Virginia would develop diploma credit options beyond passing state tests

Virginia’s Board of Education would develop ways to earn required Standard Diploma credits without passing the applicable state tests. The options would address students seeking a Standard Diploma, including students learning English and those whose formal schooling has been limited or interrupted. At least one option must let students demonstrate skills without an assessment, meeting rigorous standards set by the Board. The options must not affect or replace current Standard Diploma or Advanced Studies Diploma requirements. The Board would consider approval and rollout steps; students could not immediately use these options under this proposal.

The Board would seek and use views from educators, families, students, and other education groups, then report its progress to state leaders. The report would go to the Governor and the chairs of the House education committee and Senate education and health committee. The report must describe the options developed, summarize the views gathered, and explain possible steps and timing for approval and rollout. The report would be due by January 1, 2027. Planning would consider which school year the options would first apply to students entering ninth grade.