Virginia 2025 Regular Session

Virginia House Bill HB2244

Introduced

1/7/25

Refer

1/7/25

Report Pass

1/29/25

Engrossed

2/3/25

Refer

2/5/25

Report Pass

2/13/25

Engrossed

2/19/25

Engrossed

2/20/25

Enrolled

3/7/25

Vetoed

3/24/25

Caption

Standards of Quality; measurement of student educational performance and academic achievement.

Impact

The implications of HB 2244 are notable as it aims to create a more transparent and equitable accreditation process by incorporating diverse student performance metrics. The bill mandates that local school boards must develop remediation plans for schools deemed 'highly disproportional' in terms of access to educational resources. This regulation ensures that educational equity is prioritized, as schools will be held accountable for the various disparities present within their student populations, thereby pushing for systemic improvement.

Summary

House Bill 2244 seeks to amend section 22.1-253.13:3 of the Code of Virginia, focusing on the standards for educational quality and performance measurement in public schools. The bill introduces requirements for the Board of Education to establish regulations that not only promote accreditation standards but also include metrics to evaluate student growth and academic achievement. A significant addition is the weighted proportionality score, which accounts for no less than five percent of a school’s overall accreditation rating, reflecting the diversity in student demographics and educational resource access.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2244 appears largely supportive, particularly among advocates for educational equity and accountability. Proponents argue that the additions proposed in the bill will foster a more inclusive and just educational landscape for all students. However, there may also be concerns regarding the practical implications of implementing such rigorous standards and whether they could inadvertently impose additional burdens on struggling schools.

Contention

One prominent point of contention relates to how the weighted proportionality score will affect schools with varied demographics. Critics may argue that the focus on proportionality could lead to unintended consequences, such as mislabeling schools that are otherwise performing well. The requirement for remediation plans may also be seen as an additional burden for local school boards, which could divert attention and resources away from other critical educational initiatives.