Meeting Summary
Virginia Board of Education
April 24, 2008
Notice of Intended Regulatory Action (NOIRA) to Amend and Consolidate Certain Board of Education Regulations
The Board withdrew an existing NOIRA from May 2007 and approved a substitute proposed NOIRA and authorized the Department to proceed with the requirements of the Administrative Process Act to amend and consolidate the following regulations:
• 8 VAC 20-150-10 et seq. Regulations Governing Management of the Student’s Scholastic Record in the Public Schools of Virginia
• 8 VAC 20-170-10 Regulations Governing Instructional Materials – Selection and Utilization by Local School Boards
• 8 VAC 20-180-10 Regulations Governing School Community Programs
• 8 VAC 20-210-10 Classification of Expenditures
• 8 VAC 20-240-10 et seq. Regulations Governing School Activity Funds
• 8 VAC 20-250-10 Regulations Governing Testing Sight and Hearing of Pupils
• 8 VAC 20-310-10 Rules Governing Instruction Concerning Drugs and Substance Abuse
• 8 VAC 20-320-10 Regulations Governing Physical and Health Education
• 8 VAC 20-390-10 et seq. Rules Governing Division Superintendent of Schools
• 8 VAC 20-410-10 Rules Governing Allowable Credit for Teaching Experience
• 8 VAC 20-420-10 Regulations Governing Personnel in Public School Libraries Operated Under Joint Contract Under Control of Local School Board or Boards
• 8 VAC 20-460-10 et seq. Regulations Governing Sick Leave Plan for Teachers
• 8 VAC 20-490-10 et seq. Regulations Governing School Boards Local
• 8 VAC 20-565-10 et seq. Regulations for the Protection of Students as Participants in Human Research
These regulations have not been amended since the date they were adopted, on or before September 1, 1980. This proposal is to adopt revised regulations governing local school boards under the title Regulations Governing Local School Boards and School Divisions and to incorporate the applicable regulatory requirements so that the local school boards and school divisions will have one regulation containing applicable regulatory requirements. It would also fulfill mandated changes from legislation passed during the 2008 General Assembly Session.
Proposed Amendment to the Regulation Governing the Reduction of State Aid When the Length of the School Term is Below 180 Teaching Days or 990 Teaching Hours Under the Fast Track Provisions of the Administrative Process Act
The Board accepted on first review a proposed amendment to the Regulation Governing the Reduction of State Aid When the Length of the School Term is Below 180 Teaching Days or 990 Teaching Hours. The Board of Education currently requires local school divisions to certify by April 15 of each school year that they have read and complied with the provisions of the regulation. The proposed amendment would change the requirement due date from April 15 to “annually” as described by the Department.
Report from the Board of Education’s 2007-08 Student Advisory Committee
The Board received the report from the Student Advisory Committee. The committee is made up of 12 middle and high school students who were chosen from over 160 nominations across the state (and includes one student from the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology). The committee made recommendations in three areas: 1) Integration of Technology, 2) Improving Communications and Student Achievement, and 3) Promotion of Growth Opportunities for Students.
Approval of Local School Division Remedial Plans
The Board approved remedial plans from 131 school divisions, determining that they all met the requirements of 8 VAC 20-630-20. Frederick County is the only school division that will not offer a remedial summer program.
Request for Approval of an Innovative Program Opening Prior to Labor Day from Covington City Public Schools
The Board accepted the request of Covington City to open prior to Labor Day for an innovative program called “Shadowing Career Opportunities for Prospective Educators” (SCOPE) which is offered to junior and seniors in high school. The goals of the program are to encourage academically able students to consider teaching as a profession and to increase the diversity of the school division teaching staff by encouraging males and minority students to become teachers.
Proposal to Establish a Governor’s Career and Technical Academy for Renewable Resources and Agricultural Sciences in Halifax County
The Board approved the proposal to establish the Governor’s Career and Technical Academy for Renewable Resources and Agricultural Sciences in Halifax County. Virginia is one of six states to receive a grant from the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices to improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The development of Technical Academies is a major initiative of the grant. This Academy is an opportunity for students to focus on the management of forest land in Halifax County.
Definition of School Readiness
The Board accepted the proposed definition of school readiness. In 2006 Governor Kaine created the Start Strong Council. One of the charges of the council was to recommend a common definition of “school readiness”. In July, 2007 the council made that recommendation. That definition includes the capabilities of children, their families, schools and communities that best promote student success in kindergarten and beyond. In addition, indicators of school readiness were also defined.
Protocol for the State-Directed Investigation of Testing Irregularities
The Board adopted a protocol for a state directed investigation or review of any alleged breach in security, unauthorized alteration, or improper administration of tests by local school board employees. The Department of Education has prepared a protocol specifying under what condition VDOE would conduct an investigation of a testing irregularity.
Recommended Cut Scores for the Virginia Grade Level Alternative (VGLA) in Science
The Board adopted cut scores for the achievement levels of pass/proficient and pass/advanced for the VGLA in science for students in grades 3, 5, and 8.
No Child Left Behind Differentiated Accountability Pilot Proposal
The Board accepted a proposal for an NCLB differentiated accountability pilot for submission to the United States Department of Education for their consideration. The purpose of the pilot is to allow states the flexibility to distinguish different consequences for Title I schools in improvement that are close to meeting AYP and those that are farther away from meeting the targets.
Virginia Standards for the Professional Practice of Teachers
The Board accepted for first review the Virginia Standards for the Professional Practice of Teachers. The standards are intended as a resource for the implementation of the Board of Education’s performance standards criteria. The standards will provide a model of good teaching intended to guide the development of all teachers throughout their careers.
Reports
The Board received reports on School and Division Accountability, Statewide Performance for Career and Technical Education and the Virginia Community College System, and the 2006-07 Supplemental Educational Services Evaluation.