The mission of the Virginia Department of Education is to lead and facilitate the development and implementation of a quality public education system that meets the needs of students and assists them in becoming educated, productive, responsible, and self-reliant citizens.

The vision of the Virginia Department of Education, in collaboration with the Governor, the Secretary of Education, the General Assembly, the Virginia Board of Education, local school boards, and education stakeholders and parents, is to create an excellent system of public education that prepares every Virginia for success.

As employees of the Virginia Department of Education we will:

1.    Dedicate our efforts toward excellence in public education through continuous improvement.

2.    Earn the respect, trust, and confidence of elected and appointed officials, those with whom we work, and the public in every day interactions by being a positive role model and treating all persons in an evenhanded and courteous manner.

3.    Commit to the highest ideals of honesty, integrity, and the stewardship of public resources by protecting the department’s assets and ensuring their proper and efficient use.

4.    Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

5.    Promote policies and programs in accordance with the Department’s Statement of Non-Discrimination and the Commonwealth’s EEO policy, supporting the rights and recognizing the needs of all citizens regardless of race, sex, age, religion, creed, country of origin, or disability.

6.    Maintain the confidentiality of information entrusted to us by preventing unauthorized disclosure.

7.    Expose through appropriate means and channels any discovered evidence of corruption, misconduct, or neglect of duty.

8.    Strive for professional excellence of the highest caliber by enhancing professional knowledge, skills, and abilities for ourselves and our colleagues.

9.    Adhere to the principle that the public’s business should be conducted in the public view by observing and following both the letter and the spirit of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

10. Abide by Department of Education policies, Virginia's Standards of Conduct for Employees, and related regulations.

11. Avoid the appearance of conflict of interest by not engaging in activities that may be inconsistent with the State and Local Government Conflict of Interest Act or the Public Procurement Act.

12. Uphold these principles in adhering to this Code of Ethics.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is the administrative agency for the commonwealth's public K-12 schools. It also serves as lead agency for many early childhood care and education programs, including child care licensing, health and safety, and quality/regulatory oversight. VDOE provides the staff and other resources to implement the constitutional and statutory requirements placed on the Board of Education. The Board of Education and Superintendent of Public Instruction, in cooperation with their partners, develop policies and provide leadership that improve student achievement and prepare students to succeed in postsecondary education and the workplace.

In addition to the day-to-day services provided by the Department of Education, the agency provides for implementation of many of the Governor's and General Assembly's priorities related to Early Childhood and K-12 education. 

The Department also assists the Board of Education in addressing its goals as articulated in the Board's Comprehensive Plan.

A significant function of the Virginia Department of Education includes the collection, analysis, and communication of information about Virginia's public schools, students, and educators.  As a result, the agency has a strong information management process that allows for the efficient transfer and analysis of data, while maintaining the highest level of quality and data security possible.   

The Office of Data Services is responsible for collecting valid, reliable student data necessary for calculating and reporting state and federal accountability results and other educational statistics as required by state code, federal law or regulation. EIM also provides support to school divisions for the collection, storage, and use of local education data.  

The Office of Technology and Systems Development develops and maintains software solutions that enable all other offices within the agency to perform regulatory duties effectively and efficiently.  Additionally, the group provides the tools and interface with local school divisions to meet Federal, State, and Board of Education reporting requirements and measurements. 

The Office of Research conducts objective analyses and scientifically-sound research in support of the agency’s strategic goals and objectives.  They also work to strengthen relationships with a diverse group of research partners, translating research findings into actionable information for policymakers, educators, parents and students, and serves as the liaison for key research centers and activities. The Office of Research serves as the agency's administrator for the Virginia Longitudinal Data System.

The Office of Information Security implements and provides oversight of agencywide processes, practices, and internal controls to comply with Commonwealth and agency information security standards.

With increasing expectations due to federal and state mandates and initiatives, the agency is stretched to capacity. As a strategy to manage the additional workload, the Department of Education’s Risk Management and Internal Controls Program stresses that managers cross-train for critical business functions by developing up-to-date written documentation to support critical functions and to adequately train backup personnel. In some situations, it is difficult to schedule time for training backup personnel because staff time is spent on keeping workload current.

The Department of Education leases several floors of office, utility, and storage/warehouse space in the James Monroe Building from the Department of General Services.  The agency has reduced non-office space the last several years as part of its budget reductions.  Most employee office, storage, and utility spaces are smaller than those of other agencies in state government.  Many of the office cubicles are over 35 years old, and carpet and other furnishings need replacement.  Efforts will be made to provide improved space for employees as resources allow.  Any improvements are funded with unexpended agency balances saved for this purpose.  The agency has modernized its teleproduction studio with new Web-enabled equipment that requires less space than older production equipment.  The agency has installed security doors on each floor to secure employees and secure records.

Several factors will have a significant impact on the agency over the next several years.

The demographic of the aging state work force provides challenges in maintaining institutional knowledge and expertise within the agency. School divisions also face challenges in hiring qualified educators in certain critical subject areas, and to work in hard-to-staff schools. Additionally, the agency has limited staff and budget resources; however, expectations by stakeholders, federal mandates, and the need for technical assistance to school divisions, continues to increase.

Continued investment of resources is integral to improving student performance, especially given the high expectations reflected in increasingly rigorous Standards of Accreditation and efforts to close achievement gaps among student groups. Many local school systems find it difficult to stretch existing resources to serve higher percentages of students who are from low-income backgrounds, or who have limited English proficiency. While resources are not increasing in many localities, our expectations are high and continue to increase for all students.

While most Virginia schools continue to show overall student academic growth, the Board recognizes the constitutional and shared responsibility to ensure that all children in the Commonwealth, regardless of their circumstances, have access to a quality education that prepares them for a successful, healthy, and fulfilling life. To reach this goal, based on feedback from public hearings and written correspondence, the Board established priorities that include:  

• To promote equitable access to high-quality, effective learning environments for all students;


• To advance policies that increase the number of candidates entering the teaching profession and encourage and support the recruitment, development, and retention of well-prepared and skilled teachers and school leaders; and


• To ensure successful implementation of the Profile of a Virginia Graduate.

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The Department of Education’s revenues consist primarily of federal grants and special fund revenue collections.  Significant sources of federal grant funds include Title I, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Special Education), Perkins Act (Career and Technical Education), Adult Education grant, state assessment grant, child care funding under the Child Care and Development Block Grant, and school nutrition programs. Federal grant revenue helps provide the resources necessary for the Department of Education to operate various federal programs and administer the Standards of Learning testing program. Special fund revenues collected by the Department of Education primarily assists in operating the Department of Teacher Education and Licensure, various summer Governor’s Schools programs, and the Virtual Virginia online learning program.

The following statistics provide a comprehensive snapshot of the magnitude and range of the Department of Education's services. 

While the Department of Education serves a number of customers on a daily basis, the main customers are the 131 local school divisions in the Commonwealth, the families of students in K-12 public schools in Virginia, as well as statewide child care providers. There are no major anticipated changes to the Department’s customers. 

The staff of the Department of Education focus efforts on promoting leadership and service among administrators and educators who teach the children enrolled in Virginia’s public schools. The department also provides resources and services that directly impact children and their schools, including:

• Distributing funds and assisting school divisions in accounting, budget, pupil transportation, school nutrition programs, facilities and energy, and procurement.


• Assisting school divisions in the design and implementation of instructional programs.


• Assisting the Board, the Governor and the General Assembly in the development of legislation, regulations and policies that promote student achievement.


• Providing timely and accurate information about public education.


• Providing expertise and leadership regarding special education in professional development, parental involvement, and the interpretation of federal and state initiatives, policies, regulations and guidelines.


• Managing test development, administration, scoring and reporting of results for the various statewide assessment programs, including enhancements to the state assessment program.


• Implementing regulations governing Virginia's approved education preparation programs and regulations for the licensure of school personnel.


• Providing a program of training, consulting services and current information to educators to enhance the use of educational technology and adult and career education.


• Providing training workshops, professional development and technical assistance related to school finance, facilities, pupil transportation, school nutrition, special education, instruction, assessment, teacher education and licensure, student support, school health, career and technical education, and technology issues.


• Reporting required data and information to state and federal officials.


• Managing and analyzing education data and making it publicly available.


• Providing technical assistance to schools that do not meet the accreditation benchmarks and/or federal accountability requirements.


• Providing comprehensive and ongoing technical assistance and professional development to division-level staff responsible for Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) program implementation, monitoring, and support. Monitoring division-level program implementation and providing support as needed.


• Licensing, health and safety, quality, and regulatory/policy oversight of child care; Head Start collaboration efforts; administration of state-funded early childhood programs; and Lead Agency for the federal Child Care and Development Fund and Child Care and Development Block Grant.

Creation of the Commitment to Virginians report

Implementation of Governor’s Executive Order #1

Creation of the Office of Parental Engagement

Implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act

Implementation of the $100MM College Partnership Laboratory Schools Appropriation

Begin the Bridging the Gap Learning Loss Initiative

Begin implementation of Executive Directive 3 on teacher workforce

In addition, each school will be held accountable for attainment on multiple school quality indicators, based on performance benchmarks. Performance benchmarks measure actual performance or improvement or decline in performance over time, or a combination of the two, for each school quality indicator. Based on achievement and school improvement, schools and divisions will receive differential levels of oversight and support from the Virginia Department of Education to ensure continuous improvement toward the goal of a quality education for all students. 

