Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Education
Board
State Board of Education
 
chapter
Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia [8 VAC 20 ‑ 131]
Guidance Documents
Chapter Information
Description The purpose of these regulations is to define the requirements for accrediting public schools in Virginia. Section 22.1-19 of the Code of Virginia requires that the Board of Education "... provide for the accreditation of public elementary, middle, and high schools in accordance with standards prescribed by it." Further, the Standards of Quality for Public Schools in Virginia (SOQ), in ' 22.1-253.13:3.F of the Code of Virginia, requires that local school boards "... maintain schools which meet the standards of accreditation prescribed by the Board of Education." The Board announced its intent to amend the accrediting standards in the spring of 1999. In April 1999 invited officials from other states with similar accountability models as well as experts in the area of standards setting and accountability to meet and discuss performance-based accountability for students and schools. A series of public hearings were held in May 1999. Subsequent meetings were held with division superintendents and principals to gather input for potential revisions that would clarify the accountability requirements for schools. The first proposed revisions were adopted by the Board in October 1999, followed by additional public hearings in November 1999. Following extensive public comment, further changes to the proposed revisions have been drafted and are being released for additional public comment. These changes further refine the requirements related to accountability at the student level, student recognition, and public school accreditation.
State Authority Section 22.1-253.13 , Code of Virginia
Federal Authority None entered
Exempt from APA No, changes to this chapter are subject to the Administrative Process Act.
Text of Regulation Link to Virginia Administrative Code
Goals of Regulation To be determined.
Meetings See all meetings (11) relating to this chapter.

Contact Information
Name / Title: Jim Chapman  / Regulatory and Legal Coordinator
Address: James Monroe Bldg., 25th Floor
101 N. 14th St.
Richmond, VA 23219
Email Address: jim.chapman@doe.virginia.gov
Telephone: (804)225-2540    FAX: ()-    TDD: ()-
Current Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Revisions to the Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia NOIRA Submitted to the Registrar and awaiting publication (10/09/2023).
Fast-track action to align the Standards of Accreditation with Chapter 26 of the 2021 Acts of the Assembly -
Exempt Action: Delayed effective date pursuant to Code -
Exempt action to align 8VAC20-131-420 with Chapter 7 of the 2023 Acts of the Assembly
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
-

Past Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Exempt Action to Align the Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia with Chapter 582 of the 2020 Acts of the Assembly
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/09/2022.
Amendments to the Regulations Establishing the Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia (8 VAC 20-131) to Include Standards for Virtual Education NOIRA Stage complete. Comment period ended 10/29/2021.
Periodic Review of the Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia NOIRA Stage complete. Comment period ended 05/12/2021.
Amendments to Graduation Requirements in the SOA to Comport with 2020 Legislation Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 04/15/2021.
Proposed Amendments to Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia (8 VAC 20-131) to Comport with 2019 Legislation Passed by the General Assembly (Exempt Action)
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/30/2019.
Amendments to permit students entering the ninth grade prior to the 2018-19 school year to be awarded locally-awarded verified credit in English and mathematics when certain Board of Education-established criteria are met. Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/25/2020.
Revisions to the Standards of Accred. to Comport with Legislation passed by the 2018 General Assembly Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/19/2019.
Comprehensive review of the Standards of Accreditation Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 01/11/2018.
Revisions to comport with legislation approved in the 1999 and 2012-2015 General Assembly Sessions Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/08/2015.
Update to comport with legislative changes made by HB 1061 and SB 489 (2012) (diploma requirements) Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/03/2014.
Update to Comport with Legislative Changes Made by HB 96 (2012)
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/29/2012.
Amendments to reflect changes due to legislation passed by the 2011 General Assembly
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/31/2011.
Amendment: legislation enacted 2010 General Assembly re:graduation requirement waivers
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/03/2011.
Exempt Action: Delayed effective date pursuant to Code
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/15/2010.
Comprehensive review Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/07/2006.
Final Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/28/2000.

Withdrawn Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Update to Comport with Legislative Changes Made by HB 1215 (2012) Proposed Stage withdrawn on 04/27/2021 after the comment period had ended.
Amendments to permit students entering the ninth grade prior to the 2018-19 school year to be awarded locally-awarded verified credit in English and mathematics when certain Board of Education - established criteria are met.
2007-2008 revisions Final Stage withdrawn on 08/18/2011 after submission to the Registrar.