” said Cox, the majority leader in the House. “We’re kidding ourselves if we think mediocre teachers are bad teachers.”
Cox, a 12th-grade government teacher, said the bill was just one example of the reforms needed in K-12 education.
“We are naive if we think public education is perfect. We can make K-12 better by passing this bill,” he said.
Cox’s enthusiasm was met with doubt by House Democrats.
Kenneth Plum and Kaye Kory, Democratic delegates from Fairfax, both favored giving more responsibility to local governments and school boards to determine contract and evaluation terms.
Gov. Bob McDonnell endorsed Bell’s proposal, but Plum reminded the House that McDonnell also has emphasized the importance of local governments throughout the session.
“We should be supporting local governments, not micro-managing from Richmond with the idea being that we’ve been to school, so we know best,” Plum said.
Kory agreed. She also expressed concern about the future of teachers in the state.
“This is not the way to attract good teachers,” she said. “This is a way to drive them out of Virginia.”
Democrats also questioned whether it is necessary to overhaul the rules governing teacher contracts and evaluations.
Delegate Jeion Ward, D-Hampton, serves as president of the Hampton Federation of Teachers. She said there are processes in place to help and replace poorly performing teachers.
“It is very easy to get rid of a bad teacher,” Ward said.
She said administrators typically identify a problem with a teacher and then develop a plan to give the teacher a chance to improve.
After the measure passed, McDonnell issued a statement to thank Bell, a former teacher, for carrying the bill. The governor said the bill is important for Virginia’s students.
“This legislation will recognize our teachers for their success; provide teachers and administrators with benchmarking and performance measures; and, in the end, yield better results for our students,” McDonnell stated.
“I am pleased that the House of Delegates recognizes the importance of this legislation that will ensure our students have access a world-class education taught by Virginia’s best teachers.”
HB 576 now moves to the Senate for consideration
The full press release follows:
Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement today following passage this morning by the House of Delegates of HB576, legislation that changes teacher contracting to help recognize exceptional teachers in Virginia’s public schools.
“I have long said that a child’s educational opportunities should be determined by her intellect and work ethic, not her zip code. It is critical that we are preparing our young people for the highly-skilled, high-paying jobs of the 21st century – and that starts with getting a good education. A good education starts in the classroom, with great teachers instructing our children. Here in Virginia, we are fortunate have a world-class educational system with world-class teachers. However, until we can guarantee every student in Virginia a quality education, our work is not done. That is why, this year, we are advancing legislation through our ‘Opportunity to Learn’ agenda that establishes a three-year term contract and evaluation process for teachers and principals to enhance professional development opportunities and reward good teachers. This legislation will recognize our teachers for their success; provide teachers and administrators with benchmarking and performance measures; and, in the end, yield better results for our students. I am pleased that the House of Delegates recognizes the importance of this legislation that will ensure our students have access a world-class education taught by Virginia’s best teachers. I also want to thank Delegate Dickie Bell for his leadership in guiding this legislation through the House of Delegates.”
HB576 is part of Governor McDonnell’s “Opportunity to Learn” K-12 education reform legislative agenda.
- Fight over teacher tenure underway in Virginia
- Albemarle School Board votes to send budget to supervisors
- Students make Valentines for veterans (Franklin County)
- Prince William County teachers ask School Board not to freeze pay
- Virginia students rank #3 in nation on AP exams
- Bill on teacher contracts has advanced
- House will study school discipline
- Suffolk weighs ban on students wearing cross-gender clothing
- Budget plan calls for Portsmouth to chip in more
- Greene County School Board Changes Budget Process
- Joint meeting nets 2-percent raises for school employees (King George)
- School Chief’s Contract Renewed (Clarke)
- Staunton school aides face layoffs
- School in Running for Face-Lift (Louisa)
- The Virginia Beach Education Association is meeting today to fight proposed budget cuts.
- Pr. William County educators frustrated with stagnant wages
- Options considered to offset soaring teacher retirement costs
- Survey Many Orange school employees hurting
- Educators split on possible changes to contracts
- A new class of security at Lynchburg’s middle schools
- Hanover offers programs on beach week
- Kory, Saslaw, Marsden Report On Grim Prospects in Richmond
- School Board Members Search for Long Term Leader (Staunton)
- School Board members attend orientation (Caroline)
- Divisions stock up on digital books to banish boredom
- Parents say Loudoun officials reaching too far to stop school tardies
- Local homeless population includes more than 850 schoolchildren (Fredericksburg area)
- VSU enters dual-enrollment agreement with Sussex schools
House Bill 1063, a repeal of the so-called “Kings Dominion law,” passed in the House by a 76-23 vote on Thursday. The bill, which would allow local school districts to determine the start date of the school calendar, has been thought unlikely to pass.