The Board of Education and the Department of Education will support accountability for all public schools by establishing policies that help schools increase the academic success of all students, especially those who are at-risk or in underperforming school systems.  Incorporating student academic progress and narrowing the achievement gap into the accountability system will provide for a more comprehensive identification of student achievement. Using improved longitudinal data systems, the Board and Department will monitor schools’ progress in closing achievement gaps among groups of students.

Students meet key achievement proficiency benchmarks.

• Support classroom teachers, parents, and students to collaboratively engage in using actionable student achievement data for developing student learning plans and strategies aligned to student needs.

The Student Assessment Office manages the various statewide assessment programs. These programs currently include the Standards of Learning testing program, the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program, the ACCESS for ELLs test that is used to measure the progress of Limited English Proficient students in learning English, and the National Assessment of Educational Progress. In addition, the Office supports school divisions in the interpretation of test data and in the implementation of local assessment practices to inform instruction.

• Manage test development, administration, scoring and reporting of results

• Support school divisions in the interpretation of test data and the implementation of local assessment practices to inform instruction

The Office of School Quality promotes student learning and achievement by assisting low-performing schools and school divisions in the implementation of effective instructional strategies and best practices.

• School improvement planning

• School-level and division-level academic reviews

• Provide support to low-performing schools and school divisions in implementing effective strategies to improve student outcomes

The Virginia On-Time Graduation Rate is based on four years of longitudinal student-level data in the Commonwealth’s Educational Information Management System. The Virginia On-Time Graduation Rate takes into consideration student mobility, changes in student enrollment, policy and
instructional practices such as 9th-grade retention. The formula also recognizes that some students with disabilities and limited English proficient (LEP) students are allowed more than the standard four years to earn a diploma and are still counted as “on-time” graduates.

• Assist with school improvement planning

• Implement school-level and division-level academic reviews

• Provide support to identified high schools in implementing strategies to increase the number of on-time graduates

The Office of School Quality promotes student learning and achievement by assisting low-performing schools and school divisions in the implementation of effective instructional strategies and best practices. The responsibilities of the Office of School Quality include school-level and division-level academic reviews, school improvement planning, and innovative programs.

• Assist with school improvement planning

• Implement school-level and division-level academic reviews

• Provide support to low-performing schools and school divisions in implementing effective strategies to improve student outcomes

The Board of Education and the Department of Education will continue to raise the bar on standards for public schools in Virginia to ensure global competitiveness. Our schools will lead the nation in rigor and quality and our students will compete and excel in postsecondary education and/or in the global workplace. Building on the success of the Standards of Learning (SOL) program and to better prepare students to compete in today’s global economy, more rigorous and relevant standards and expectations are being and will continue to be implemented that meet national and international benchmarks for college and career readiness. Particular emphasis will be placed on supporting the attainment of literacy and mathematics skills for all students, pre-Kindergarten through grade 12.

To advance rigorous standards and promote college and career readiness, the Board of Education, in conjunction with the Department of Education, will:

• Review and revise the Standards of Quality (SOQ) and the Standards of Accreditation (SOA);               

• Review and revise the Standards of Learning (SOL);

• Adopt rigorous cut scores for state assessments;

• Adopt list of recommended textbooks;

• Approve substitute tests for verified credit;

• Approve lists of industry certification examinations, occupational competency assessments, and licenses;

• Approve additional courses to satisfy graduation requirements; and

• Review and approve increased graduation requirements from local school divisions.

Institute the most rigorous proficiency cut scores in the nation to close the honesty gap between SOLs and NAEP.

• Work collaboratively with the Board of Education and state and local stakeholders to establish rigorous proficiency cut scores.

Knowledge of the basic concepts and practices of Computer Science in addition to the development of workplace skills needed in Computer Science-related jobs enable students to be eligible for educational opportunities in college and in postsecondary work. Legislation approved by the 2016 General Assembly requires that the Standards of Learning include computer science and computational thinking, including computer coding. Computer Science education, which includes computational thinking provides students opportunities to acquire knowledge and develop skills that are useful in several subjects such as Mathematics, Science, English, History and Social Science, and more. Computer Science Standards of Learning for grades K-12 will provide guidance to local school divisions on instruction, assessment, and more.

• Develop Computer Science Standards of Learning

• Develop Computer Science Curriculum Framework to support the Standards

• Coordinate teacher professional development in Computer Science integration and computational thinking through partnerships with higher educational agencies and non-profit organizations

Research shows that by age 7, most children are reading. Some take longer than others, and some need extra help. Staff from the Department of Education provide technical assistance and training to local division personnel to help ensure that children receive the right kind of help in their early years, so reading difficulties that can arise later in their lives can be prevented. Reading is essential for success in school, and the impact of reading failure on academic achievement has been well established. Legislation from the 2012 General Assembly revised the Standards of Quality to ensure local school divisions use funds appropriated for prevention, intervention, and remediation to create reading intervention services to students in grades 3 and 4 who demonstrate reading deficiencies prior to promoting the student from grade 3 to 4 or grade 4 to 5. The budget for the Early Intervention Reading Initiative was increased to serve 100% of students in grades kindergarten through 3 who are identified for services.

• Early Intervention Reading Initiative

While both the Standard Diploma and the Advanced Studies Diploma prepare students for post-secondary education and the career readiness required by the Commonwealth's economy, the Advanced Studies Diploma shall be the recommended diploma for students pursuing baccalaureate study.

To graduate with an Advanced Studies Diploma, a student must earn at least 24 or 26 standard units of credit, depending on when he or she entered ninth grade, and at least nine verified units of credit:

• Students who entered ninth grade for the first time during and after 2011-2012 must earn at least 26 standard units of credit.
• Students who entered ninth grade before 2011-2012 must earn at least 24 standard units of credit.

Beginning with students entering ninth grade for the first time in 2013-2014, a student must successfully complete one virtual course, which may be non-credit bearing, to graduate with an Advanced Studies Diploma.

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The Board of Education and the Department of Education will put in place policies and guidelines for initiatives that expand learning opportunities for all children.  These policies relate to high-quality charter schools, college partnership laboratory schools, online learning programs, and additional Governor’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) academies, which can provide options for parents and students while allowing communities and educators to create innovative instructional programs that can be replicated elsewhere in the public school system.

To expand opportunities to learn, the Board of Education, in conjunction with the Department of Education, will:

• Review and approve innovative programs;

• Revise the criteria, application and procedures for charter school applicants;

• Revise the criteria, application and procedures for college partnership laboratory school applicants;

• Review charter school applications and determine if they meet the Board's criteria;

• Review and approve college partnership laboratory school applications;

•  Review and revise criteria for multidivision online providers; 

• Approve the establishment of Governor's Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Academies; and

• Approve the establishment of Governor’s Health Sciences Academies.  

Create new and expanded PreK-12 options and innovation by launching statewide new college partnership laboratory schools in collaboration with Virginia institutions of higher education.

• Work collaboratively with the Board of Education, Virginia IHEs, school divisions, and other state and local stakeholders to promote college lab schools and establish planning, startup, and operational processes with state funding support.

The Office of Technology and Virtual Learning in collaboration with the Office of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; the Office of Career and Technical Education, and other offices will provide opportunities for students to learn about Computer Science. Learning opportunities will include non-traditional approaches that may include performance-based assessments, internships, externships, and more. Objective Strategies
• Develop Computer Science Standards of Learning
• Consideration for increased teacher certification or endorsement opportunities
• Consideration for Increased student credentialing or certification opportunities
• Increased Computer Science education professional development opportunities
Increased communication to students and communities related to Computer Science career opportunities

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The Distance Learning and Electronic Classroom Service Area (Virtual Virginia) expands student access to high-quality, rigorous online courses and provides instructional resources for educators. Virtual Virginia offers Advanced Placement, world language, core academic, and elective courses to students across the Commonwealth through a secure, Web-based environment.

• Develop a searchable course platform that includes information about Virtual Virginia courses, courses offered by local school boards, instructional resources for educators, and courses made available to Virginia students by approved multidivision online providers

• Provide Economics and Personal Finance course hosting services and professional development for divisions

The Office of Technology Innovation identifies, develops, and disseminated high-quality resources in a variety of media and formats for students, parents, teachers, and school leaders. These technology-based resources help schools improve teaching, learning, and school management.

• Develop and disseminate high-quality digital content and resources to address statewide needs and priorities

• Provide tools and systems to promote digital content production, use, and sharing among students, educators, and families

• Provide exemplars to model the development and use of high-quality digital resources for students and teachers

The Tests of General Educational Development (GED) are developed by the GED Testing Service (GEDTS) to enable persons who have not graduated from high school to demonstrate the attainment of abilities normally associated with completion of a high school program of study. The new GED 2014 battery of four tests measures the skills considered to be the major outcomes of a high school education and purports to prepare adult learners for college and careers. The tests are based on adult education college and career readiness standards for adult learners and require test takers to use computer technology to take the test.

