CHAPTER 152
An Act to amend and reenact §§ 22.1-253.13:1 , as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, and 22.1-253.13:4 of the Code of Virginia, relating to diploma seal for excellence in fine arts established; industry-recognized workforce credential.
[H 478]
Approved April 6, 2026
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §§ 22.1-253.13:1 , as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, and 22.1-253.13:4 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted as follows:
§ 22.1-253.13:1 . (Effective until July 1, 2026) Standard 1. Instructional programs supporting the Standards of Learning and other educational objectives.
A. The General Assembly and the Board believe that the fundamental goal of the public schools of the Commonwealth must be to enable each student to develop the skills that are necessary for success in school, preparation for life, and reaching their full potential. The General Assembly and the Board find that the quality of education is dependent upon the provision of (i) the appropriate working environment, benefits, and salaries necessary to ensure the availability of high-quality instructional personnel; (ii) the appropriate learning environment designed to promote student achievement; (iii) quality instruction that enables each student to become a productive and educated citizen of Virginia and the United States of America; and (iv) the adequate commitment of other resources. In keeping with this goal, the General Assembly shall provide for the support of public education as set forth in Article VIII, § 1 of the Constitution of Virginia.
B. The Board shall establish educational objectives known as the Standards of Learning, which shall form the core of Virginia's educational program, and other educational objectives, which together are designed to ensure the development of the skills that are necessary for success in school and for preparation for life in the years beyond. At a minimum, the Board shall establish Standards of Learning for English, mathematics, science, and history and social science. The Standards of Learning shall not be construed to be regulations as defined in § 2.2-4001 .
The Board shall seek to ensure that the Standards of Learning are consistent with a high-quality foundation educational program. The Standards of Learning shall include, but not be limited to, the basic skills of communication (listening, speaking, reading, and writing); computation and critical reasoning, including problem solving and decision making; proficiency in the use of computers and related technology; computer science and computational thinking, including computer coding; and the skills to manage personal finances and to make sound financial decisions.
The English Standards of Learning for reading in kindergarten through grade eight shall align with evidence-based literacy instruction and science-based reading research.