Maximizing the Potential of All Students

Virginia is for ALL Learners

Education is our most effective tool to reduce poverty, address racism, and sustain economic advancement for all Virginians. The Commonwealth is committed to ensuring that students and families in Virginia, regardless of their race, economic status, or the languages they speak at home, feel welcomed in their schools.  The Virginia Department of Education will continue to focus on the changing needs of its diverse student population, recognizing that significant achievement gaps currently exist.  This will ensure that the Commonwealth’s public education system is positioned to achieve equitable academic outcomes for all students.

Virginia is for ALL Learners Equity Commitments

Establish Equity Goals

Virginia will develop a clear definition and vision of education equity.  This will include establishing and reporting on measurable goals that support closing student achievement gaps and advancing academic rigor for all students.

Focus on Teaching & Leading

Virginia will advance the cultural competencies of its existing teachers and education leaders and prioritize increasing the diversity of its educator workforce.  This includes ensuring that all students experience culturally responsive learning environments. To maximize the potential of all students, Virginia will ensure that all students have access to high quality teachers and school leadership.

Curriculum & Instruction

Virginia will ensure that every student experiences high quality instruction based on rigorous curriculum that prepares them for the future.   Additionally, Virginia will ensure open and equitable access to instructional resources for teachers and learning resources for students.

Resourcing Schools

In partnership with the Board of Education, Virginia will apply an equity lens to how schools are resourced through the Virginia Standards of Quality (PPT). The Standards of Quality (SOQs) set the minimum expectations for Virginia schools including student to staff ratios and maximum class sizes and determines the funding provided to local schools from the state.  To provide all students with the supports and resources they need to succeed, Virginia will continue to focus attention on increasing its ranks of student support staff, such as counselors, nurses, and school psychologists.

Competitive Grants for Praxis and Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment Assistance to Support Diversity Among Provisionally Licensed Teachers Seeking Full Licensure in Virginia

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is seeking grant proposals to provide Praxis and Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment assistance for provisionally licensed teachers of color seeking full licensure in Virginia. Grant applications are due August 30, 2019.  Read Superintendent’s Memo 190-19 for more information.