Department of Education
State Board of Education
Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia
[8 VAC 20 ‑ 131]
Chapter Information
| Description | The purpose of these regulations is to define the requirements for accrediting public schools in Virginia. Section 22.1-19 of the Code of Virginia requires that the Board of Education "... provide for the accreditation of public elementary, middle, and high schools in accordance with standards prescribed by it." Further, the Standards of Quality for Public Schools in Virginia (SOQ), in ' 22.1-253.13:3.F of the Code of Virginia, requires that local school boards "... maintain schools which meet the standards of accreditation prescribed by the Board of Education." The Board announced its intent to amend the accrediting standards in the spring of 1999. In April 1999 invited officials from other states with similar accountability models as well as experts in the area of standards setting and accountability to meet and discuss performance-based accountability for students and schools. A series of public hearings were held in May 1999. Subsequent meetings were held with division superintendents and principals to gather input for potential revisions that would clarify the accountability requirements for schools. The first proposed revisions were adopted by the Board in October 1999, followed by additional public hearings in November 1999. Following extensive public comment, further changes to the proposed revisions have been drafted and are being released for additional public comment. These changes further refine the requirements related to accountability at the student level, student recognition, and public school accreditation. |
| State Authority | Section 22.1-253.13 , Code of Virginia |
| Federal Authority | None entered |
| Exempt from APA | No, changes to this chapter are subject to the Administrative Process Act. |
| Text of Regulation | Link to Virginia Administrative Code |
| Goals of Regulation | To be determined. |
| Meetings | See all meetings (11) relating to this chapter. |
Contact Information
| Name / Title: | Jim Chapman / Regulatory and Legal Coordinator |
| Address: |
James Monroe Bldg., 25th Floor 101 N. 14th St. Richmond, VA 23219 |
| Email Address: | jim.chapman@doe.virginia.gov |
| Telephone: | (804)225-2540 FAX: ()- TDD: ()- |
| Current Actions | ||
| Action Title | Latest Stage | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Revisions to the Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia | NOIRA | Stage complete. Comment period ended 11/08/2023. |
Exempt action to align 8VAC20-131-420 with Chapter 7 of the 2023 Acts of the Assembly
|
Final | Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/22/2023. |
| Fast-track action to align the Standards of Accreditation with Chapter 26 of the 2021 Acts of the Assembly | - | |
| Exempt Action: Delayed effective date pursuant to Code | - | |
| Withdrawn Actions | ||
| Action Title | Latest Stage | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Periodic Review of the Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia | NOIRA | Stage withdrawn on 11/03/2023 after the comment period had ended. |
| Update to Comport with Legislative Changes Made by HB 1215 (2012) | Proposed | Stage withdrawn on 04/27/2021 after the comment period had ended. |
| Amendments to permit students entering the ninth grade prior to the 2018-19 school year to be awarded locally-awarded verified credit in English and mathematics when certain Board of Education - established criteria are met. | ||
| 2007-2008 revisions | Final | Stage withdrawn on 08/18/2011 after submission to the Registrar. |