I am writing in support of the proposed Standards of Accreditation regulations, which will put in place a new school performance and support framework. One of the primary purposes of the new school performance and support framework will be to ensure schools and students receive the needed supports to improve student outcomes. Virginia’s current accreditation system excludes English learners for 11 semesters – effectively 5.5 years. As mentioned at the June Board meeting, this rule excluded an estimated 35,000 students, meaning the performance of 35,000 English learners was not included in the system and those students were not provided targeted support.??

Under the new system, which will braid state and federal requirements together, English learners will be included in the framework after 3 semesters – effectively 1.5 years. This federal requirement was put in place to ensure that schools are provided support quickly since research has shown if schools wait until the 5.5 years after the English learner enters the school to receive support, the window for a student to successfully become proficient in English closes. We must provide targeted support to English learners and schools serving English learners as soon as possible.??

I appreciate the opportunity to comment on these regulations and support the Board’s effort to ensure we are including as many students as possible in the new school support and performance framework.??