Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the State Board of Education intends to consider repealing 8VAC20-542, Regulations Governing the Review and Approval of Education Programs in Virginia and promulgating 8VAC20-543, Regulations Governing the Review and Approval of Education Programs in Virginia. The purpose of the proposed action is to promulgate new standards for the accreditation of professional education programs and the review and approval of education programs in Virginia. The new regulations will address (i) requirements for the approval of programs to prepare instructional personnel at institutions of higher education; (ii) the accountability measures required for program approval; (iii) requirements for professional studies, including clinical experiences; (iv) the competencies required to be completed in all programs that must be aligned, among other standards, with the Standards of Learning; and (v) other areas of program approval as needed. The entire regulation will be examined.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 22.1-298 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: January 30, 2013.

Agency Contact: Patty S. Pitts, Assistant Superintendent for Teacher Education and Licensure, Department of Education, P.O. Box 2120, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 371-2522, or email patty.pitts@doe.virginia.gov.