The Senate rejects the delay of new school standards, the battle continues in budget conversations – Virginia Mercury

The decision to delay the implementation of a new system of accountability this fall for Virginia schools will be reduced to budget negotiations after efforts led by Democrats to delay its deployment failed in the Senate on Tuesday.

The legislation worn by Senator Gazala Hashmi, D-Richmond, fell to 17-22 votes, with some Democrats violating the ranches to oppose the measure.

The critics of the new school framework for the implementation and support of the Ministry of Education of Virginia (VDOE) claim that the plan has no transparency, does not provide clear resources for the fight against schools and does not take into account the English -language students who need more time to prepare before the ratings.

They also rammed the development of the key votes, including school employees, board members and parents.

Proponents confront that the frame is a necessary step, addressing the loss of training and promoting more strong educational programs – instead of relying solely on accreditation to improve.

Hashmi warned that the transition happened too sharply, without a gradual celebration.

“Usually this ,. But that won’t happen, “she said.

“Our schools are thrown immediately, this fall, into a new system of accountability and they did not have this year to prepare for it this year,” Hashmi added.

Senate Bill 979tried to slow down one year against the background of concerns about the clarity and impact of major repair. Efforts have followed for an unsuccessful impetus for the North Virginia school districts last year to delay the transition, with teachers calling for more clear implementation measures and targeted support plans to combat schools.

Hashmi works with VDOE employees to refine the legislation, ensuring that this would not endanger federal funding and compliance. A late amendment would require VDOE to seek revisions of the state plan if the bill was adopted, but it was not enough to swing the Senate.

Senator Shuler Vanwalkenburg, D-Henrico, a teacher at the public school, was among the Democrats who opposed the delay, arguing that schools in Virginia have observed too many changes in reporting standards.

“We have to put this on the spot so that we can make the cakes,” Vanwalkenburg said. “We have had three accountability systems for 10 years and this is damaging to children.”

Republicans also rejected the delay by aligning Glen Youngkin’s impetus for stronger academic expectations and increased accountability.

“As a parent, I can’t help but think that when it comes to accountability, if my child doesn’t thrive … I want to know,” says Senator Tara Durant, R-Fredericksburg. “First, we must be able to look at it and tell where the problems are. It is not intended to ashamed of teachers or school districts, but we need to find out if there are curves to cope. ”

Senator Bill Stanley, R-Franklin, warned that delaying the system would mean another year lost opportunities for students. He also stressed that Virginia’s revised plan has already been approved by the US Department of Education.

“If there is one thing we are responsible for when we are in this body, this is the future of the Virginia community,” Stanley said. “The future of the Virginia community is in our students. They are our future. If we accept this account, we pass the dollar and when we pass the dollar to our children, we lose and they are particularly losing. “

Hashmi said she was “disappointed” that the accompanying bill was not busy in the house before the crossover.

On Sunday, however language This will slow down the system by the school year 2026-27 and set up an advisory committee to review the proposed system.

The proposal does not include the governor’s proposal worth $ 50 million to help the most nominating schools.