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AI in Education Microcredential Pilot
Recruitment is open for the AI in Education Microcredential Pilot, a free professional learning opportunity from Old Dominion University’s Center for Educational Innovation and Opportunity, funded through SCHEV’s COVAConnectAI initiative. PK–12 educators will complete 10–15 hours of asynchronous learning between March 10 and May 10, across three modules, earning an ODU‑issued microcredentials. Participants will explore AI‑supported instruction, ethical AI use, and preparing students for an AI‑driven future. Space is limited to 90 participants. Recruitment closes February 28 or when capacity is reached. Register today.

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Virginia Mathematics Task Force Application Open – Apply by March 2

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Virginia Mathematics Task Force Application Open – Apply by March 2

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Virginia Mathematics Task Force Application Open – Apply by March 2
The Virginia Mathematics Task Force is charged with providing recommendations to improve mathematics education in elementary, middle, and high school. The recent signing of Executive Order Four by the Governor reinforces the Commonwealth's focus on academic excellence and high-quality public education for all students. VDOE is looking to expand its membership to incorporate a broader range of stakeholder perspectives and expertise in alignment with requirements in Executive Order 4 and Chapter 725. All applications must be received by March 2. Details are available from VDOE.

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Virginia Department of Education sent this bulletin at 02/12/2026 05:09 PM EST

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#2026-05 Virginia Education Update for February 12, 2026

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CHOICE Teacher Jennifer Hatch Named to VDOE Mathematics Advisory Board

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CHOICE Teacher Jennifer Hatch Named to VDOE Mathematics Advisory Board

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The Virginia Department of Education announced new members and reconvened three key advisory bodies—the Mathematics Advisory Task Force, the Virginia Literacy Act Workgroup, and the Innovative Assessment Workgroup. In accordance with Executive Order 4, issued by Governor Abigail Spanberger, the department added new members to broaden stakeholder representation and ensure robust, diverse local perspectives inform this important work.

These advisory bodies provide valuable insights to VDOE, and their expanded membership will further strengthen collaboration in support of student achievement. Learn more about these workgroups from VDOE today!

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Virginia Department of Education Announces Members to Lead Educational Task Forces | News Releases | Virginia Department of Education

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For Immediate Release: April 16, 2026
Contact: communications@doe.virginia.gov

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Help students stay motivated and on track with grade-level math on Zearn. Teachers can monitor weekly lesson-completion trends by logging in and selecting the “Monitor Productivity” tile in the Class Snapshot. Celebrate student progress by using downloadable Celebration Tags or Certificates to recognize those meeting their lesson or minutes goals. You can also boost engagement by launching a lesson challenge before or after winter break and using the Brainy challenge tracker so students can record their progress each time they complete a lesson.

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Get free, downloadable resources for math motivation—quotes, math posters, bulletin board supplies for classrooms, and more to inspire your students.

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Mathematics Specialist Leader Graduate Program at GMU

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Mathematics Specialist Leader Graduate Program at GMU

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The George Mason’s K-8 Mathematics Specialist Leader program is ideal for educators who are passionate about enhancing math instruction and taking on leadership roles in their schools. Contact cbaker@gmu.edu or visit our website for more information.

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Funding for your Dual Enrollment  Courses!

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Funding for your Dual Enrollment  Courses!

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Reminder: Applications for Scholarship and Tuition Assistance for Teachers Interested in Teaching High Demand Industry Credentials and Dual Enrollment
The Department continues to accept applications for the Scholarship and Tuition Assistance Program supporting teachers who wish to become qualified to teach dual enrollment and high-demand industry credential course which was announced on July 17, 2025 via the VA Education Updated Newsletter.  School divisions are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity throughout the 2025-2026 school year. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through March 13, 2026. School divisions should refer to the grant application for additional details including the specific grant application process, guidelines around eligibility, and payment processes. Read more from VDOE.

