Stories tagged: "Virginia Education"


The United States Capitol | Photo by Quick PS on Unsplash
GOP Bill Establishing a Federal Parental Bill of Rights Passed in U.S. House

U.S. House Republicans passed a bill designed to empower parents to inspect books and other teaching materials in local public schools, but Democrats sharply criticized the measure, saying it would censor teachers and ban books.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, speaks to members of the media after the General Assembly adjourned for the year inside the Rotunda of the State Capitol Building, late Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023. Youngkin said he was disappointed that the 15-week pain threshold abortion bill failed to pass the Senate, stating that a majority of Virginians support the bill. (AP Photo/John C. Clark)
Youngkin Scrambles to Re-Staff His Education Department After High-Profile Departures

On Tuesday, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced three new education-related appointees to his administration: Dr. Lisa Coons, Superintendent of Public Instruction; Dr. Jeremy Raley, Chief of Staff for Virginia’s Department of Education; and Dale Sturdifen, Board of Education.

FILE - Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow gestures during news conference, May 19, 2022, in Richmond, Va. Balow, Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin's superintendent of public instruction, announced her resignation Wednesday, March 1, 2023, in a letter to the governor that did not offer a specific reason for her departure. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)
Youngkin’s Top Education Official to Receive Full Year of Pay Despite Sudden Resignation After Disastrous Tenure

After suddenly and inexplicably resigning just 14 months into her tenure as Younkgin’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jillian Balow will be paid her full salary and compensated for benefits for the next year.

The Virginia Department of Education will hold the first of six in-person hearings about the draft history and social science standards. (Mechelle Hankerson/ Virginia Mercury)
Virginia Has Rolled Out Its Third Version of History Standards. Critics Say Problems Remain.

The Virginia Department of Education’s newest draft of the state’s history and social science standards aims to address objections raised this fall over content and omissions. However, some history and education groups claim there are still lingering issues that must be addressed as the agency prepares to host a series of public hearings on the latest version beginning March 13 in Williamsburg.

Sarah Vogelsong/The Virginia Mercury
Youngkin announces new slate of efforts to address learning loss in Virginia

Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced a large-scale effort to address learning loss among Virginia students due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Virginians Respond to Youngkin’s CNN Education Town Hall With Fact-Checking, Skepticism

Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Virginia’s policies should be a “playbook for education” on a national level, but educators, legislators, activists, and even students in Virginia who watched the town hall didn’t think that was the case.

Del. VanValkenburg: Why Gov. Youngkin’s Administration is Full of “Missed Opportunities” in Education

Education is a hot topic in the commonwealth, so Dogwood sat down with Del. Schuyler VanValkenburg to discuss the issue–not just from a legislator’s perspective, but from an actual teacher’s point of view.