Map & directions to VDOE offices
Division of School Quality, Instruction, and Performance
Division of School Quality, Instruction, and Performance – Donald Fairheart, Deputy Superintendent and Chief of Staff
The Division of School Quality, Equity, and Instruction leads the Department’s strategic initiatives to advance equitable student outcomes and comprehensive school quality. Through tailored support to schools, the division implements Virginia’s continuous school quality and improvement interventions. Additionally, the division leads the Department’s efforts aimed at advancing equity, closing achievement gaps, coordinating stakeholder engagement, and managing external communications and outreach strategies. Finally, the division is responsible for supporting the implementation of Virginia’s Standards of Learning, strengthening curriculum resources, supporting best practices in pedagogy and providing technical assistance to teachers and schools.
Chief Information Security Officer – Diane Carnohan
The Chief Information Security Officer develops, manages, and maintains the agency’s information technology (IT) security program in accordance with the Commonwealth of Virginia's IT security policies and standards. Responsibilities of the Chief Information Security Officer include: building a strong interactive partnership with school divisions in the area of IT security and assisting them in the development and implementation of IT security guidelines, plans, procedures and best practice recommendations.
Department of Student Assessment, Accountability, and ESEA Programs – Shelley Loving-Ryder, Assistant Superintendent
The Department of Student Assessment and ESEA Programs manages test development, administration, scoring, and reporting of results for Virginia’s statewide assessments and oversees the implementation of federal programs required by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The statewide assessments include the Standards of Learning assessments and the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program. Other assessments managed by the department include the English Language Proficiency Assessment for English Learners and the National Assessment of Educational Progress. The department supports school divisions’ appropriate use of test results to increase student learning and achievement. The department’s implementation of ESEA programs includes grants management, monitoring, and reporting for the following federal programs: Title I, Parts A, C, and D; Title II, Part A; Title III, Part A; Title IV, Parts A and B; and Title V, Part B.
Department of Special Education and Student Services – Dr. Samantha Hollins, Assistant Superintendent
The Department of Special Education and Student Services provides technical expertise and leadership in the areas of professional development, parental involvement, and the interpretation of federal and state initiatives, policies, regulations and guidelines. The department provides workshops and other training opportunities for educators and works collaboratively with public and private agencies, associations, foundations, and consortia to address educational needs and concerns. The department provides technical assistance regarding laws and regulations, federal IDEA monitoring and accountability, due process procedures and hearings, interagency agreements (such as the Comprehensive Services Act), school health programs, Medicaid reporting and parent information programs.
Department of Learning and Innovation – Michael Bolling, Assistant Superintendent
The Department of Learning assists local school divisions in the design and implementation of instructional programs with emphasis on the implementation of high academic standards designed to increase student achievement. The department provides technical expertise and leadership in the areas of professional development, parental involvement, positive educational environments, and the interpretation of federal and state initiatives, policies, regulations and guidelines. The department provides workshops and other training opportunities for educators and works collaboratively with public and private agencies, associations, foundations, and consortia to address educational needs and concerns.
Department email: instruction@doe.virginia.gov
Department of Data, Research, and Technology – Dr. David Myers, Assistant Superintendent
The Department of Data, Research, and Technology is responsible for conducting objective analyses and scientifically-sound research to assist in fulfilling the agency’s strategic goals, as well as the support of the public’s use of educational data and research. This department is responsible for the collection of data and ensuring that all state and federal reporting requirements are met. The team also supports the technology needs of the agency, as well as the development and maintenance of all technology applications and databases.
Department of Teacher Education and Licensure – Dr. Joan Johnson, Assistant Superintendent
The Department of Teacher Education and Licensure implements regulations governing Virginia's approved education preparation programs and regulations for the licensure of school personnel. The Department is responsible for administering grant programs, such as the Virginia Teaching Scholarship Loan; Clinical Faculty; Mentor Support; Teacher Residency Partnerships; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) incentives; and Special Education Traineeships. Recognition programs for educators are coordinated by this Department.
Department email: licensure@doe.virginia.gov