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Virginia Department of Education sent this bulletin at 11/06/2025 03:20 PM EST

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#2025-37 Virginia Education Update November 6, 2025

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5th annual FREE VA Data Science Institute will be held at George Mason University, Manassas Campus, on June 22-23, 2026

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5th annual FREE VA Data Science Institute will be held at George Mason University, Manassas Campus, on June 22-23, 2026

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Mark your calendars and register! Our 5th annual VA Data Science Institute will be held at George Mason University, Manassas Campus, on June 22-23, 2026. There are no registration fees to participate in the two-day institute, but interested secondary educators must register here. This year's theme will be Data Science, Computational Thinking, and Modeling in the Age of AI. Please join us to learn how to integrate these important practices into your divisions and classrooms in the age of AI to equip all your learners with a workforce-valued skill set. Teachers driving > 50 miles will have a hotel room provided for June 22.

Check out the 2026 University of Chicago report summary: Data Science in Virginia: Building a State-wide High School Data Science Pathway.

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Professional Learning Institute

George Mason University

Priority Audience:

Grades 7-12 mathematics, science, and computer science teachers; instructional coaches; division specialists; and university faculty who support or plan to teach the Virginia Data Science high school course, as well as educators focused on data literacy and mathematical modeling.

9:00 AM Breakfast & Registration

10:00 AM - 4 PM Program & Lunch

8:00 AM Breakfast & Registration

9 AM - 3 PM Program & Lunch

LOCATION : George Mason University Manassas Science and Tech Campus

Katherine G. Johnson Hall 10890 George Mason Circle Manassas, VA 20110

Participants: Free registration, breakfast and l unch both days, polo shirt, and resources

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Data Science, Computational Thinking and Modeling in the Age of AI

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Middle School Accelerated Mathematics

June 30, 2025 - HB2686 requires each school board to develop and adopt a policy that sets forth the criteria for students in grades five through eight to be eligible to enroll in advanced or accelerated mathematics. Each policy should provide for the automatic enrollment of eligible students in advanced or accelerated mathematics based on Standards of Learning assessment scores in the statewide upper quartile, subject to course offerings and availability.

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Mathematics | Virginia Department of Education

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September 14, 2023 - The Virginia Board of Education adopted the 2024 Mathematics Textbook Review Process.

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Math Acceleration Pathways Parent Communication

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Math Acceleration Pathways Parent Communication

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Integrated Computing for Algebra, Physics and Data Science, for all students.

We craft research-based curricular modules for grades 6-12. Our materials reinforce core concepts from algebra, enabling non-CS teachers to adopt our introductory materials while delivering rigorous and engaging computing content drawn from CS classes at universities like Brown, WPI, and Northeastern.

Our introductory class can be integrated into a standalone CS or mainstream math class, and aligns with national and state math standards. And since every child takes math - regardless of gender or background - Bootstrap is one of the largest providers of formal CS education to girls and underrepresented students nationwide: nearly 50% of our students are African-American or Latin(x), and nearly 45% are girls and young women.

Our other modules model physics, data science, and sophisticated interactive programs, and can be integrated into Science, Math, Intro and even AP CS Principles courses. Teachers can mix-and-match content across various modules to fit their needs.

By leveraging the existing network of math, social studies, and science teachers nationwide, Bootstrap is built to scale. We work with school districts across the country, reaching hundreds of teachers and thousands of students each year. Most of our teachers have also attended a Bootstrap Workshop, where they received specialized training to deliver the class.

If you're a school or district interested in partnering with Bootstrap, email us at contact@bootstrapworld.org

[Download a one-page overview of Bootstrap here!]

Bootstrap is based at Brown University, and builds on the research and development done there. We are proud to work with one of the world's top institutions for Computer Science.

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Bootstrap: Programming Games with Algebra, for every student.

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We craft research-based curricular modules for grades 6-12. Our materials reinforce core concepts from algebra, enabling non-CS teachers to adopt our introductory materials while delivering rigorous and engaging computing content drawn from CS classes at universities like Brown, WPI, and Northeastern .

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Integrated Computing for Algebra, Physics and Data Science, for all students.

We craft research-based curricular modules for grades 6-12. Our materials reinforce core concepts from algebra, enabling non-CS teachers to adopt our introductory materials while delivering rigorous and engaging computing content drawn from CS classes at universities like Brown, WPI, and Northeastern.

