Student Services
The Virginia Department of Education and the Commonwealth’s public schools work in partnership to support and improve teaching and learning through a variety of programs and activities promoting the safety and wellbeing of students.
Attendance & School Engagement
School attendance is essential to academic success. Research shows that missing as little as two days every month, or ten percent of the school year can have a significant impact on students.
State Operated Programs
State Operated Programs (SOP) refers to education programs in specialized children’s hospitals, mental health facilities, and regional and local juvenile detention homes. Virginia law requires institutions having children in residence or custody to provide education and training commensurate with that provided to pupils in public schools.
Student Records
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is the federal law that protects the privacy of Student Education (scholastic) Records. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18, “eligible student,” or is enrolled in a postsecondary institution.
Specialized Student Support Services
Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) provide direct services for all children and youth, especially those who are experiencing problems that create barriers to learning. Direct services are provided through education, counseling, consultation, and individual assessment.
Student Success for Distinct Populations
A variety of programs and resources are available to assist schools and families in working together to support and improve outcomes and achieve Student Success for Distinct Populations.
- Military Families
- Education for Homeless Children and Youth (Project Hope)
- Enrollment of Students in Foster Care
- Homebound Services
- Re-Enrollment After Juvenile Justice
Integrated Student Supports
Integrated Student Support frameworks provides a structure to improve students’ outcomes by systematically supporting their academic and non-academic needs.
- Virginia Tiered Systems of Supports (VTSS)
- Virginia Community School Framework
- Student Assistance Programming
- Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Student Support and Conduct
Prevention Strategies and Programs
The VDOE oversees a variety of Prevention Strategies and Programs that directly and indirectly support students in school and community settings.