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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10/8/25  4:41 pm
Commenter: Cathy Crawford, mother, aunt and teacher

Biliteracy Seal and Employment Readiness
 

To the Members of the Virginia Board of Education, 

I write to urge you to reverse the proposed restrictions on the Seal of Biliteracy as a recognized industry credential. Excluding the Seal from 3E Readiness indicators and CTE reimbursement directly undermines the intent of HB2360, which was enacted to recognize the value of multilingualism in Virginia’s workforce.

The General Assembly intentionally identified the Seal of Biliteracy as an industry credential because bilingual and multilingual skills are in high demand across every sector of our economy. Employers consistently seek candidates who can communicate across languages and cultures. Treating the Seal differently from other credentials sends a contradictory message that devalues these critical, real-world skills.

As enumerated by another commenter, some of the benefits of recognizing Virginia’s Seal of Biliteracy as a full CTE credential are;

  • It aligns with Virginia's workforce development goals particularly in addressing labor shortages of multilingual employees.

  • It supports the goals in both, the profile of a Virginia graduate and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce's Blueprint 2030, that proficiency in two or more languages as a necessary workplace readiness skill.

  • It validates the hundreds of hours of study and practice to attain a high level of language proficiency as a career-ready skill, especially for heritage speakers and second language learners.

  • It promotes equity and opportunity, encouraging students from diverse linguistic backgrounds to pursue meaningful career pathways in Virginia.

  • It supports a more inclusive, responsive, and globally competitive workforce.

In addition, the proposed changes create unnecessary barriers. Removing the Seal from Employment Readiness indicators will discourage schools from investing in strong language programs, while denying CTE reimbursement places an inequitable burden on students and school divisions.

In an increasingly globalized economy, language proficiency is not optional—it is essential. Students who earn the Seal of Biliteracy bring advanced communication skills that strengthen Virginia’s competitiveness and workforce readiness.

The Seal of Biliteracy should continue to receive the same recognition and support as all other approved industry credentials, including eligibility for both 3E Readiness indicators and CTE reimbursement.

Please keep the bilingual seal as an option for our students to count as an industry credential respecting the intent of the legislation in place. 

Cathy Crawford
World Language Teacher
Literacy Teacher
World Language Department Chair

CommentID: 237427