Our introductory class can be integrated into a standalone CS or mainstream math class, and aligns with national and state math standards. And since every child takes math - regardless of gender or background - Bootstrap is one of the largest providers of formal CS education to girls and underrepresented students nationwide: nearly 50% of our students are African-American or Latin(x), and nearly 45% are girls and young women.

Our other modules model physics, data science, and sophisticated interactive programs, and can be integrated into Science, Math, Intro and even AP CS Principles courses. Teachers can mix-and-match content across various modules to fit their needs.

By leveraging the existing network of math, social studies, and science teachers nationwide, Bootstrap is built to scale. We work with school districts across the country, reaching hundreds of teachers and thousands of students each year. Most of our teachers have also attended a Bootstrap Workshop, where they received specialized training to deliver the class.

If you're a school or district interested in partnering with Bootstrap, email us at contact@bootstrapworld.org

[Download a one-page overview of Bootstrap here!]

Bootstrap is based at Brown University, and builds on the research and development done there. We are proud to work with one of the world's top institutions for Computer Science.

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Bootstrap: Programming Games with Algebra, for every student.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We craft research-based curricular modules for grades 6-12. Our materials reinforce core concepts from algebra, enabling non-CS teachers to adopt our introductory materials while delivering rigorous and engaging computing content drawn from CS classes at universities like Brown, WPI, and Northeastern .

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July 28-30. FREE! Maybe you’re…

Still experiencing the PTSD/exhaustion that was teaching in the last 5 years

Unsure about what this school year will really look like

Nervous about how to provide instruction, plan, differentiate, grade and do all.the.things

Scared about using/implement new technology...but want to learn some new things

Whatever it may be for you, we got you covered!

The Middle School Math Summit is your premiere event that will help prepare you for your most successful school year!

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K-5 STEM Professional Learning Series
The Offices of STEM is pleased to announce a fall professional learning series designed to support the implementation of the 2023 Mathematics Standards of Learning, the 2024 Computer Science Standards of Learning, and the 2018 Science Standards of Learning, utilizing an integrated instructional approach. The first one-hour webinar will be held on September 10 at 4 p.m. The topic is Making the Most of Instruction Using an Integrated STEM Approach to Learning.  In this session, attendees will learn more about the standards and VDOE instructional resources and how these resources can inform discipline instruction.

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Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

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Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

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Free Zearn Training for Virginia Teachers and Leaders
ALL In Tutoring continues through 2025-2026, including the use of Zearn in mathematics. During the school year, all school divisions can receive live training from the Zearn team at no cost to support strong implementation and drive impact with students.  All educators whose school divisions have opted into Zearn Math can access their on-demand Curriculum Study PD content at no cost, directly from their Zearn account. Each session reviews teaching strategies related to specific math objectives, supporting educators in planning instruction that engages all learners. Explore today!

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Math professional development built by teachers, for teaching. From dedicated professional development courses to on-demand curriculum training. Learn more about math PD offerings.

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VVA offers no cost online professional learning opportunities for all Virginia public school educators.  All K–12 educators and administrators at Virginia public schools and divisions are invited to register for the 2025–2026 VVA Statewide Professional Learning Webinars, held on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. These webinars highlight innovative and creative technologies, instructional strategies, and resources for school divisions.  The fall sessions include presenters from MagicSchool AI, VDOE content areas, Bark Parent Safe Monitoring, Project Write, and the Virginia250 Commission. For more information, contact Morgan Occhuizzo.

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2025-2026 VVA Statewide Professional Learning Meeting

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Sarah Stecher

4 days ago

5 min read

Updated: 18 hours ago

Tip 1: Consider what it is you're asking students to do in groups. Is it "group-worthy?"

An idea worth exploring: There has to be some kind of interesting prompt that students want to discuss. It could be a real-world application but it doesn't need to be. Any question that sparks curiosity or is posed as a puzzle will work.

