Manassas to be site of first state hearing July 14 on new graduation rules and more

Virginia Board of Education wants “community input” during a series of five public hearings this summer as it examines how best to prepare students for academic and career success. The public hearings will focus on these topics:

• Development of the Profile of a Virginia High School Graduate, including changes to high school graduation requirements and future accreditation models;

• Implementation of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and Virginia’s accountability system;

• Recommendations on Standards of Quality (SOQ); and

• Identifying conditions and needs of public education for inclusion in the board’s comprehensive plan and annual report to the Governor and General Assembly.

“Families, educators and community members have an opportunity to share their big ideas and suggestions with us…”  Superintendent of Public Instruction Steven R. Staples was quoted as saying in a new release.

“These priority projects are still in the development stage, so input from the public will help us craft specific plans for success and accountability.”

The dates and locations of the public hearings are:
Thursday, July 14 in Manassas at 6:30 p.m., Osbourn High School (Auditorium), 9005 Tudor Lane, Manassas, VA 20110.

Tuesday, July 19 in Williamsburg-James City County, also at 6:30 p.m., Lafayette High School (Auditorium)., 4460 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188 ND

Wednesday, Aug/ 24 IN Abingdon, also at 6:30 p.m., Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, One Partnership Cir, Abingdon, VA 24210

Thursday, Aug. 25 in Lynchburg, also at 6:30 p.m., Heritage High School. 3020 Wards Ferry Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502

People wishing to speak are asked to sign in upon arrival and limit comments to three minutes to allow time for the board to hear from all who wish to comment. More information about the public hearings visit the VDOE website.