SUPTS. MEMO NO. 221

December 19, 2003

INFORMATIONAL

TO:

Division Superintendents

FROM:

Jo Lynne DeMary

Superintendent of Public Instruction

SUBJECT:

Revised List of Instructional Models and Programs to Satisfy Provisions in Standards of Accreditation (SOA)

The Board of Education adopted an initial list of instructional models and programs at its January 11, 2001, meeting to satisfy requirements in 8 VAC 20-131-310 B-E of Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia affecting schools that are accredited with warning. At the January 6, 2003, Board of Education meeting, revisions to the criteria for identifying and selecting models and programs that include instructional methods as provided in 8 VAC 20-131-310 were approved. The revisions were based on emphasis in the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001 to use scientifically-based research as a criterion for evaluating programs. The Department of Education was asked to review each of the previously approved models and programs to ensure that the revised criteria were met. In addition, the board continues to review models and programs for inclusion on this list. At the November 18, 2003, Board of Education meeting the list of models and programs contained in Attachment A was approved.

The revised Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia require schools accredited with warning in English or mathematics to adopt and implement instructional methods that have a proven track record of success at raising student achievement.

The Department of Education has prepared an updated Technical Assistance Resource Document (see Attachment A) that contains the board-approved recommended list and background information on recommended models, board-approved selection criteria, and disclaimers. The information included in the resource document is intended to assist schools that are accredited with warning in selecting and implementing an appropriate instructional model or program.

For more information about instructional models, please contact Maureen B. Hijar, director, Secondary Instruction, at (804) 225-2894 or mhijar@mail.vak12ed.edu. For more information on the process for certifying adoption and implementation of instructional models and programs, please contact Dr. Cheri C. Magill (cmagill@mail.vak12ed.edu), director, Office of Accreditation, at (804) 225-2708.

JLD/MBH

Attachment

http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/suptsmemos/2003/inf221a.pdf