Multiple entry points: Low-floor activities ensure that every student has access to the content and that there are multiple solution paths or strategies that will work to find an answer. Even if not all these strategies end up being equally efficient, all students should be able to apply some piece of prior knowledge to get started. Even a trial-and-error approach can give students insights about the kinds of answers that work and don't work. If we ask students to do something and the only possible answer is our preferred, formal, streamlined method, then the student that already knows that method will plow through the activity and leave others in the dust. Remember, formalizing comes later . Rough-draft thinking, stops and starts, ideas that might not lead to an answer, are what we want now.

Individual and group accountability: Students need to be held accountable for their participation in the group and their contribution to the group's final product. Assigning roles is one way to ensure that each group member is committed to the success of the group. While there are a variety of roles you can assign, we generally use "facilitator/timekeeper", "reader", "question asker", and "reporter/recorder". Make sure these roles switch up so students take turns at each of them. Another helpful strategy is to use an activity where each group member works on something slightly different and the combined results are needed to help the group move forward. For example, each group member calculates the derivative at a different point and plots that slope so that the group/class notices a pattern in the slopes graph . This is not the same as a "divide-and-conquer" approach. The individual responses have to be combined in some meaningful way that contributes to group understanding. Sum 'Em Up review activities also foster this kind of individual and group accountability.

Tip 2: Be explicit about what you expect group work to look like and sound like.

Helpful/unhelpful list: Early on in the year (or new semester) give students an interesting problem to work on in groups with little instruction ( here are some ideas ). Set aside time for a debrief where you list the behaviors that were helpful for group work, and those that were unhelpful for group work. Press students for specificity. Listening and respect are important, but often too vague to help students actually work together effectively. Lots of Dots or Rainbow Logic are great activities for this!

Model desired and undesired behaviors: We use the read-discuss-write protocol to help students internalize a routine of reading the question out loud, taking time to listen to ideas, and then writing down some conclusions that incorporate those shared ideas. This protocol also helps students stay on pace with each other. Don't assume that students know this is important to you. I always say things like "I should not be seeing Angela on question 7, while Bradley is on question 3. The goal is to have good discussions in your group, not just to finish as fast as possible."

Communicate beliefs about what it means to do and learn math: Many of our students are only used to math classes where the goal is always to finish a bunch of problems as quickly as possible. Old habits die hard. I tend to do a lot of framing around why I care so much that they're working in groups by sharing my beliefs about learning math .

1. Every student is responsible for developing understanding and contributing to and supporting the understanding of others.

2. Math is not about speed, memorizing procedures, or "getting done"; it is about ideas, creativity, and sense-making.

3. We focus on learning, not performing.

4. Collaboration moves our thinking forward.

Tip 3: Be realistic.

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Making Group Work More Effective (Part 2)

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Why won't my students work together? Here are our top tips for productive group work.

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Use CHOICE Funding: 1:1 Coaching Session with Skip Tyler's Team: Building Thinking Classrooms in SOL Review

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Use CHOICE Funding: 1:1 Coaching Session with Skip Tyler's Team: Building Thinking Classrooms in SOL Review

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Title: Building Thinking Classrooms in SOL Review

Location: Virtual (Zoom)

Time: April 13, 2026 @ 6:30 pm

Description: This webinar explores how Building Thinking Classroom (BTC) strategies can be intentionally integrated into SOL testing review to elevate student thinking and deepen engagement. Participants will examine planning templates and examples that show how review tasks can remain collaborative, problem‑based, and student centered while still targeting priority standards.

Every participant also receives a 1‑hour coaching session with the experts to plan their own SOL review lessons, troubleshoot challenges, and get personalized guidance on applying BTC strategies with their students.

Educators will leave with a clear, actionable plan for designing thinking‑rich SOL review experiences. A recording will be available after the session. Since this coaching session and webinar is short notice, please email Rachel
rachel@vaedstrategies.org to register you.

Presenters: Bethany Lightfield and Kylie Samko

Cost: $449

Registration Deadline: April 13, 2026

Registration Link: https://www.ctlgconsulting.com/workshop/building-thinking-classrooms-in-sol-review/

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Get free, downloadable resources for math motivation—quotes, math posters, bulletin board supplies for classrooms, and more to inspire your students.

