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 amending 8VAC20-131, Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia. The purpose of the proposed action is to allow students who entered the ninth grade prior to the 2018-2019 school year to receive locally awarded verified credits in English and mathematics when certain Board of Education-established criteria are met. Currently, these students may receive locally awarded verified credits in only science and history and social science. The proposed changes amend the Standards of Accreditation as they are effective for the current school year and as they will be effective for the 2018-2019 school year. Changes to the Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia that will be effective beginning with the 2018-2019 school year will allow students who enter the ninth grade in 2018-2019 and thereafter to receive locally awarded verified credits in English, mathematics, science, and history and social science. The proposed amendments will provide access to locally awarded verified credits in English, mathematics, science, and history and social science for existing and future students.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: §§ 22.1-16 and 22.1-253.13 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: July 11, 2018.

Agency Contact: Dr. Cynthia Cave, Assistant Superintendent, Policy and Communications, Department of Education, P.O. Box 2120, Richmond, VA 23218-2120, telephone (804) 225-2092, FAX (804) 225-2524, or email cynthia.cave@doe.virginia.gov.