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.
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.
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’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.
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.
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.