The Latest from VEA

VBOE Briefs: November 18, 2021

VEA Member Interest

First Review of the Guidance on Cultural Competency Training for Teachers and Other Licensed School Board Employees in Virginia Public Schools as required by House Bill 1904 and Senate Bill 1196 (2021 General Assembly)

(During the Board meeting, first review was waived, and it was approved to adopt this agenda item.)

In 2021, House Bill 1904 and Senate Bill 1196 establishes new requirements to support culturally competent educators in the Commonwealth. The Guidance on Cultural Competency Training for Teachers and Other Licensed School Board Employees in Virginia Public Schools was developed for the Board to fulfill the statutory mandate, set by the General Assembly, to provide guidance on the minimum standards for the local training requirement.

This document provides a statewide definition of cultural competency and establishes micro-competencies for teachers and school principals and administrators across four domains: culturally competent reflection; culturally competent pedagogy and practice; culturally competent learning environments; and culturally competent community engagement.

The Guidance on Cultural Competency Training for Teachers and Other Licensed School Board Employees in Virginia Public Schools will be posted in Town Hall for a 30-day public comment period pursuant to the Administrative Process Act. Additionally, VDOE will make it available to school divisions on the Department’s website.  VDOE is also working to make professional learning opportunities available to teachers and school divisions to effectively meet the initial training requirement before the start of the 2022 school year and provide ongoing support.

VDOE Board Briefs email communication can be found HERE

For a full run-down of the VBOE’s September 2021 Business Meeting – CLICK HERE