COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P.O. BOX 2120
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120
SUPTS. MEMO NO. 3
May 25, 2001
INTERPRETIVE
| TO: |
Division Superintendents |
| FROM: |
Jo Lynne DeMary
Superintendent of Public Instruction |
| SUBJECT: |
Sequential Electives
Required for the Standard Diploma and Modified Standard Diploma |
This memorandum clarifies the requirement in
the Standards of Quality ('
22.1-253.13:3.B.2 of the Code of Virginia) for students who are
pursuing the standard diploma and are expecting to graduate in the spring
of 2003 and beyond. The 1999 General Assembly enacted legislation that
stated:
The requirements for a standard high school
diploma shall, however, include at least two sequential electives and may
include a concentration of courses selected from a variety of options.
Such concentration may be planned to ensure the completion of a focused
sequence of elective courses leading to further education or preparation
for employment developed by the school division consistent with Board of
Education guidelines and as approved by the local school board. (HB 2477)
When considering amendments to the Standards of
Quality during the 2000 session of the General Assembly, the "two sequential
electives" language was inadvertently deleted. This omission caused considerable
confusion because language was included in the revisions to the Regulations
Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia adopted
by the Board of Education in July 2000 to conform to the General Assembly’s
1999 requirement. Legislation was passed during the 2001 session to restore
this requirement to the standards. The Board of Education also adopted
the same requirement for the new Modified Standard Diploma as a part of
the revised accrediting standards.
Questions concerning general courses to satisfy
this requirement should be directed to Mr. Vernon Wildy, associate director
of secondary instructional services, at (804) 225-2877 [e-mail to vwildy@mail.vak12ed.edu].
Questions concerning career and technical education courses should be directed
to Dr. Neils Brooks, director of career and technical education, at (804)
225-2847 [e-mail to nbrooks@mail.vak12ed.edu].
JLD/cwf