• Use state Race to GED funds to offer additional GED classes in regional adult education and literacy programs, contact and counsel students needing to complete testing or to retest, through outreach initiatives, recruitment and retention of students, and the establishment of additional Pearson VUE computer-based testing centers.

• Conduct GED professional development for adult education teachers

• Provide technical assistance to adult education and literacy programs

The Department of Education provides leadership in encouraging school divisions to provide expanded access to high-quality, rigorous courses.

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The Career and Technical Education Office provides leadership for implementation of rigorous and comprehensive programs designed to reflect the workplace in a global economy and prepare students to succeed in post-secondary education and careers.

• Partner with business and industry to design and provide high quality, dynamic programs that adapt and respond to technology, workforce needs, and elevate the economy.

• Implement rigorous comprehensive programs of study that are aligned to the Standards of Learning, delivered by highly qualified instructors, and resulting in industry-recognized portable credentials.

• Provide a results-driven system that demonstrates a positive fiscal, societal, and economic impact.

The Board of Education and the Department of Education will work cooperatively with partners to promote new and innovative partnerships to help ensure that all young children are ready to enter kindergarten with the skills they need for success.

To ensure all young children are ready to enter kindergarten with the skills they need, the Board of Education, in conjunction with the Department of Education, will:

• Collaborate with education partners;

• Support the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI), the Title I Preschool Program, the Early Childhood Special Education Program, the Smart Beginnings Local Coalitions, Virginia Quality Initiative, and the Head Start programs;

• Review and revise Virginia’s Foundation Blocks For Early Learning: Comprehensive Standards for Four-Year-Olds and associated tools and aligned curricula;

• Strengthen the quality of instruction and interactions in VPI and Early Childhood Special Education Program classrooms;

• Support coordination and alignment between pre-Kindergarten programs and the k-12 school system;

• Collaborate with UVA and the Kindergarten Readiness Initiative as the 2018 General Assembly has mandated all school divisions to assess
kindergarten students by the 2019-2020 school year;

• Collaborate with UVA to implement CLASS observations in all VPI classrooms by the end of the 2019-2020 school year;

• Support the Preschool Development Birth-Five Grant by collaborating with sub-grantees and early childhood communities;

• Serve as Lead Agency for Virginia for the CCDF and CCDBG and Head Start collaboration;

• Administer licensing, health and safety, and quality functions for child care in Virginia;

• Assist the Board of Education in its regulatory oversight of child care in Virginia.

The Division of School Readiness provides technical expertise and leadership for the Virginia Preschool Initiative. This initiative provides quality preschool programs for at-risk four-year-olds who are not served by Head Start. Sixty percent of school divisions use 100% of their allocated slots. There are school divisions that use 100% of their allocated slots and have additional children on the waiting list. Funds need to be reallocated to school divisions that can use the funds to serve additional students.

• Reallocate unused slots

The Board of Education and the Department of Education will establish policies and standards that strengthen the preparation, recruitment, and retention of the best and brightest of Virginia’s educational personnel, including their meaningful and ongoing professional development, especially in teacher shortage areas and in hard-to-staff schools.

To advance this goal, the Board of Education, in conjunction with the Department of Education, will:

• Approve education programs offered by Virginia's colleges and universities;

• Maintain a Licensure Website that provides directions on how to apply for or renew a license; as well as contact information for approved programs and career switcher representatives;

• Properly license and endorse educators according to the Virginia’s Licensure Regulations for School Personnel; and

• Provide technical assistance to school personnel in local school divisions, Institutions of Higher Education, Department of Education employees and to the general public.

Create new and expanded state and local pathways that increase the number of highly qualified teachers as defined by full licensure and National Board Certification of teachers.

• Provide increased pathways and funding support to facilitate increasing annually the number of highly qualified teachers as defined by teachers obtaining full licensure and those obtaining the National Board Certification credential.

The Career Switcher Program providers are all certified by the Department of Education. The program provides an alternative pathway to teaching for individuals interested in teaching who have not completed a teacher preparation program but who have considerable life experiences, career achievements, and academic backgrounds that are relevant for teaching in pre-Kindergarten through grade 12.

• Provide guidance, technical assistance, and oversight to the Career Switchers Programs

• Process state mentor funds to support career switchers in the first year of teaching

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards improves teaching and student learning. National Board Certified Teachers are accomplished educators who meet high and rigorous standards. Teachers who achieve National Board Certification have met rigorous standards through intensive study, expert evaluation, self-assessment and peer review.

• Support Virginia's National Board List Serve

• Provide state incentives for National Board Certified teachers

The Board of Education and the Department of Education will provide leadership to develop and implement the provisions of state and federal laws and regulations in effective and efficient ways to improve and expand opportunities for all of Virginia’s schoolchildren to excel academically.

To advance sound policies, the Board of Education, in conjunction with the Department of Education, will:

•  Develop, submit, and implement the state's federal accountability plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015;

•  Continue to monitor progress of schools, divisions, and the state in meeting accountability requirements;

•  Publicly report status of Virginia public schools;

•  Respond to the increased demand for data related to ESSA programs;

•  Conduct periodic review and revision of Board of Education regulations that have not undergone such review in significant years; and

•  Review and revise guideline documents to update as necessary to comport with state or federal legislative changes.

Increase the number of parents reporting access to actionable information about their children's progress and achievement, especially by improving parent access to an understanding of assessment results.

• Collaborate with local stakeholders to provide new and expanded parentally-accessible data on individual student achievement that also protects student privacy.

Support implementation of comprehensive state and local policies and interventions for students and communities most in-need.

• Target resources that focus on recovering Reading and Math learning loss and other student and community needs through comprehensive strategies such as Community Schools models and School Quality interventions.

Improve equitable access to accelerated K-12 and postsecondary pathways.

• Establish state-level policies and support local policies and processes that maximize broad student access to accelerated K-12 and postsecondary pathways.

The Office of Specialized Education Facilities and Family Engagement (SEFFE) is responsible for educational services in state-operated programs, including hospitals, juvenile detention centers, mental health facilities, and the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center. The office also monitors state-licensed private schools for students with disabilities for compliance with state and federal requirements. The office includes a parent ombudsman and a family engagement specialist who help parents and advocates work collaboratively with school divisions to resolve concerns and navigate special education processes. SEFFE also provides leadership and guidance to the State Special Education Advisory Committee (SSEAC) and to local advisory committees (LAC). To accomplish its mission, SEFFE provides technical assistance and monitoring of the educational programming provided to students enrolled within the state-operated programs and private schools for students with disabilities. SEFFE conducts site visits of its educational facilities to ensure adherence to the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 22.1-7 of the Code of Virginia, the Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia (the Virginia Regulations), and the Regulations Governing the Operation of Private Schools for Students with Disabilities. The purpose of the technical assistance and monitoring framework is to provide a focus on improving educational results and outcomes for students with disabilities through the use of results driven accountability and to provide greater supports to the educational facilities, the local education agencies from where these students come from and return to, and the students’ families so as to improve outcomes for children and youth placed in non-traditional educational settings.

• Develop effective methods to monitor compliance with federal and state education and civil rights laws

• Monitor and administer licensing of private schools for student with disabilities

• Review and approve request for changes to licensing of an established private school for students with disabilities

• Review and approve request for licensing of a new private school for students with disabilities

• Investigate complaints filed against private schools for student with disabilities and work collaboratively on a corrective action plan to address and remediate any noncompliance

• Provide technical assistance to educational facilities, local education educational agencies, and families

• Ensure that the education facilities are providing ongoing parent consultation

• Provide workshops, webinars, conferences, and etc. targeted to local educational agencies, educational facilities, and families on how to work collaboratively to improve student outcomes

• Promote the use of mediation as the means to resolve disputes that cannot be resolved at the local level

The Department of Education's administrative goal is to provide excellent customer service when delivering or completing statutory and regulatory requirements or discharging supervisory responsibilities. The agency provides the staff and logistical support services necessary to implement the policies and regulations of the Board of Education, to keep the Board informed of its constitutional and statutory obligations, and to assist the Board in meeting those obligations. The services are viewed as an important component for the organization’s performance management that results in (1) delivery of ever-improving value to internal and external customers, ultimately contributing to improved education quality and student learning; and (2) improvement of overall organizational effectiveness, efficiency, and capabilities.

• Conduct sound policy and regulatory analysis

• Conduct training

• Provide technical assistance and on-site monitoring

• Coordinate resources

The Division of Special Education and Student Services provides technical expertise and leadership in the areas of professional development, parental involvement, and the interpretation of federal and state initiatives, policies, regulations and guidelines. The division provides workshops and other training opportunities for educators and works collaboratively with public and private agencies, associations, foundations and consortia to address educational needs and concerns. The division provides technical assistance regarding laws and regulations, federal IDEA monitoring and accountability, due process procedures and hearings, interagency agreements (such as the Comprehensive Services Act), school health programs, Medicaid reporting and parent information programs.

