INFORMATIONAL

With this memo I am distributing a copy of the proposed 
revisions to the current Regulations Establishing Standards 
for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia.   The Board of 
Education approved these proposed amendments for 
distribution for public comment at its October 3 meeting.  
After approval by the Governor's office, the proposed 
revised regulations will be published in the Virginia 
Register of Regulations.  A 60-day public comment period 
will begin when the regulations are published.  The Board 
of Education will hold public hearings throughout the state 
during the public comment period, probably beginning in 
November.  The dates and places for the hearings will be 
announced as quickly as possible.  School superintendents 
are encouraged to attend the hearings and provide written 
and oral testimony.  The Board of Education will also 
accept written letters and comments during the 60-day 
public review period that precedes final adoption. After 
the 60 days, the Board of Education will consider possible 
revisions to the regulations, based on the public comments.  
It is anticipated that the final revised regulations will 
be adopted at a Board of Education meeting in January.   

The electronic version of the proposed revisions to the 
Standards of Accreditation is available through the 
Department of Education's website www.pen.k12.va.us.  Look 
under "NEWS" and click on "Board to Consider SOA 
Proposals."  At the end of the press release, click on 
Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public 
Schools in Virginia. The proposed amendments are 
represented in the document through editing notation.

Questions concerning the proposed amendments may be 
addressed to Dr. Thomas Shortt, assistant superintendent 
for accountability, at 804-786-9421.



PDS/cac
Attachment:     A hard copy of this memo and its attachment
                will be sent to the superintendent's office.
.