Revision to the Criteria and Process for Adoption of Instructional Models/Programs that include Instructional Methods to Satisfy Provisions in Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 69

March 26, 2004

INFORMATIONAL

TO:

Division Superintendents

FROM:

Jo Lynne DeMary

Superintendent of Public Instruction

SUBJECT:

Revision to the Criteria and Process for Adoption of Instructional Models/Programs that include Instructional Methods to Satisfy Provisions in Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia

At the February 26, 2004, Board of Education meeting a revision to the criteria and process for adoption of instructional models/programs was approved. The revision is in the Disclaimers section. The new disclaimer states (revision is italicized):

1. Recommendation of instructional methods or models/programs with a proven track record is not intended as a guarantee that the program will be successful as implemented in a particular school. Prior to or concurrently with adopting any model/program, a school is expected to align its curriculum with the Standards of Learning. School divisions are permitted to choose instructional methods or models/programs that are not recommended so long as they meet the Board of Education's criteria. School divisions selecting this option must submit for approval, on forms provided by the Department of Education, documentation that the instructional methods or models/programs chosen meet the boards criteria prior to implementation.

School divisions will be required to submit requests to use locally developed or selected models that are not on the boards list to the Department of Education for approval at least 60 days prior to implementation. The request with supporting documentation must be submitted on forms obtained from the Department of Education. Documentation is not required for textbooks selected from the state textbook adoption lists.

The forms for requesting approval of a model/program are available on the Virginia Department of Education website at http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Forms. School divisions will be asked to certify that their chosen instructional method or model/program has been approved by the Department of Education in their pre-accreditation submission to the Division of Education Accountability.

The Department of Education has prepared an updated Technical Assistance Resource Document that contains the board-approved recommended list and background information on recommended models, board-approved selection criteria, and disclaimers. This resource document is posted at http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Accountability/accreditation.htm. 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