• Provide technical assistance regarding laws and regulations, federal monitoring and accountability, and due process procedures and hearings

• Provide local incentive grants to improve teacher use of evidence based education practices

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) provides federal funds to school divisions to support a broad array of local activities to enhance student achievement through one or more of the following programs: (1) Title I programs for disadvantaged students; (2) Title II programs to prepare, recruit, and retain high quality teachers; (3) Title III programs to support language instruction for English learners and immigrant students; (4) Title IV, Part A, programs to support a well rounded education, safe and healthy students, and the effective use of technology; (5) Title IV, Part B programs to provide student support and academic enrichment grants, and to provide afterschool programs that extend learning for students; and (6) Title V to provide support for rural schools.

• Review and revise funding applications to comply with ESSA requirements

• Conduct an annual application submission and approval process, including review of each grant funding application

• Monitor application changes and grant reimbursements through the state OMEGA system

• Conduct annual training on program, regulatory, and fiscal requirements

• Conduct periodic federal program monitoring for all programs to ensure compliance with grant requirements

• Provide individualized technical assistance to grantees as needed

The Office of Special Education Program Improvement provides guidance and oversight to the development of successful programming for students with disabilities in public school settings. This office is responsible for the collection and submission of all State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR) special education data. In collaboration with the Office of School Improvement this unit supports low-performing schools and divisions to implement research based effective practices for students with disabilities with an emphasis on increasing success for students while in school and in post-school outcomes. The Office of Special Education Program Improvement also oversees the evaluation and compliance of programming for students with disabilities through Results Driven Accountability (RDA) as identified through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This monitoring framework is intended to balance focus on improving educational results and outcomes for students with disabilities. By doing so, it provides greater supports to local education agencies in improving results for children and youth with disabilities, and their families.

The Office of Dispute Resolution and Administrative Services provides and manages the following activities required by IDEA:

• Conducts special education complaint investigations regarding alleged violations of federal or state law or regulations. This includes ensuring that any findings of noncompliance are corrected within the mandated time frame.
• Manages the special education mediation system for special education disputes.
• Manages the due process hearing system for special education disputes.

In addition, the Office of Dispute Resolution and Administrative Services performs the following functions:
• Provides training to school division personnel on special education compliance.
• Provides technical assistance to stakeholders, including parents and local school division personnel on special education compliance issues.
• Develops guidance documents on issues related to special education compliance, both internally and in conjunction with other SESS staff.
• Provides guidance on FERPA and FOIA.
• Assists with the development of regulations and with legislative matters.
• Coordinates with other state agencies on Children’s Services Act matters.

• Develop effective methods to monitor student results and compliance with federal laws

• Provide technical assistance to local education agencies

• Create a report to the public on critical state performance plan targets for results and compliance

• Coordinate the development and implementation of the State Systemic Improvement Plan

The Office of Special Education Instructional Services assists school divisions in the implementation of instructional programs and practices for students with disabilities, early childhood (preschool) through high school graduation, and related services. The unit provides statewide technical assistance on a regional basis as well as disability-specific services. Additionally, leadership is provided in the area of assistive technology and for special education programs in local and regional jails. The Office also manages the state's Training/Technical Assistance Centers, Accessible Instructional Materials Center, Autism Center for Excellence, Deaf/Hard of Hearing Center. The Office also provides overall leadership and technical assistance to programs for children with high-incidence and low-incidence disabilities. This unit will also serve as the Virginia Department of Education's liaison to the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind.

• Assistive technology for special education programs

• Technical assistance on a regional basis and disability-specific services

• Provide local grants to promote innovative instruction and transition practices that promote school completion, employment and post-secondary training

• Create high quality employment and post-secondary programs in under-served parts of the state

• Promote professional development for teachers, parents, paraprofessional, related service and transportation providers

The Department of Education's Office of Fiscal Services is responsible for disbursing payments to school divisions, including entitlement payments and state and federal reimbursement requests; enhancing and providing technical support for the Online Management of Education Grant Awards (OMEGA) system; reporting required state and federal financial information; and providing technical assistance related to payments, reports and compliance to locality and Virginia Department of Education employees.

For grants awarded under the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, the Office of ESEA Programs is responsible for:
• Determining annual sub-grantee allocations for each award in accordance with formula or competitive grant requirements;
• Reviewing and approving federal program applications, revisions, and amendments at levels 5 and 6 in the OMEGA system;
• Reviewing and approving budget transfer requests at levels 5 and 6 in the OMEGA system;
• Reviewing and approving reimbursement requests at level 5 in the OMEGA system;
• Monitoring spend-down requirements and reallocating funds for program as necessary and allowable;
• Providing sub-grantees with periodic spend-down reminders and to minimize occurrences of unspent funds;
• Periodically monitoring sub-grantee processes for budgeting and spend-down during the federal program monitoring process; and
• Providing annual training and individualized technical assistance as needed on these processes.

• Providing technical assistance related to payments, reports, and compliance to school divisions

• Reporting required state and federal financial information

The Board of Education and the Department of Education will provide leadership to create safe and secure school environments.

To create safe and secure school environments, the Board of Education, in conjunction with the Department of Education, will:

• Conduct periodic review and revision of Board of Education regulations that have not undergone such review in significant years;

• Review and revise guideline documents to update as necessary to comport with state or federal legislative changes; and

•  Continue collaborations for prevention programs in schools.

State- and local-level policies and resources prioritize school divisions implement training and procedures on an on-going basis to ensure safe learning environments in schools.

• All school divisions complete yearly Civilian Response and Casualty Care (CRCC) training hosted by the Department of Criminal Justice Services.

Improve main indicators of student wellbeing and mental health, especially in partnership with school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and nurses.

• Prioritize state and federal resources that support local policies, programming, and staffing that increase student wellbeing and mental health.

Provide training to teachers and school leaders on teaching subjects and facilitating difficult conversations that support zero-tolerance for discrimination.

• Provide new and expanded instructional standards, materials, and strategies at the state-level that support zero-tolerance for discrimination in schools.

All school divisions adopt and implement a new Free Speech and Free Inquiry training.

• Provide new and expanded instructional standards, materials, and strategies at the state-level that support Free Speech and Inquiry training in schools.

The Support Services office provides technical assistance to local school divisions on pupil transportation and school facilities issues. Pupil Transportation Services develops school bus specifications, conducts trainer certification, division staff training, and updates pupil transportation regulations. Facilities Services provides technical assistance on matters of school planning, construction, maintenance, and school security.

• Conduct trainer certification

• Develop school bus specifications

• Provide technical assistance and training to local school divisions

• Update pupil transportation regulations

• Conduct bus fleet assessments

• Collect and maintain informative data

The School Nutrition Programs office administers the following United States Department of Agriculture programs: National School Lunch, School Breakfast, Afterschool Snack, Summer National School Lunch and Summer School Breakfast, seamless summer option, Summer Food Service Program, the At-Risk afterschool meal component of the Child and Adult Care Food Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grant programs (FFVP) and the Virginia Farm to School program. Federal reimbursement funds are distributed through the Virginia Department of Education to participating school divisions, private schools, residential child care institutions and non-school child nutrition program sponsors for meals and snacks served to children. VDOE school nutrition program staff conducts ongoing training, provides resources, technical assistance and on-site monitoring to ensure regulatory compliance and program improvement. The guiding vision is to assure that every Virginia child has access to good, healthy food at school and the resources to make healthy choices that will enhance academic success, physical performance and promote lifelong wellness.

• Conduct training

• Provide technical assistance and on-site monitoring

• Coordinate resources

The Office of Student Services provides on-going technical assistance, written guidance, and evidence-based professional development to school divisions to: increase the safety and well-being of students and staff; enhance the teaching and learning environment; promote the healthy social, emotional and physical development of children and youth; and achieve academic and personal success for students, in concert with families and the community. Students experiencing child abuse and neglect, foster care placement and/or homelessness, and living in military families are supported by this office. Also included in this office are school health services, family life education, mental health promotion, trauma informed services, school psychology, school social work, and school counseling. Staff members also provide technical assistance for issues related to the Children’s Services Act and Medicaid reimbursement to local school divisions, school/community awareness of drug use prevention and intervention, school health advisory boards, homebound services, the Superintendents-Judges Liaison Committee, and the Attendance Advisory Council and the Student Conduct and Support Services Committee.

• Oversee programs that directly support students

• Provide technical assistance

The Public Education Instructional Services service area assists local school divisions in the design and implementation of instructional programs with emphasis on the implementation of high academic standards designed to increase student achievement. The division provides technical expertise and leadership in the areas of professional development, parental involvement, positive educational environments and the interpretation of federal and state initiatives, policies, regulations and guidelines. The division provides workshops and other training opportunities for educators and works collaboratively with public and private agencies, associations, foundations and consortia to address educational needs and concerns.

