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Board approves ESSA grants, revised literacy plan and new high‑school English textbook; AP and dual‑enrollment rules updated
Summary
Poquoson trustees approved the district's ESSA grant submissions, a revised division literacy plan to meet the Virginia Literacy Act, adoption of HMH Into Literature for secondary English, and updates to program of studies requiring AP exam participation and completion rules for dual enrollment.
The Poquoson City Public Schools Board voted Tuesday to submit its federal ESSA grant applications, adopt a revised division literacy plan required by the Virginia Literacy Act, and approve a new high‑school English textbook. The board also amended the program of studies to require AP exam participation and set completion expectations for dual‑enrollment courses.
Administration staff explained that the ESSA application will include Title I funding to cover 1.5 reading specialist positions at Poquoson Primary School and a new grant‑funded paraprofessional to support students at risk in literacy and math. Title II funds will partially support a professional learning/communication supervisor, Title III will continue English‑learner supports (the division piloted Lexia EL), and Title IV will fund universal screeners and STEAM resources to strengthen talent development and gifted identification.
The revised division literacy plan expands compliance with the Virginia Literacy Act to cover grades K–8 and increases emphasis on foundational literacy, assessment alignment and intervention. The board approved the plan on a 5–0 vote.
After a comprehensive secondary English review, the division recommended adopting HMH Into Literature for high school to align with the 2024 Virginia Standards of Learning updates; the board approved the textbook adoption 5–0. The materials were made available for public viewing, and the administration said no public comments were received about the selection.
The board also amended the program of studies to require students enrolled in AP courses to take the corresponding AP exam (the division will cover exam costs) and required students in dual‑enrollment courses to complete all college‑level assignments and assessments; failure to complete a DE course without preapproved extenuating circumstances will make a student ineligible for future DE enrollment. The administration said some students previously chose not to take paid AP exams, but the exact number was "not specified." Board members asked whether the new requirements would discourage enrollment; the administration said similar policies typically increase participation and improve program quality.
All four items — ESSA grant submission, literacy plan, textbook adoption and program of studies changes — were approved by the board in separate motions, each carried by unanimous recorded votes that the clerk announced as 5–0.
