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Curriculum staff trims and negotiates digital programs; board gets first read on verified-credit policy for students with IEPs/504s
Summary
The curriculum office reviewed a multi-year evaluation that added some platforms and removed others to align with the Virginia Literacy Act and teacher feedback. Separately, the board received a first reading to revise the locally awarded verified credit policy to explicitly include students with IEPs and 504 plans.
The district—s curriculum department summarized its annual review of instructional digital programs and recommended additions, reductions and negotiated pricing for the coming school year.
Notable changes presented by curriculum staff: adoption of an online platform to complement the division—s core phonics program (providing teacher-facing slides and printable materials), addition of quiz functionality to give teachers more formative assessment options, and payment to expand Lexia and other slots needed under the Division Literacy Plan. The department removed Renaissance Accelerated Reader and Renaissance STAR reading assessment, citing lack of grounding in the science of reading and replacement by state-approved screeners. Other programs removed included programs not on the BLA-approved list or with limited teacher usage; some slots previously paid by grant or state funds were retained while the division reduced overall bills elsewhere.
Curriculum staff said they solicited teacher feedback and usage data, negotiated pricing with vendors, and adjusted enrollments to offset rising costs.
Separately, the board heard a first reading of a proposed revision to the locally awarded verified credit policy (policy IGAF). The proposed change clarifies that students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 accommodation plans are eligible to receive locally awarded verified credits in content areas requiring Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments. Staff said the revision is necessary because the current policy did not explicitly include students with IEPs and 504 plans; the change was presented for first reading with no action taken at the meeting.
Why it matters: digital program choices affect classroom instruction and compliance with the Virginia Literacy Act; the policy revision would ensure students with IEPs or 504 plans are explicitly included in locally awarded verified credit procedures.