Instruction in Virginia's public schools is guided by the Standards of Learning. The standards describe the commonwealth's expectations for student learning and achievement in grades K-12 in English, mathematics, science, history and social science, technology, computer technology, computer science, the fine arts, world language, health and physical education and driver education. Another major component of instructional programs is Career and Technical Education (CTE) which is driven by technology, changes in the workforce, and workforce and labor market needs. It is delivered through comprehensive programs of study based on the nationally-recognized career cluster framework. CTE is results-driven with emphasis on the application of academic, technical, and employability skills for program completers that lead to industry-valued credentials. The CTE curriculum is designed in collaboration with business and industry to provide high-quality, dynamic, relevant programs that prepare students to succeed in further education and careers. 

This service area directly aligns with the Department’s mission of leading and facilitating the development of a high-quality public education system that meets the needs of students and assists them in becoming educated, productive, and responsible citizens. The key elements of standards, assessments, resources, training, technical assistance, and student programs are the core of this high-quality system. This service area provides the leadership for rigorous and relevant programs designed to reflect the workplace in a global economy and prepare students to succeed in postsecondary education and careers.

• Provides technical assistance in setting and reviewing academic learning standards and career and technical education competencies;


• Provides technical assistance in the development and review of the state assessment program;


• Provides assistance for schools and divisions failing to meet targeted levels of student achievement;


• Provides instructional resources and training to school division personnel to assist them in delivering high-quality educational programs in an effective manner;


• Develops programs and materials and serves as a clearinghouse of information to promote best practices and professional development; and


• Provides a limited number of programs and opportunities at the student level.

Instructional services products can be found at several locations on the Department of Education Web page. These include academic standards and career and technical education competencies, numerous curriculum support documents, curriculum supplements, Web sites, posters, maps and other materials useful for providing high quality instruction. Many K-12 general education resources include the following key documents and resources: Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) for all subjects and grade levels; Standards of Learning Sample Scope and Sequence Guides for English and Science. English, Science, Mathematics, History and Social Science provide SOL Instructional and Training Materials. Also included are links to instructional Web-based resource pages to assist teachers and students.

CTE Planning, Administration, and Accountability Unit: Provides vision, leadership, and management of and oversight for implementation of the following:

• State and Federal Regulations


• State Plan for Secondary CTE Programs (grades 5-12)


• Local CTE Plans and Budget


• Oversight for Postsecondary CTE Programs administered by the Virginia Community College System


• Oversight for Correctional Education and Juvenile Justice CTE Programs


• Budget Management of Perkins IV and Perkins V Grant Awards


• Data collection and reporting


• Implementation of Perkins V Core Standards and Performance Measures


• Federal Program Monitoring


• CTE Civil Rights Review 


• State-approved CTE program equipment list


• CTE Completer Follow-up System


• Virginia’s Pathway to Industry Credentials Initiative


• Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth and assessment (CTECS test provider)


• Industry Credentials for teachers seeking an initial Virginia license with endorsement(s) in an area of CTE 


• STEM-H teacher professional development and student credentials


• Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment


• Special Projects/Initiatives such as Governor’s STEM and Health Sciences Academies

CTE Curriculum and Instruction Unit: Provides vision, leadership, and management of and oversight for implementation of the following:

• Framework for state-approved CTE curriculum based on the nationally recognized 16 Career Clusters and 79 Career Pathways


• Military Science – Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC)


• Curriculum development/revisions by teacher teams and industry panels


• Economics and Personal Finance Standards of Learning Review


• Career Connections (career planning K-12)


• Academic and Career Plans/Programs of Study


• Virginia Education Wizard


• Work-based learning methods of instruction


• CTE Work-Based Learning Guide Revision (HB2018 and SB1434)


• Establish the 17th Energy Career Cluster (HB2008 and SB1348)


• Dual Enrollment, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and College Level Examination Programs


• Project Lead the Way


• SCED Codes for CTE courses/programs


• Teacher licensure requirements for CTE endorsements areas


• Special Projects/Initiatives such as Microsoft IT Academy for all public high schools and CTE centers; and SREB Project-Based Learning

Both Units provide leadership, management, and oversight for the following:

• CTE Resource Center


• Career and Technical Student Organizations (8)


• Workforce labor market data and research (University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Demographics & Workforce Group


• Professional development and training for CTE administrators and teachers


• Technical assistance to school divisions, VDOE staff, and general public


• Virginia CTE Advisory Committee


• Virginia Association of Career and Technical Education (Virginia ACTE)


• Virginia Association of Career and Technical Education Administrators (VACTEA)


• Professional organizations for the CTE Programs

Career and Technical Education materials can be found at:www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Instruction/CTE/ and specific course competencies are located at: www.cteresource.org/tasklists/index.html.

The Program Administration and Assistance for Instructional Services service area is responsible for interpreting and administering federal and state grants and policies related to general K-12 instruction, child care, and other early childhood education and care programs, and providing technical assistance in the implementation of these grants and policies to all school divisions and early childhood providers in the Commonwealth.

Through administering federal and state grants, interpreting policies and regulations, and providing technical assistance for all school divisions and early childhood providers in the Commonwealth, this service area meets the agency mission of the development and delivery of a quality public education system and early childhood education and care system that meets the needs of young children and K-12 students and assists them in becoming educated, productive, and responsible citizens.

• Standards of Learning and curricular resources


• Instructional technical assistance


• Summer Residential Governor’s Schools and Foreign Language Academies


• Grant applications and guidance documents


• Policy Documents


• Grant Awards


• Contracts


• Financial Reports


• Data systems and tools


• Technical Assistance for grant and contract management


• Oversight for child care in Virginia and Lead Agency for CCDF/CCDBG, Head Start collaboration, and leadership and administration for other early childhood education programs in Virginia

The Adult Education and Literacy service area supports workforce development by implementing educational programs that improve adult literacy levels and increase basic education attainment in the adult population (ages 18 and older). This service area oversees educational programs for adults without a secondary education; youth, ages 16-18, who require an alternative educational program to maintain their participation in secondary education; and non-native adults for whom English is a second language.

Adult Education and Literacy, Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), leads and facilitates the development, implementation, and evaluation of quality adult and alternative education programs that assist adults and youth in receiving a secondary education becoming literate in the English language, or earning an industry-recognized credential to help them become productive and responsible citizens. This program is aligned with other state agencies and programs funded through WIOA.

Product: Policy documents, such as adult assessment policies

Product: College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education

Product: Requests for proposals

Product: Grant application packets 

Product: Grant awards

Product: Contracts

Product: Superintendent’s Memos

Service: Technical assistance to local programs, such as visits to help programs develop improvement plans, workshops on regulations, or phone responses to questions

Service: Staff development, such as training in using data for decision making

Service: Testing Eligibility and  Administration of HSE Tests

Product: Curriculum guides for integrated education and training  

Service: Professional development, such as training in grant writing

Service: Management of the statewide data system

Service: Policy interpretation

Service: Solicitation of private funding to support initiatives



Service: Collaboration with state partners for required services and new initiatives

Service: Financial management, grant management, and reimbursement of funds

Service: Support to legislative committees and commissions

Service: Guidance provided to HSE test takers

Product: Policy documents, such as adult assessment policies

Product: College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education

Product: Requests for proposals

Product: Grant application packets 

Product: Grant awards

Product: Contracts

Product: Superintendent’s Memos

Service: Technical assistance to local programs, such as visits to help programs develop improvement plans, workshops on regulations, or phone responses to questions

Service: Staff development, such as training in using data for decision making

Service: Testing Eligibility and  Administration of HSE Tests

Product: Curriculum guides for integrated education and training  

Service: Professional development, such as training in grant writing

Service: Management of the statewide data system

Service: Policy interpretation

Service: Solicitation of private funding to support initiatives

Service: Collaboration with state partners for required services and new initiatives

Service: Financial management, grant management, and reimbursement of funds

Service: Support to legislative committees and commissions

Service: Guidance provided  to HSE test takers

Product: Data systems and tools, such as the Web-based adult education data system

Product: HSE certificates and transcripts produced by credentialing service

Product: Reports - Informational, data, financial, legislative, evaluation, monitoring

Product: Combined State Plan for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act adult education components

Product: Title II Adult education components of the Commonwealth of Virginia Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Combined State Plan

Product: Alternative educational program for youth (16-18)

Product: Guidance on using the data system

The special education instructional services area plans and implements technical assistance and professional development for the provision of special education and related services to students with disabilities age 2 through 21.

This service area aligns directly with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) mission to lead and facilitate the development and implementation of a quality public education system that meets the needs of students and assists them in becoming educated, productive, and responsible citizens. Specifically, this service area seeks to ensure that these outcomes are realized by students with disabilities.

From 2016 Virginia General Assembly session, House Bill 842: Dyslexia Legislation in the VA Code.

Relevant Excerpts:

22.1-298.1.D.8. Every person seeking initial licensure or renewal of a license shall 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

22.1-298.4. Teacher preparation programs; learning disabilities.

The Department of Education shall collaborate with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to ensure that all teacher preparation programs offered at public institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth or otherwise available convey information on the identification of students at risk for learning disabilities, including dyslexia, other language-based learning disabilities, and attention deficit disorder. That the provisions of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2017.

