Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont State Board of Education announced that the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (LCAR) has approved updates on two important rule series to meet the goals of Act 1 of 2019.
The changes to Rule Series 2000 (Education Quality Standards) and Rule Series 2200 (Independent School Program Approval) aim to ensure that public and approved independent schools promote critical thinking about the history, contributions, and perspectives of diverse groups of people. The updates also help schools create welcoming educational environments for all students without bias or exclusion.
“Our goal is to ensure that every Vermont public and approved independent school is using the latest educational research and best practices” said Jennifer Deck Samuelson, Chair of the State Board of Education.
Over the next year implementation of the new rules will be supported by the Agency of Education. Several teams within the Agency including the Student Support Services Division, Education Quality Division, Student Pathways Division, and the Finance Division will update processes and guidance to ensure the field is engaged with the new requirements.
“I’m grateful for the hard work of the State Board of Education in gathering valuable feedback from stakeholders to bring these rules up to date,” said Interim Secretary of Education, Zoie Saunders. This is a significant milestone that will positively impact students across all Vermont schools. The Agency is committed to ensuring the field has the support it needs to bring these changes to life."
Rule Series 2000
Rule Series 2000 outlines the Education Quality Standards (EQS). The EQS describe a high-quality education that meets 21st century learning standards for all Vermont students.
Key components of the updated rules include:
· Strengthened requirements for educators to use evidence-based practices that reflect diverse perspectives and foster inclusive learning environments;
· New procedures for districts to report data, establish inclusive feedback and complaint processes, and enable students to engage in ethnic and social equity studies; and
· Expansion of student nondiscrimination and inclusion policies both in basic curriculum and extracurricular programs.
Rule Series 2200
Rule Series 2200 governs the approval of independent school programs. In addition to implementing the goals of Act 1, the revised rule series also require that:
- Approved independent schools must complete and submit annual assurances of their compliance with Rule Series 2200;
- All independent schools applying for renewal of their approval status must meet the requirements in Rule 2223 (Requirements to Operate as an Approved Independent School); and
- Agencies that accredit approved independent schools must also meet the comprehensive framework outlined in Rule 2227 (Recognized Accrediting Agencies)
Public Hearings
The EQS rulemaking process included three public hearings with a total of 180 attendees contributing 155 oral and written comments. The Series 2200 rulemaking process included three public hearings with 26 attendees submitting 25 oral and written comments. In addition, the Board considered every Act 1 related public comment in both sets of rules in order to ensure alignment between the two rule series.
The Vermont State Board of Education extends its gratitude to the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules and the Act 1 Working Group, as well as educators, parents, and community members who helped develop and refine these important updates. The Board will continue working with the Agency so that schools across the state successfully implement these changes and continue advancing the quality of education in Vermont.
About the Vermont State Board of Education
Pursuant to Title 16 of the Vermont Statutes, Chapter 3, the State Board of Education is responsible for making regulations governing standards for student performance, adult basic education programs, approval of independent schools, disbursement of funds, and equal access for all Vermont students to a quality education. The governing regulations are outlined in the State Board of Education Rules.
About the Vermont Agency of Education
The Agency of Education implements state and federal laws, policies, and regulations to ensure all Vermont learners have equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities. The Agency accomplishes this mission through the provision of its leadership, support, and oversight of Vermont’s public education system.
Connect with the Vermont Agency of Education https://education.vermont.gov/