Virginia Administrative Code › Title 8 - EDUCATION › Agency 20 - STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION › Chapter 131 - REGULATIONS ESTABLISHING STANDARDS FOR ACCREDITING PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN VIRGINIA › Part IV - School Instructional Program › Section 8VAC20-131-70 - Program of instruction and learning objectives

Current through Register Vol. 40, No. 24, July 15, 2024
A. As required by the Standards of Quality,
				  each local school board shall develop and implement a program of instruction
				  for grades kindergarten through 12 that is aligned to the Standards of Learning
				  and meets or exceeds the requirements of the board. The program of instruction
				  shall emphasize reading, writing, speaking, mathematical concepts and
				  computations, proficiency in the use of computers and related technology,
				  computer science and computational thinking, including computer coding, and
				  scientific concepts and processes; essential skills and concepts of
				  citizenship, including knowledge of Virginia history and world and United
				  States history, economics, government, world languages, international cultures,
				  health and physical education, environmental issues, and geography necessary
				  for responsible participation in American society and in the international
				  community; fine arts, which may include music and art, and practical arts;
				  knowledge and skills needed to qualify for further education, gainful
				  employment, or training in a career or technical field; and development of the
				  ability to apply such skills and knowledge in preparation for eventual
				  employment and lifelong learning and to achieve economic
				  self-sufficiency.
B. As described
				  in 8VAC20-131-51 and in accordance with the Profile of a Virginia Graduate
				  approved by the board, the instructional program and learning objectives shall
				  ensure that students (i) attain the knowledge, skills, competencies, and
				  experiences necessary to be successful in the evolving global economy whether
				  immediately entering the world of work or pursuing a postsecondary education
				  and (ii) acquire and be able to demonstrate foundational skills in critical
				  thinking, creative thinking, collaboration, communication, and citizenship.
				  Consistent with the Profile of a Virginia Graduate, the instructional program
				  and learning objectives shall ensure that, as age appropriate, during the
				  kindergarten through grade 12 experience, students achieve and apply
				  appropriate career development and technical knowledge. During the elementary
				  and middle school years, students shall explore personal interests, be exposed
				  to different types of careers, and plan for career development. In the later
				  school years students are to attain and demonstrate productive workplace
				  skills, qualities, and behaviors; align knowledge, skills, and personal
				  interests with career opportunities; and understand and demonstrate civic
				  responsibility and community engagement.
C. Each school shall provide a program of
				  instruction that promotes individual student academic achievement in the
				  essential academic disciplines and shall provide additional instructional
				  opportunities that meet the abilities, interests, and educational needs of
				  students. Each school shall establish learning objectives to be achieved by
				  students at successive grade levels that meet or exceed the knowledge and
				  skills contained in the Standards of Learning for English, mathematics,
				  science, and history and social science adopted by the board and shall
				  continually assess the progress of each student in relation to the
				  objectives.
D. Instruction shall be
				  designed to accommodate all students, including those identified with
				  disabilities in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
				  or § 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended, those identified as gifted
				  or talented, and those who are ELs. Students with disabilities shall have the
				  opportunity to receive a full continuum of education services, in accordance
				  with 8VAC20-81, Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children
				  with Disabilities in Virginia and other pertinent federal and state laws and
				  regulations.
Statutory Authority: §§
												22.1-16 and
						22.1-253.13:3 of the Code of
						Virginia.