This service area provides the following products – technical assistance documents, training modules/curricula/online professional development/websites, and other teacher resources. The following services are provided – long term on the job embedded technical assistance in select school division, training events, online data reporting systems, review/approval of local applications and plans, information dissemination, broker/link to resources, consulting, and grants/contract management. 

The Special Education Administration and Assistance Services service area implements the federal and state data collection/reporting requirements and the requirements for management and disbursement of federal and state dollars for special education programs.

This service area directly aligns with the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) mission to lead and facilitate the development and implementation of a quality public education system that meets the needs of students and assists them in becoming educated, productive, and responsible citizens by ensuring data reporting and disbursement of funds are accurate and timely.

The Uniform Guidance (2 CFR § 200) streamlines and consolidates government requirements for receiving and using federal awards so as to reduce administrative burden and improve outcomes. It was published in the Federal Register (79 Fed. Reg. 75871) on December 19, 2014, and became effective for new and continuation awards issued on or after December 26, 2014. Please note the new regulations do not affect grant funds awarded prior to December 26, 2014, unless funds made available under those grants are carried forward into a new Federal fiscal year or a continuation grant.

Finance and Budget Services review and approve applications for special education subgrants (federally funded). Technical assistance to local education agencies (LEAs) in developing and managing federal special education funding. Administer program of state assistance to LEAs providing services to children with disabilities in approved regional programs. Manage internal budget for Office of Special Education and Student Services. Provide required state and federal financial reports pertinent to special education funding. Responsible for sub-recipient monitoring, including onsite and desk reviews, and review and follow-up of local audits of special education funding accounts. Review and approval of all claims for reimbursement under special education subgrant assistance programs. The Unit is also responsible for receiving IDEA fiscal data in the areas of maintenance of financial support, LEA maintenance of effort, excess cost calculations and proportionate set aside calculations.

 

The Special Education Compliance and Monitoring Services service area monitors the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia. 

This service area aligns with Virginia Department of Education's mission by providing monitoring systems, complaint investigations, due process, and mediation to ensure that all eligible children with disabilities are provided a free appropriate public education, including children with disabilities who have been suspended or expelled from school.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its implementing regulations, Code of Virginia, and the Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia.

Development of special education regulations

Development of guidance documents to implement special education regulations



Special education guidance and technical assistance documents for parents, school personnel, hearing officers, mediators, and other customers



Professional development, training, and technical assistance



Listing of free and low cost legal and advocacy resources



Special education self-assessment instruments



State Plan for implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973



Complaints resolution

Procedures and mechanisms such as dispute resolution, due process hearings, and mediation to resolve disagreements between a parent and a local educational agency;



Monitoring systems to ensure compliance with the federal and state requirements in school divisions, state-operated programs and private schools for children with disabilities.

The Office of Student Services provides information, training, and technical assistance that promotes student academic success, healthy physical, social and emotional development and positive behaviors as well as physical and mental health intervention services and the removal of barriers to learning for all students, including those with disabilities. Barriers to learning can include ineffective instruction and discipline practices, unsafe or unhealthy school environments, risky behaviors, truancy, inappropriate or unlawful student behavior at school, physical and mental health problems, and learning difficulties related to social environments.

This service area directly aligns with the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) mission to lead and facilitate the development and implementation of a quality public education system that meets the needs of students and assists them in becoming educated, productive, and responsible citizens by addressing barriers to learning and academic success, by promoting responsible student behavior, and by providing support to parents.

The Department of Education provides the following products to all 132 school divisions: informational materials, including manuals, handbooks, guidelines, videos; and CDs Training Modules Resources for parents, teachers, and school specialists reports.

The Department provides the following services to all 132 school divisions: consultation, technical support, training and institutes, information dissemination, grants/contract management, collection of required data from school divisions and state operated programs, reporting required data to U.S. Department of Education; and providing information to school divisions and to the public.

The Test Development and Administration service area coordinates the development and administration of the tests that comprise the Virginia Assessment Program and that are administered to public school students across the Commonwealth.

The mission of the test development and administration service area is directly related to the mission of the Department of Education to lead and facilitate the development and implementation of a quality public education system that meets the needs of students and assists them in becoming educated, productive, and responsible citizens.

Authority: § 22.1-253.13:3. Standard 3. Accreditation, other standards, assessments, and releases from state regulations.

C. With such funds as are available for this purpose, the Board of Education shall prescribe assessment methods to determine the level of achievement of the Standards of Learning objectives by all students. Such assessments shall evaluate knowledge, application of knowledge, critical thinking, and skills related to the Standards of Learning being assessed.

Assessments in reading/language arts, mathematics, and science are also required under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

This service area oversees the development and administration of the Standards of Learning tests in both web-based and paper/pencil formats, the alternate assessments for students with disabilities, and the English language proficiency assessment use to measure the progress of Limited English Proficient students in learning English. In this capacity, this service area oversees the development of tests delivered to public school students in the Commonwealth, the administrative manuals used by school division staff in administering Virginia's tests, practice test items, and training materials. In addition, this service area supports school division personnel in administering the tests that comprise the Virginia Assessment Program and responds to inquiries regarding test development and administration from policy makers and the general public.

The School Improvement service area provides support at both the division and school level for those institutions that fail to meet either state accreditation standards as established in the Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia or the federal accountability requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Support is provided through the academic review process, the division-level review process, and technical assistance designed to assist school divisions in implementing effective strategies to improve student outcomes. Differentiated assistance and interventions are provided based on the needs of the school division.

The service delivery area, through the technical assistance provided to schools that do not meet the accreditation benchmarks or federal accountability requirements, supports the agency’s mission to develop and implement a quality public education system for all students.

The academic review process provides an in depth review of schools that are not fully accredited and of divisions that meet the criteria for a division level review.  Extensive differentiated technical assistance is provided to schools and school divisions based on identified needs.

The School Nutrition service area provides oversight and technical assistance to public school divisions, private schools, and public residential child care institutions (RCCI) by administering the regulatory requirements of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (as amended), the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 and Board of Education regulations intended to establish and maintain high quality, nutritious, accessible, cost effective school nutrition programs. Child Nutrition Programs administered by the Office of School Nutrition Programs include the Summer Food Service program (SFSP) and the At Risk Afterschool Meal component of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to public school divisions, private schools, and public residential child care institutions (RCCI) and eligible non-school sponsors. The service area conducts federally mandated administrative reviews and procurement reviews to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations; develops and implements professional development initiatives for school nutrition professionals, school nutrition directors, division staff, and eligible non-school sponsors of child Nutrition Programs  to support the nutritional and educational goals of the child and school nutrition programs; provides technical assistance to schools and RCCIs in the implementation of the school nutrition programs; and, administers an electronic system to collect operational and financial data, provide data reports for program analysis, and facilitate payment of federal and state reimbursement to school divisions and RCCIs, and non-school sponsors of Child Nutrition Programs.  Approximately 5 percent of the funding for this service area is derived from state funds while the remaining 95 percent is from federal sources. A minimum state funding requirement is mandated by federal regulation for participating states.

This service area aligns with the Department of Education mission to facilitate a quality public education system that meets the needs of students by providing leadership in the implementation of federal and state laws and regulations; by implementing on-going professional development and technical assistance; and, by ensuring program accountability so that local program personnel may deliver high quality school nutrition programs that contribute to the nutritional well-being and academic achievement of their students, with particular emphasis on the implementation of the strengthened federal nutrition standards.

The school nutrition service area annually conducts regulatory compliance reviews for all programs  and procurement reviews of 33 percent of the total number of school divisions, private schools, and RCCIs (known collectively as school food authorities or SFA) that participate in the USDA school nutrition programs, as well as non-school sponsors of the CACFP and SFSP. Regulatory compliance reviews for 100 percent of participating SFAs are completed on a three-year cycle as required by federal regulation.  An annual report of the compliance reviews conducted and the results of the reviews is produced and reported to USDA and posted on the VDOE website per the federal transparency requirement. Quarterly reports of the number of meals claimed by SFAs for reimbursement and the amount of reimbursement paid by meal program and eligibility category are produced and reported to USDA. An annual report of the number of students eligible for free and reduced price meals is compiled and posted to the Virginia Department of Education website for use by local, state, and federal agencies to determine the number and percentage of economically disadvantaged students by school and school division. The data are used to determine funding levels and to determine eligibility for federal, state, and local initiatives. The service area provides technical assistance to 100 percent of the participating SFAs by conducting on-site needs assessments, analyzing data reported through the School Nutrition Program Web system, and developing and distributing technical resources. Nine regional school nutrition program specialists and four regional child nutrition program specialists conduct semi-annual regional workshops for division level school nutrition program coordinators to provide regulatory information and to facilitate regional cooperation among school divisions to enhance the operational effectiveness of the programs. The service area provides professional development opportunities in nutrition, food service operations, procurement, food safety and sanitation, farm-to-school implementation, and other topics to school nutrition managers, school nutrition division level coordinators, and other division staff through annual summer workshops and, as requested, to individual school divisions during the school year. Significant resources are being dedicated to procurement training and local wellness policy implementation.  

