Bill Text: VA HB1388 | 2020 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: Public school accreditation; triennial review.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-1)
Status: (Passed) 2020-04-06 - Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0688) [HB1388 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2020-HB1388-Chaptered.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §22.1-253.13:9 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§22.1-253.13:9. Exemplar School Recognition Program.
A. Schools and local school divisions shall be
recognized by the Board of Education in accordance with guidelines it shall
establish for the Exemplar School Recognition Program (the Program). The
Program shall be designed to recognize and reward (i) schools that exceed
Board-established requirements or show continuous improvement on academic and
school quality indicators and (ii) schools, school divisions, and school boards
that implement effective, innovative practices that are aligned with the
Commonwealth's goals for public education. Such recognition may include:
1. Public announcements recognizing individual schools and divisions;
2. Tangible rewards;
3. Waivers of certain board regulations;
4. Exemptions from certain reporting requirements; or
5. Other commendations deemed appropriate to recognize high achievement.
In addition to Board recognition, local school boards shall adopt policies to recognize individual schools through public announcements or media releases as well as other appropriate recognition.
B. A school that maintains a passing rate on Virginia
assessment program tests or additional tests approved by the Board of 95
percent or above in each of the four core academic areas for two consecutive
years may, upon application to the Department of Education, receive a waiver
from accreditation. A school receiving such a waiver shall be fully accredited
for a three-year period. However, such school shall continue to annually submit
documentation in compliance with the pre-accreditation eligibility
requirements.
