Instruction
Introduction
Instruction in Virginia's public schools is guided by the Standards of Learning. The standards describe the commonwealth's expectations for student learning and achievement in grades K-12 in English, mathematics, science, history and social science, technology, the fine arts, foreign language, health and physical education and driver education.
The commonwealth and its public schools also provide specialized instruction and programs for gifted students, students with disabilities, English language learners and children in schools serving economically disadvantaged communities.

Stay Informed with TeacherDirect
TeacherDirect provides a direct line of communication with classroom teachers and educators. TeacherDirect includes information about new instructional resources created by VDOE staff as well as professional development, grant opportunities, and other information of special interest to teachers and their students.
Instruction Committees
Virginia teachers, school administrators and content specialists may serve on various Instruction Committees. Committee type and times will vary, and may include: Standards of Learning Review, Textbook Review and Support Materials Development. VDOE encourages educators to participate in this process.
Guidelines
- Alternatives to the 140 Clock-hour Requirement Guidelines – October 2015, the Virginia Board of Education approved Guidelines for Graduation Requirements: Local Alternative Paths to Standard Units of Credit (Alternatives to the 140 Clock-hour Requirement) (PDF). For more information, see Superintendent's Memo 271-15.
- Computer Science Guidelines – January 2015, the Virginia Board of Education approved Guidelines for the Use of Computer Science Courses to Satisfy Graduation Requirements (PDF). For more information, see Superintendent's Memo 022-15.
- Concussion Guidelines – November 2016, the Virginia Board of Education approved Guidelines For Policies on Concussions in Students (PDF).