September 23, 2020 – The Virginia School Boards Association Task Force on Students and Schools in Challenging Environments released its 2.0 Report which contains best practices or recommended initiatives to advance success and opportunities for students and schools in challenging environments. The Task Force has been instrumental in advocating for an equity framework which includes model equity policies utilized by school divisions across the Commonwealth. In October 2014, the Virginia School Boards Association adopted a comprehensive and aspirational report from the Task Force.
“Since approval by the VSBA Board of Directors to commission the Task Force on Students and Schools in Challenging Environments, the Task Force has played a pivotal role in the debate about public education in the Commonwealth,” said VSBA Executive Director Gina G. Patterson, “the 2.0 Report is a continuation of VSBA’s role in highlighting practices that transform the lives of all students in Virginia’s public schools.”
The 2.0 Report is an analysis of the impact of the 1.0 Report and includes practical guidance for school leaders and educators for replicating best practices being implemented by school divisions across the Commonwealth. “The 2.0 Report is not intended to be an exhaustive collection of best practices available in Virginia,” said VSBA President and Task Force Co-Chair Rodney Jordan, “but serves as a road map for school divisions as they continue to navigate and address the difficulties that are unique to students and schools in challenging environments be they in large cities, small towns, rural counties, or growing suburbs.”
As the work of the Task Force moves forward, the Task Force will look to bring increased measurable recommendations for policies regarding equity and opportunity for all students to the forefront. The Task Force members urge school leaders, the General Assembly, the Governor, and school boards across the Commonwealth to accelerate our progress into the future.
“We are dealing with deep rooted inequities that have significantly impacted public education,” said Halifax County Schools Superintendent and Task Force Co-Chair Mark Lineburg, “the Task Force will continue to keep the discussion of equity at the center of its focus.”
Should you have questions, comments, or wish to hear from VSBA about this report, please contact VSBA Government Relations Specialist, J.T. Kessler, at jason@vsba.org or (434) 295-8722.