RICHMOND, Va. -- Will students return to classrooms when the 2020-21 school year begins in August and September? That’s the question on the minds of every parent, teacher, and student right now.
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced Monday he has named a team of education leaders to form the Education Work Group who will come up with next steps for Virginia schools.
The group is comprised of representatives from Virginia’s public and private early childhood, K-12, and higher education systems, and includes teachers, superintendents, parents, college presidents, state agency personnel, special education advocates, museum directors, and student perspectives.
Secretary of Education Atif Qarni formed the work group and chaired its first meeting on April 23.
Since April, the group has been focused on developing recommendations to align policies throughout the Commonwealth’s pre K-20 education system and ensure continuity of learning.
“As we begin to think about how Virginia’s education system can operate in the summer and fall, it is crucial that we have the advice of a diverse, thoughtful group of education leaders,” said Secretary of Education Atif Qarni. “This group will use their expertise to guide our approach and help ensure that all voices are heard and all recommendations are made through the lens of equity.”
“This group is meeting regularly together with our public health team,” Governor Northam said. “There'll be laying out specific next steps over the coming weeks.”