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GMU FREE Webinar-Feb. 2-6:00-7:30: Coaching Teachers

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GMU FREE Webinar-Feb. 2-6:00-7:30: Coaching Teachers

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Collaborative Practices in Mathematics Education Educator Webinar Series
George Mason’s Mathematics Education Center is hosting a free webinar series designed for PreK–12 educators seeking to strengthen their math instruction through meaningful collaboration. Join the second session on February 2 titled, Learning How to Coach Teachers: Reflections from Mathematics Coaching Research. Participants will engage in discussion and reflection to identify the forms of knowledge most essential to their work and consider how systems can cultivate learning opportunities for coaches. Register or contact cbaker@gmu.edu to learn more.

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VaSCL: Dr. John “Billy” Haun for a three-part webinar series designed to strengthen building-level leadership capacity on February 11, 25, and March 11 from 4:30-6 p.m. This practical series titled, Leadership That Shows Up Every Day: What High-Impact Leaders Do Differently, 

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VaSCL: Dr. John “Billy” Haun for a three-part webinar series designed to strengthen building-level leadership capacity on February 11, 25, and March 11 from 4:30-6 p.m. This practical series titled, Leadership That Shows Up Every Day: What High-Impact Leaders Do Differently, 

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Virginia School Consortium for Learning Leadership Webinar Series
Join Dr. John “Billy” Haun for a three-part webinar series designed to strengthen building-level leadership capacity on February 11, 25, and March 11 from 4:30-6 p.m. This practical series titled, Leadership That Shows Up Every Day: What High-Impact Leaders Do Differently, supports aspiring, novice, and experienced administrators to sharpen fundamental skills needed to lead high-performing schools where both students and staff thrive. Dr. Haun has served as a math teacher, principal, coach, assistant superintendent for student learning, VDOE chief academic officer, and VHSL executive director. He currently teaches administrative coursework at Longwood University.  Learn more or register today. Registered participants will receive a VaSCL Zoom link.

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Leadership That Shows Up Every Day: What High-Impact Leaders Do Differently

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VaSCL is an educational consortium composed of more than sixty public school divisions from across Virginia. The organization is dedicated to providing high-quality professional learning and promoting professional collaboration among educators in order to improve instruction and increase student achievement.

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Call for Co-Teaching Demonstration Sites
To enhance inclusive practices for students with disabilities, the VDOE began the Excellence in Co-Teaching Initiative in 2014. VDOE is expanding this Initiative and invites school divisions to nominate co-teaching partners and their schools to serve as demonstration sites. Selected teams will model inclusive, research-based practices that support the success of all students, including students with disabilities, through active co-planning, co-teaching, and co-assessing. The VDOE and Training and Technical Assistance Centers will provide training and technical assistance. Participating schools will receive a $5,000 sub-grant for use in supporting the achievement of students with disabilities, and each co-teaching partner will receive a $2,500 stipend for their participation. Total awarded funding per co-teaching team will not exceed $10,000. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on May 22.

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2026-2027 Excellence in Co-Teaching Initiative Application

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This content is created by the owner of the form. The data you submit will be sent to the form owner. Microsoft is not responsible for the privacy or security practices of its customers, including those of this form owner. Never give out your password.

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Strategies for Supporting Student Behavior

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Strategies for Supporting Student Behavior

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Supporting Students with Challenging Behavior: Building Community & Capacity-February 25
This full‑day VA School Consortium for Learning workshop, led by behavior specialist Megan Williams, offers practical, evidence‑based strategies for educators working with upper‑elementary through grade 10 students. The session focuses on relationship‑building, effective classroom management, and tailored supports within a collaborative framework. Register to join your peers in Charlottesville or learn more today. Contact adwierselden@vascl.org with questions.

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Supporting Students with Challenging Behavior: Building Community and Capacity (Grades 3–10)

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VaSCL is an educational consortium composed of more than sixty public school divisions from across Virginia. The organization is dedicated to providing high-quality professional learning and promoting professional collaboration among educators in order to improve instruction and increase student achievement.