The Latest from VEA

Latest Developments

Fast-Track Regulatory Action to Amend the Licensure Regulations for School Personnel and Regulations Governing the Review and Approval of Education Programs in Virginia

During its 2021 Special Session I, the General Assembly passed several bills pertaining to requirements for teacher licensure and endorsements as well as educator preparation programs in Virginia.

• HB 1904 and SB 1196 require, in part, that every person seeking initial licensure or renewal of a license with an endorsement in history and social sciences shall complete instruction in African American history, as prescribed by the Board.
• HB 2299 and SB 1288 include several provisions that ensure educators are equipped to serve students with disabilities, including the requirement that every person seeking renewal of a license as a teacher shall complete training in the instruction of students with disabilities, with details on training content set out in the bills.
• HB 2316 establishes the requirement that the Board amend its teacher preparation program regulations to guarantee that each graduate in a K-12 general education endorsement area demonstrates proficiency in understanding the role of general education teachers on the IEP team.
• Additionally, the Board of Education is directed to amend its regulations for teacher and administrator preparation programs to ensure graduates demonstrate comprehension and proficiency in a number of knowledge and skill areas, according to their respective roles, that support the needs of students with disabilities.

The above action will go through the Town Hall review process.  Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) staff will communicate to the field via Superintendent’s memo information on forthcoming requirements for licensure and endorsements per the fast-track regulatory action as well as opportunity for public comment. Additionally, VDOE staff will communicate with institutions of higher education on pending requirements for approved educator preparation programs.

Written Report: Lifting of the Declared State of Emergency and Impact on State-level Waivers and Relief Measures
On June 30, 2021, the state of emergency declared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic was lifted.  Those waivers and relief measures issued for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years that were put in place by the State Superintendent have also expired and will not carry forward to the 2021-2022 school year.  There are several waivers and flexibility provisions that were issued and approved prior to June 30, 2021 and are eligible to remain in effect for the 2021-2022 school year in relation to Teacher Education and Licensure. Download here.

• Attachment A pg. 18-19 – Waivers for the 2020-2021 school year that have expired
• Attachment B pg. 2 – Waivers that went into effect July 1, 2021

For a full run-down of the VBOE’s July 2021 Business Meeting – Click Here