The Virginia Board of Education recently approved newly designed Standards of Accreditation regulations after years of input. These regulations simplify the rating process for schools and separate accountability from accreditation. The accountability system, including the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan, readiness indicators, and weighting, will be voted on at the next board meeting.
Under Governor Youngkin’s direction, the board was tasked with separating the existing system to provide clearer information on school quality and student learning outcomes. Changes include giving schools credit for seniors who earn diplomas within six years and for students demonstrating college and career readiness. The changes also include providing credit to schools for middle school students taking advanced coursework.
Public comment shaped the proposed system, focusing on transparency, high academic standards, and career readiness. The new rules aim to reduce the exclusion of English learners in accountability calculations, identifying struggling schools and providing necessary resources.
Full implementation of the regulations will begin in the 2025 school year, with data collection starting in 2024. Virginia is on track to submit its state plan for the federal government’s adoption of the ESSA plan by the February deadline.
Overall, the new regulations aim to increase transparency, accountability, and support for schools to achieve distinguished ratings. The changes reflect a focus on student outcomes and readiness for life beyond the classroom.
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