At its June 22, 2017 meeting, the Virginia Board of Education approved proposed amendments to the Standards of Accreditation, establishing a new school accreditation system designed to provide a comprehensive picture of school quality, drive continuous improvement, build on the strengths in the existing accreditation system, and inform areas of technical assistance and support to schools. Proposed changes identified by the Board include the following:

1  Revising the philosophy and goals to reflect expectations for preparation of a Virginia public school graduate; recognition of multiple areas affecting school quality; and provision of continuous improvement and support.

2  Expanding the use of performance assessments and reducing the number of credits verified by Standards of Learning tests to satisfy graduation requirements.

3  Increasing the emphasis on internships and work-based learning experiences.

4  Increasing career exposure, exploration, and planning in elementary, middle, and high school.

5  Emphasizing critical thinking, creative thinking, collaboration, communication, and citizenship (the five Cs).

6  Implementing the Profile of a Virginia Graduate.

7  Reflecting changes in the School Quality Profile.

8  Measuring school quality using multiple school quality indicators.

The amendments to the regulation were published in the Virginia Register of Regulations VOL. 33 ISS. 25.  The public comment period is underway and will end on October 6, 2017.  To submit public comment, please visit http://townhall.virginia.gov/L/comments.cfm?stageid=7814.