The new ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) has spurred the Virginia State Board of Education to propose for 2018-19 that struggling schools be identified as either needing “comprehensive support and improvement” or, as a lesser indication, “targeted support and improvement.”  Both of these generalized indicators are far less draconian and also less prescriptive than previous Virginia-recommended school interventions. In the past, the Commonwealth could require low-performing schools to become charter schools or to acquire new principals, professional development, and employ improvement coaches and turnaround strategies. The proposed new standards also give schools credit for incremental improvement regarding students passing exams and also  demonstrating gain scores.  Teacher evaluation and input are not detailed in the current proposal.

Governor Terry McAuliffe must approve the plan before it is submitted to the U.S. Education Department.

More information can be found at http://wapo.st/2hDZ4TY?tid=ss_mail&utm_term=.609dce5c4f5e