Title of Regulation: 8VAC20-131. Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia (amending 8VAC20-131-5, 8VAC20-131-50, 8VAC20-131-60, 8VAC20-131-110, 8VAC20-131-270, 8VAC20-131-280, 8VAC20-131-360).

Statutory Authority: §§ 22.1-19 and 22.1-253.13:3 of the Code of Virginia.

Expiration Date Extended Through: December 3, 2014.

On May 28, 2014, the Governor approved the State Board of Education's request to extend the expiration date of the above-referenced emergency regulation as provided in § 2.2-4011 D of the Code of Virginia. The emergency regulation was published in 29:18 VA.R. 2207-2218 May 6, 2013. The board approved proposed permanent regulations, which are exactly the same as the emergency regulations, at its July 2013 board meeting, and additional time is needed to complete the requirements of the Administrative Process Act before the emergency regulations expire. If the emergency regulations are not extended and the permanent regulations not adopted, graduation requirements will revert back to the 2012 requirements. This will result in confusion for school divisions and families, a lowering of graduation requirements, and denial of certain students with disabilities to earn a Standard Diploma.

Agency Contact: Anne Wescott, Assistant Superintendent, Policy and Communications, Department of Education, P.O. Box 2120, Richmond, VA 23218-2120, telephone (804) 225-2403, FAX (804) 225-2524, or email anne.wescott@doe.virginia.gov.