The pupil transportation service area is responsible for developing and implementing services to school divisions that support and promote: interpretation and application of state and federal laws and regulations relative to pupil transportation; approved standards and practices for transporting students; a well-trained cadre of school bus drivers; and high quality school bus maintenance procedures. These services are designed with the purpose of promoting high quality, safe, and efficient transportation of public school students to and from school and school-related activities. These goals are met through certification, training, technical assistance, and development of regulations and bus specifications.

This service area aligns with and supports the Board of Education's and the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s mission to increase student learning and academic achievement by administering federal and state pupil transportation program requirements designed to ensure that students arrive safely at school and school-related activities each day.

Pupil Transportation:

Code of Virginia Title 22.1, Chapter 12, and Title 46.2;

Code of Virginia Administrative Code 8 VAC 2-70;

Federal Code P. L. 103-272 and P.L. 109-20.

The pupil transportation service area provides support and assistance to local school divisions to promote the safe and efficient transportation of public school students to and from school and school-related activities. These goals are met primarily through certification, training and technical assistance. They are also accomplished through setting equipment specifications for school buses and assisting the Board of Education in the development of regulations governing pupil transportation operations. Training is provided for both required programs and topical programs to assist school divisions and to increase their knowledge of routine and emerging transportation issues. The pupil transportation service area provides all school divisions with access to training that meets the regulatory requirements for having certified school bus driver trainers. In-service training for school division staff is offered throughout the year. Curriculum guides and materials are developed and classes are held each year. Information is also distributed through workshops, symposiums, and conference activities. The pupil transportation service area researches the availability of new training materials and classes that can be offered including those conducted by department staff and also by other agencies such as the Departments of State Police and Motor Vehicles. This information is regularly shared with local school divisions. Beyond training, the pupil transportation service area also provides technical assistance to school divisions related to the operation and management of their school bus and vehicle fleets. The staff periodically conducts on-site school vehicle and transportation program assessments and evaluations. The pupil transportation service area works with school division staff and school bus manufacturers to identify unique and persistent school bus technical problems or component failures so that they may be analyzed and corrected. Each year, a school bus specifications list is produced to ensure that the school bus manufacturers and school divisions are aware of the equipment that is required on school buses in Virginia. Other activities of the pupil transportation service area include providing a safe driver awards program to recognize drivers who have not had any accidents during the school year. The pupil transportation service area also collects important data on the operation of local pupil transportation systems, including the number of students transported, miles covered, cost of operation, and collisions from crashes and incidents, and also conducts transportation efficiency studies to assist school divisions. Data on school bus accidents is analyzed for local use. Specifications for school buses are reviewed each year and updates are made to reflect new technology and equipment.

The Instructional Technology service area functions within the Office of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in the Division of Instruction. It provides leadership, consultation, and technical assistance to K-12 schools to improve teaching, learning, and school management through the appropriate and effective use of technology. In this capacity, this service coordinates the development and implementation of the state educational technology plan and facilitates development of local school division plans; coordinates the review and revision of the Computer Technology Standards of Learning and assists school divisions in implementing these standards; plans, implements, and evaluates state educational technology initiatives and programs; manages reimbursements requested through the proceeds of the Virginia Public School Authority (VPSA) Educational Technology Grants; and disseminates information about new and emerging educational technologies and research-based technology integration and training best practices to school division personnel, including implementation and best practices of virtual learning approaches and use of digital learning resources.

The mission of Virginia's public education system is to educate students in the fundamental knowledge and academic subjects that they need to become capable, responsible, and self-reliant citizens. The Instructional Technology service area supports this mission by assisting schools in effectively using technology to improve teaching, learning, and school management. Technology proficiency is fundamental to academic and career success in a knowledge economy.

Technology Planning: The Educational Technology Plan for Virginia 20187-20232 presents a vision for the use of technology in schools and classrooms, and it serves as a blueprint for school divisions by identifying the necessary components of an effective instructional technology program. The office provides technical assistance to local school divisions on local technology plans.

Standards: The service coordinates the review and revision of the Computer Technology Standards of Learning. Resources are developed to assist schools in implementing the standards.

Technical Assistance and Professional Learning: Resources to assist schools in effectively using teaching and learning technologies to improve teaching, learning, and school management are developed and disseminated in a variety of media and formats including recorded webinars, information briefs, online courses, guidance documents, reports, rubrics, and other print and digital products and services.

Distance Learning and Electronic Classroom service area manages the Department of Education's virtual initiative and Web-based courses and digital resources. The initiative includes Virtual Virginia, the Commonwealth’s online learning program.

It also includes: 1) Web-based multimedia digital content and resources including eMediaVA, the Share the Skies Internet telescope, and the Infinite Learning Lab; 2) technical assistance and professional development to agency personnel and school divisions; and 3) the process for application, approval, and monitoring of multidivision online providers that may provide approved online courses to schools in Virginia.

Distance learning through both Virtual Virginia and approved multidivision online providers offers access to Advanced Placement, world language, and core courses to schools where there are too few students to justify hiring a full-time teacher, a qualified teacher is unavailable, or student schedule conflicts require additional course sections.

These options enable schools the opportunity to increase the number and variety of course offerings. In addition, Virtual Virginia develops and offers courses to address specific statewide needs. The Economics and Personal Finance course provides school divisions in the Commonwealth with the resources necessary to enable students to meet the graduation requirement of one standard unit credit in Economics and Personal Finance. The Distance Learning and Electronic Classroom Service Area also develops and delivers Web-based multimedia content and resources aligned to the Standards of Learning to provide rich, appropriate content and experiences for students and teachers that would otherwise be unavailable.

The Code of Virginia provides the requirements of the Virtual Virginia (§ 22.1-212.2) and Multidivision Online Providers (§ 22.1-212.23) programs and the products and services of this service area.

The Virtual Virginia Program will offer courses and blended learning resources during the school year. Courses are provided with three basic options: 1) a school-based allotment of courses that enhance local school divisions course offerings with courses not offered locally, 2) full-time course enrollments that enable students to earn all high school course credits required for graduation, and 3) expanded course enrollments for schools requiring course enrollments beyond the school-based allotment of courses. The program also provides online and/or blended learning resources for use by students and teachers. Professional learning in the use of online resources in an online and/or blended instructional approach is also provided.

Digital Content: Since 2012, the General Assembly has appropriated funds for the development of statewide digital content, online learning, and related support services through contracts with the Department of Education. The office will oversee the procurement, development, and dissemination of the resulting products and services.  Currently, contracts support eMediaVA (funding in the Direct Aid-197 budget), a digital content distribution platform with more than 159,000 learning objects which provides teachers and students with an online authoring platform to create, share, and customize interactive timelines and sequences, interactive graphs, and interactive images. A contract also supports GoOpenVA, an open education resource platform that provides educators, administrators, educational organizations, and other education stakeholders with opportunities to create, share, recreate, and distribute digital content for use by students, educators, and administrators. The Infinite Learning Lab provides Web-based lessons for younger learners in mathematics, science, English, and life skills.

Technology Initiatives and Professional Learning: This service area provides the eLearning Backpack Initiative along with guidance and allows for collaboration with agency offices in the effective use of learning and teaching technologies in the various instructional areas (English, Science, Mathematics, Humanities, World Languages, CTE, etc.) and special education.  In collaboration with agency offices, information is disseminated to school divisions in a variety of media and formats including recorded and live webinars, online courses, information briefs, guidance documents, reports, rubrics, and other print and digital products and services that improve teaching, learning, and school management.

Multidivision Online Learning Reporting: Board of Education Annual Report - Include information regarding multidivision online learning during the previous school year. The information shall include but not be limited to student demographics, course enrollment data, parental satisfaction, aggregated student course completion and passing rates, and activities and outcomes of course and provider approval reviews.

The Administrative and Support Services service area is intended to provide the management and services necessary for the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Board of Education, and the Department of Education to carry out constitutional, statutory, and regulatory responsibilities. The Administrative and Support Services provided by the agency consist of four service areas: General Management and Direction; Accounting and Budgeting Services; Policy, Planning, and Evaluation Services; and Information Technology Services. Within the Department of Education, the following administrative divisions and units are included in the Administration and Support Services area:

Agency Head: Superintendent of Public Instruction

Agency management and oversight

Chief Information Security Officer

Division of Budget, Finance, and Operations (in part) – Department of Budget and Finance, Offices of Budget, Finance, Business and Risk Management, Federal Pandemic Relief Programs, Procurement, and Support Services (Facilities, Pupil Transportation, and Internal Support Services)

Department of Policy and Communications – Offices of Policy, Board Relations, and Communications

Department of Data, Research, and Technology – Offices of Research, Data Services, Information Security, and Technology and Systems Development, CTO

Office of Human Resources

This service area aligns to the Department of Education’s mission by establishing the overall administrative direction and support services necessary to provide excellent customer service when delivering or completing statutory and regulatory requirements or discharging supervisory and business responsibilities. The agency provides the staff and logistical support services necessary to implement the policies and regulations of the Board of Education, to keep the Board informed of its constitutional and statutory obligations, and to assist the Board in meeting those obligations. The services are viewed as an important component for the organization’s performance management that results in (1) delivery of ever-improving value to internal and external customers, ultimately contributing to improved education quality and student learning; and (2) improvement of overall organizational effectiveness, efficiency, and capabilities.

