Winchester to seek state approval for mastery'based seat'time flexibility, board to consider Model 5 application

Winchester Public Schools staff told the school board on Feb. 9 they will ask the state for permission to adopt alternate seat'time models that allow awarding credit for documented mastery instead of strict clock'hours.

Miss Buckley reviewed five authorized models and recommended Model 5 (emerging local practices) as the local best fit. She said the approach would allow the division to expand innovation'center offerings, blended CTE/English coursework, dual enrollment, credit recovery, and work'based learning while preserving Standards of Learning and verified-credit requirements. Buckley stressed that the state must approve any district plan and that the division will provide explicit documentation to the state (and guidance to counselors and teachers) if approved.

Board discussion: members asked about assessment timing, safeguards for verified credits, counselor roles, and how students would choose pathways. Staff said counselors and high'school leaders are already involved in planning and that the state will provide review and approval, with possible revisions required before a final local program is implemented.

Next step: staff will place the Model 5 framework on a future consent agenda and submit the application to the Virginia Department of Education for approval; the board will need to approve the framework text and supporting documentation as part of that consent action.