Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Education
 
Board
State Board of Education
 
Guidance Document Change: The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) evaluates student credentials on an on-going basis against prescribed criteria for graduation requirements for the Standard Diploma 8VAC20-132-51(B) and verified credit(s) (8VAC20-132-110(C). The process for reviewing and validating student credentials for the purpose of awarding verified credit is based on the following criteria: (1) the test must be standardized and graded independently of the school or school division in which the test is given; (2) the test must be knowledge based; (3) the test must be administered on a statewide, multistate, or international basis, or administered as part of another state’s accountability assessment program; and (4) to be counted in a specific academic area, the test must measure content that incorporates or exceeds the Standards of Learning content in the course for which verified credit is given. Important to this process is ensuring that the credential is relevant and recognized in the workplace. The credential recommended for addition is the CAREER CONNECTIONS, Seal of Biliteracy. The credentials that are recommended for deletion as they have been discontinued by providers include the following: AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION, (i) Agricultural Biotechnology Assessment (NOCTI); (ii) Floriculture Assessment (NOCTI); (iii) Floriculture: Greenhouse Assessment (NOCTI); and (iv) Natural Resources Systems Assessment. BUSINESS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, (i) Banking and Related Services Assessment (NOCTI); (ii) IT Fundamentals Pro Examination (TestOut Corporation); (iii) Network Pro Certification Examination (TestOut Corporation); and (iv) PC Pro Certification Examination (TestOut Corporation). FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES, (i) Education and Training Assessment (NOCTI); (ii) Hospitality Management- Food and Beverage Assessment (NOCTI); (iii) Restaurant, Food and Beverage Services Assessment (NOCTI). HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCES, (i) Diagnostic Services Assessment (NOCTI); (ii) Medical Assistant Certification (MAC) Examination (American Medical Certification Association (AMCA); (iii) Practical Nursing Assessment (NOCTI); (iv) Therapeutic Services Assessment (NOCTI). MARKETING, (i)Lodging Assessment (NOCTI). TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING EDUCATION, (i) Mechanical Drafting and Design Assessment (NOCTI). TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION, (i) Automotive Technician- Advanced Assessment (NOCTI); (ii) CAD-CAM Assessment (NOCTI); (iii) Industrial Electricity Assessment (NOCTI); (iv) Protective Services Assessment (NOCTI); (v) Construction Masonry- Block Assessment (NOCTI); (vi) Emergency and Fire Management Services Assessment (NOCTI); (vii) Emergency Medical Services Assessment (NOCTI).
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9/18/25  4:29 pm
Commenter: Gregory Jones

Seal of Biliteracy as an industry credential
 

I find it deeply concerning that the Virginia Seal of Biliteracy—though now included on the list of approved industry credentials—is the only one designated as “Not eligible for 3E Readiness and CTE Federal and State Reimbursement.” This restriction contradicts the very purpose of its inclusion and risks diminishing the significance of what is widely recognized as a rigorous, high-value achievement. Treating the Seal as a lesser credential sends a confusing message to students, families, and employers alike.

Across industries, employers consistently emphasize the critical importance of bilingualism as a skill that enhances employability, strengthens the workforce, and expands career opportunities. The Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s Blueprint Virginia 2030 specifically names the Seal of Biliteracy as a key pathway toward industry credentialing—a clear acknowledgment of its role in preparing students for a global workforce. Excluding it from 3E Readiness recognition disregards this employer demand and undermines the state’s own workforce development goals.

To truly equip Virginia students for success in an interconnected economy, the Seal of Biliteracy must be given the same recognition and support as other industry credentials. I urge the Board to remove the current restriction and ensure that this hard-earned achievement—built through years of language study and demonstrated proficiency—is fully recognized as both an industry credential and a qualifying indicator of 3E Readiness.

 

Sincerely,

Gregory

Gregory Jones, Ph.D.

CommentID: 237206