Authority:  Article VIII, Sections 4, 5, 6, 8, Constitution of Virginia; Sections 22.1-8 through 20.4, 22.1-21 through 24 and 22.1-360 through 361, Code of Virginia; P.L. 114-62, Federal Code.

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Overall agency management and supervision; advise Board of Education and implement relevant policies and regulations.

Business and Risk Management: ARMICS internal controls program, Fraud Waste and Abuse Hotline staffing, and subrecipient monitoring.

Information Security: develop, implement, manage, and maintain agency information security program in accordance with state information security standards.

Office of Research: conduct high-quality actionable research in support of agency strategic goals and objectives.

Division of Budget, Finance, and Operations (in part):

Office of Finance: accounts payable and receivable, payroll certification, travel reimbursement, fixed assets administration, state and federal payment processing, grants reporting and compliance, OMEGA system administration, financial analysis and reporting.



Office of Budget: development of the biennial budget; distribution of state funds appropriated for public schools; development and calculation of public education funding formula; calculation of payments and entitlements; enrollment and target population projections and reporting; execution of central office and direct aid budgets; fiscal impact analysis; required local effort analysis; Annual School Report – financial section; financial data collections and reporting; Literary Fund and, Virginia Public School Authority grant programs; support to the General Assembly; technical assistance to school divisions.



Office of Support Services: Literary Fund application review; guidelines for school buildings; new school construction cost data; facilities assessments and efficiency reviews; administer school security equipment grants.

Pupil Transportation:  Provide services to school divisions to support safe transportation of students; interpretation of state and federal laws and regulations; implement high quality school bus maintenance procedures and conduct fleet assessments; provide training, certification, technical assistance, review and update bus specifications.

Internal Support Services:  manage internal office space; mail/copying; shipping/receiving; vehicle fleet; emergency management; telephones; office supplies inventory.

Office of Procurement:  Administration of education tax credit programs; contracting for purchase of goods/services; contract administration; small purchase charge card program administration; technical assistance on Virginia Public Procurement Act.

Offices of Research, Data Services, Information Security, and Technology and Systems Development, CTO: evidence-based research projects and use of research data; web-based data collection systems and databases; web-based reporting; response to ad-hoc data requests; required state and federal reporting;  implement and oversee information security standards; Virginia Longitudinal Data System; AITR (VITA); SSWS portal for agency business applications; systems development and database management; identification and implementation of administrative technology innovations.

Office of Human Resources: recruitment and selection; employee orientation and off-boarding; Equal Employment Opportunity services; training and development services; performance management services; compensation planning services; employee benefit services; reporting; diversity, opportunity and inclusion pathways.

Department of Policy and Communications:

Office of Policy: General Assembly liaison; state and federal legislation monitoring and tracking; Board of Education regulatory policy development and dissemination.



Office of Communications: News releases and media relations; agency website development and maintenance; agencywide branding and communications strategies; community outreach and engagement among various stakeholders in support of public education; publications and graphic design; social media utilization and management; promotion of key reforms of the agency.

Office of Board Relations: Board of Education meeting agendas and logistics, background materials, and minutes of meetings; Board of Education regulations and official papers, including correspondence; on-going staff support to Board.

The Teacher Licensure and Certification service area is responsible for the process of licensing school personnel required by state statute and the Board of Education. The process is intended to establish and maintain a properly licensed and endorsed workforce for the public schools in Virginia through both traditional and alternate routes to licensure. The service area issues licenses for instructional personnel on behalf of the Virginia Board of Education; provides technical and analytical services to teachers, administrators, and others in accordance with the Code of Virginia, Virginia’s Licensure Regulations for School Personnel and Department of Education policies; provides accurate advice to local school divisions of prospective employee’s eligibility for licensure, communicates strategies to personnel in local school divisions to assist them in building their capacity to provide consistent and accurate licensure information to their employees; implements assessment requirements for licensure; facilitates the review and approval of career switcher programs; serves as staff to the Advisory Board on Teacher Education and Licensure; administers the National Board Certification incentive program; assists with coordinating the collection of instructional personnel information for state and federal reporting; coordinates the  Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) grant; and processes the mentor teacher career switchers funds. Teacher Licensure also provides technical assistance for the Uniform Performance Standards and Evaluation Criteria for Teachers, Principals, and Superintendents. Licensure fees are used to support personnel and operations in the unit. The state has a high level of control over this service area and its outcomes because of its regulatory authority over the teacher licensure process.

The mission of the Department of Education is to lead and facilitate the development and implementation of a quality public education system that meets the needs of students and assists them in becoming educated, productive, and responsible citizens. The purpose of the service area is to establish and maintain a high quality workforce in public schools. The licensure process maintains professional competence by ensuring that teachers and other school personnel meet requirements stipulated by the Board of Education to prepare them for their respective educator positions.

 Authority: Code of Virginia and Licensure Regulations for School Personnel

Products: Licenses for instructional personnel; continued development of an automated statewide licensure system; Instructional Personnel and Licensure (IPAL) collection of licensed instructional personnel employed in school divisions on Oct 1; a licensure Website containing resources for licensure (i.e. applications, assessments for Virginia licensure, guidelines, regulations, etc.); the Licensure Regulations for School Personnel, the Guidelines for Uniform Performance Standards and Evaluation Criteria for Teachers, Principals, and Superintendents; a document on the licensure Website with the assessment requirements for licensure; certification of Career Switchers Program Providers; grants for selected individuals who teach science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) subjects; funds for mentor teachers for career switchers; and incentives for National Board Certification.

Services: Implementation and issuance of licenses for instructional personnel and provides evaluations to school divisions for individuals seeking additional endorsements or initial licensure through continued development of a fully automated licensure system; reviews and approves career switcher programs; processes the funds for mentor teachers for career switchers; administers the STEM retention and recruitment grant; issues grants to teachers who possess an active initial National Board Certificate or a renewed National Board Certificate; provides leadership for the Board of Education’s Guidelines for Uniform Performance Standards and Evaluation Criteria; maintains the on-line educator query for the general public and the on-line query for school divisions (password protected system); issues on-line renewal licenses for school divisions personnel; provides technical assistance to school divisions, institutions of higher education and the general public regarding licensure matters. Serves as staff liaison to the Advisory Board on Teacher Education and Licensure (ABTEL) committee, which advises the Board of Education and submits recommendations on policies applicable to licensing instructional personnel and approving teacher education programs, and recommends assessment requirements for licensure.

The Teacher Education and Assistance service area has oversight responsibility for preparation programs for school personnel, as well as coordinating federal reporting requirements for the programs. The service area works with the 36 colleges and universities in Virginia and other entities with education programs approved by the Board of Education to prepare school personnel in teaching and leadership areas approved for licensure by the Board. This responsibility includes offering technical assistance to the 36 institutions with teacher preparation programs, implementing initiatives to attract and retain high quality educational personnel and coordinating the national and Board of Education accreditation procedures. 



Additionally, the office administers the Virginia Teaching Scholarship Loan Program (VTSLP), the Clinical Faculty Program, and the Mentor Teacher Program for beginning teachers, as well as serves as a staff liaison to the Advisory Board on Teacher Education and Licensure. Also, the service area provides leadership for teacher recognition programs including the Virginia Teacher of the Year and the Milken Family Foundation Educator Awards Program. The service area provides leadership in the area of special education personnel development through the coordination and administration of federal and state funds available to address critical shortages in special education by providing technical assistance to approved special education preparation programs. This division also oversees the TeachVirginia Website (on-line educators’ career center).

The mission of the Department of Education is to lead and facilitate the development and implementation of a quality public education system that meets the needs of students and assists them in becoming educated, productive, and responsible citizens. The purpose of the Teacher Education division is to ensure that the Virginia professional education programs develop, maintain, and continuously evaluate high quality education endorsement programs that are collaboratively designed and based on identified needs of the preK-12 community. Candidates in education endorsement programs shall demonstrate competence in the areas in which they plan to practice and complete professional studies requirements and applicable assessments, in addition to meeting requirements for specific licenses, pursuant to the Licensure Regulations for School Personnel. Working collaboratively with the 36 colleges and universities and other entities with defined education programs approved by the Board of Education to offer preparation and training programs, the service area provides leadership for a quality public school workforce.

Products: Regulations Governing the Review and Approval of Education Programs in Virginia; Guidelines for Mentor Teacher Programs for Beginning and Experienced Teachers; Title II Report of Higher Education; a list of Critical Shortage Teaching Areas in Virginia, recognitions for teachers, and grants to support preparation of teachers.

Services: Coordinates the approval and accreditation processes for approved preparation programs for instructional personnel; administers the Virginia Teaching Scholarship Loan Program (VTSLP) and the Mentor Teacher Program; coordinates special education grants; collects and reports data regarding preparation of instructional personnel, designates critical shortage teaching areas; coordinates the Teach Virginia Educator Career Center, and provides technical assistance to college and university officials, instructional personnel, and the general public.