Agenda Item
Meeting Date:
7/11/2024 - 6:30 PM  
Category:
New Business and Reports to the Board  
Type:
Action  
Subject:
SY 2024-2025 Academic Calendar Change for Additional Professional Learning Days  
ACPS 2025 Strategic Plan Goal:
Goal 1: Systemic Alignment
ACPS will build a culture of continuous improvement and design equitable systems for school and instructional improvement.
Goal 2: Instructional Excellence
ACPS will ensure that all students have access to and engagement with high-quality instruction.
Goal 3: Student Accessibility and Support
ACPS will ensure students have equitable access to and engagement with programs and supports that reduce barriers to learning.
Goal 4: Strategic Resource Allocation
ACPS will strategically provide differentiated resources and supports to schools and departments.
Goal 5: Family and Community Engagement
ACPS will ensure that all families and community members feel welcomed, respected, and valued.
 
Policy:
IC/ID - School Year / School Day  
Funding Source or Fiscal Impact (where applicable):
 
File Attachment:
240711_Memo_SY 24-25 Academic Calendar Change - Additional_Professional_Learning_Days_v2.pdf
 
Agenda Item Summary:
The Department of Teaching, Learning, and Leadership’s Office of Instructional Support has worked collaboratively with central office and school stakeholders to assess the professional learning needs to meet Virginia Department of Education requirements. In response to the training requirements outlined in the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) it is necessary that school staff are allocated additional professional learning time. This dedicated time will ensure that school staff can thoroughly engage with and implement the required components, thereby enhancing their instructional practices and overall student outcomes.  
Background:
The Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) was enacted to ensure that all students develop strong literacy skills by the end of third grade. The act mandates specific training and instructional practices to support literacy development. Key components of the VLA include: ● Comprehensive training for educators on evidence-based literacy instruction ● Implementation of new literacy assessment tools and intervention strategies; and ● Regular monitoring and reporting of student progress in literacy. These requirements are designed to improve teaching effectiveness and ensure compliance with the updates to state education and federal policy. By providing additional professional learning time, we can support our teachers in meeting these requirements and ultimately enhance the quality of education for our students.  
Recommendation
The Superintendent recommends that the School Board review the information in this brief and approve the recommended calendar change.  
Approvals:
Recommended By:
Signed By:
Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt - Superintendent
 
Vote Results:

Original Motion
Member Kelly Carmichael Booz Moved, Member Meagan L. Alderton seconded to approve the Original motion 'The Superintendent recommends that the School Board review the information in this brief and approve the recommended calendar change.'. Upon a Roll-Call Vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 8 Nay: 0.
The motion Carried 8 - 0
   
Meagan L. Alderton     Yes
Jacinta Greene     Yes
Dr. Michelle Rief     Yes
Kelly Carmichael Booz     Yes
Tammy Ignacio     Yes
Christopher Harris     Yes
Abdel-Rahman Elnoubi     Yes
Dr. Ashley Simpson Baird     Yes