By: Luci Willits, VP, Government National Policy

Virginia is making an unprecedented commitment to student learning, with Governor Youngkin unveiling a groundbreaking $418 million plan aimed at elevating education standards across the state. This initiative, aptly named “ALL IN,” marks a pivotal moment in Virginia’s dedication to its students, demanding the attention of school administrators and educators alike.

The plan zeroes in on three critical focus areas: attendance, literacy, and learning. But what truly stands out is the funding mechanism embedded within Virginia’s FY24 budget. Each school division will receive funding on a per-pupil basis, with a guaranteed minimum allocation of $150,000, ensuring equitable distribution.

While the Department of Education requires divisions to submit plans, the budget provides flexibility, with just three core requirements: the funding must be directed toward the implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act, learning loss recovery, additional operational support, or infrastructure improvements.

This infusion of state funding, combined with a laser focus on critical areas, empowers school divisions to harness resources for maximum impact on student learning. The ALL IN initiative stems from concerns over statewide scores on the Standards of Learning assessments, which primarily target grades 3–8. However, educators understand that laying the foundation for successful learning begins well before 3rd grade.

Virginia’s recent acquisition of two tutoring platforms for grades 3–8 presents divisions with an invaluable resource at no cost. This strategic move allows districts to allocate state-provided funds where they can make the most significant difference: early education, from pre-K to 2nd grade. As we explore the intricacies of this transformative plan, it becomes evident that Virginia is fully invested in fostering a brighter future for its students, starting with its youngest learners.

Age of Learning’s best-in-class solutions, My Reading Academy and My Math Academy, support Virginia’s priorities by helping ensure students master foundational literacy and numeracy skills before 3rd grade. More than 10 Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Level 1 and Level 2 efficacy studies prove that small chunks of time throughout the week on My Reading Academy and My Math Academy have big impacts.

My Reading Academy and My Math Academy can help meet the Commonwealth’s priorities by

• Personalizing sessions grounded in grade-level instruction, based on recommendations from the digital (truly adaptive) platform. 
• Providing additional support for the students who need it the most in targeted areas, in alignment with state standards. 
• Supporting students who are working on grade-level content by offering just-in-time instruction.                      
• Reinforcing communication with families through frequent student reports and activities through My Reading Academy and My Math Academy’s Caregiver Center. 
• Producing extraordinary results in 10–15 minutes a day or 45 to 60 minutes a week, versus the three to five hours a week the state recommends with the provided digital tool.  

We know that the path to greater learning begins with early education, and Virginia’s ALL IN resources enable school divisions to support both students who need a boost and those who are just starting their educational journey. With these tools at their disposal, Virginia’s educators and administrators have a powerful means to drive positive change and set their students on a trajectory toward lifelong success.

The post ALL IN on Early Learning in Virginia first appeared on Age of Learning.