It is still unclear whether the bill, which is currently in its first reading in the Senate Committee on Education and Health, will survive the Senate. As the Richmond Times-Dispatch recently reported, a similar bill was previously considered and shot down in the Senate.
Opponents of the bill argue that earlier start dates around the Dominion would hurt the tourism industry, while its supporters have claimed that it would give school districts more time to prepare for standardized tests. More than half of school districts already take advantage of the waiver in place in the current law, allowing those districts to set their own start date.
- Fairfax County School Board expands honors courses
- PolitiFact: Gov. McDonnell’s proposed budget “is cutting” public education
- ‘Kings Dominion law’ likely to live on in Va., leaving first day of school after Labor Day
- Virginia is for (Science) Lovers (Albemarle)
- Push to Overturn Kings Dominion Law Hits Snag
- Wise County students chat with astronauts on International Space Station
- Hampton School Board drops claim against former chief Russo
- Va. legislators defend starting school after Labor Day
- Charlottesville City Schools Talk Budget & Funding Gap
- Community meeting to discuss achievement gaps in Henrico County
- Michelle Obama and Rachael Ray visit Fairfax school to announce new school-lunch regulations
- Poquoson superintendent urges residents to contact their legislators
- Former Franklin superintendent retires from Virginia Association of School Superintendents
- Newest Va. Beach teachers warned layoff is possible
- Retiree health costs pinch in Chesapeake
- State board visits to kick off quest for new Halifax superintendent
- Obama: States should require kids stay in school until 18 or graduation
- School Board Discusses Accolades, New eTranscript Service (Mannassas Park)
- Lynchburg superintendent asks to toughen up drug, firearms policy
- Bill shifts portion of pension load to teachers, local government workers
- School Board to Make Decision on Honors (Fairfax)
- Charlottesville City Schools Talk Budget & Funding Gap
- Community meeting to discuss achievement gaps in Henrico County
- Top slots slashed by superintendent (Williamsburg-James City)
- Portsmouth schools ask city for $2.5M budget bump
- Raises for Chesterfield teachers proposed
- Schools fail to file Medicaid refunds (Williamsburg-James City)
- Hanover school budget delayed
- Spotsylvania school chief sets big budget goals
- Budget proposal would force Smyth schools to cut budget
- Fairfax students to wear pedometers, track eating habits
- Programs in place to address Danville’s poverty problem
- Lynchburg-area school divisions brace for VRS-fueled budget gap
- Earthquake-damaged Louisa school site to be studied
- Sidelined homeschoolers could make varsity if new, conservative assembly passes ‘Tebow Law’
- Loudoun school board tackles the budget
- Stafford School Board wants to fill open seat
- Deaf education bill is ailing
- Lifting bans on parents in classrooms
- VRS Contributions Dominate WJCC Budget Hearing
- Poquoson schools face another $1 million budget gap
- Stimulus money running out for schools next year
- McDonnell Looks to Reduce Unfunded Mandates
- School leaders decry plan McDonnell’s plans
- Saslaw, Scott Meet With Public in Falls Church Town Hall Meeting
- Officials, educators divided over allowing earlier start to school year
- WJC School Board gets laundry list of possible cuts
- This Middle School Life, audio
- Virginia Beach teachers make point at board meeting
- Suffolk says city can’t help schools with pending lawsuits
- Hanover school budget worries residents, teachers
- Community, school officials address achievement gap in Henrico County
- Charges Pending Against Buford Students in BB Gun Incident
- The End of Virginia’s “Labor Day Law”?
- Saslaw, Scott Meet With Public in Falls Church Town Hall Meeting
- Officials, educators divided over allowing earlier start to school year
- WJC School Board gets laundry list of possible cuts
- This Middle School Life, audio
- Norfolk board to consider pepper spray in schools
- School Board chair vows to close budget gap
- Kate Collins Middle School Cuts Ties with Buford Middle School
- Saslaw, Scott Meet With Public in Falls Church Town Hall Meeting
- Officials, educators divided over allowing earlier start to school year
- WJC School Board gets laundry list of possible cuts
- This Middle School Life, audio
Homeroom Discussion