Virginia House Bill HB433

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22
• Report Pass: 1/26/22
• Refer: 1/26/22

Caption

Standards of Learning, certain; assessments, method of administration.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts how local school divisions implement and report educational standards. By integrating the assessment data into a broader accountability framework, it will drive local boards to meet specific regulatory requirements, including timely submissions of data and compliance with the established standards for accreditation. Moreover, it opens the possibility for local school boards to request waivers from standard requirements to innovate or improve educational outcomes, which could lead to enhanced flexibility in addressing specific local needs.

Summary

House Bill 433 introduces requirements concerning the Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments in Virginia's educational framework. It mandates that the Board develop a comprehensive report card system that students' assessment data will contribute to, including disaggregation by student subgroups. This legislation aims to ensure that educational performance is clearly communicated and can be compared over time, creating accountability among local school boards. Key requirements include timely reporting of assessment results and the administration of validated assessments to measure student progress across various subjects and grade levels.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise concerning the bill’s requirements for waivers from state mandates. Critics may argue that these waivers could undermine standardized educational outcomes by allowing variances in local execution of educational programs. Proponents, however, assert that flexibility is essential for local boards to cater to the unique challenges and requirements of their communities. The balance between maintaining a standard educational framework and allowing individual school boards autonomy to innovate will likely be a focal point in discussions about the bill’s potential implications.