COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P.O. BOX 2120
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 1

March 8, 2002

INTERPRETIVE

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Jo Lynne DeMary Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Update on Sequential Electives Required for the Standard Diploma and Modified Standard Diploma

This memorandum further 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 or modified 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. Legislation was passed during the 2001 session to restore this requirement to the standards.

At its meeting on February 5, the Board of Education adopted guidelines to assist you in working with students to ensure that they will meet this requirement as set forth in the statute and regulations. Those guidelines are found in Attachment A. They will also be included in an update of the Boards Guidelines for Implementing Certain Provisions of the Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia. Those guidelines can be found on the Office of Accreditations Web page at http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Accountability/accreditation.htm.

Questions concerning general education 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

Attachment

/administrators/superintendents_memos/2002/int001a.pdf