Category Archives: Instruction

Interested in Designing Career Learning Communities?

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High School Redesign intro slide

In the fall of 2023, ACPS will launch new Career Learning Communities for high school students. As part of the strategic plan, ACPS will increase student engagement in their own learning, in the school culture, and in student governance. One strategy for this objective includes the development of learning pathways that align with Virginia’s Career Clusters.

The division is now looking for secondary teachers to develop Career Plans of Study for each Career Learning Community this spring. Continue reading →

Social Studies SOL Testing for 2021-22

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bubble test sheet

This school year, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is requiring students to take Standards of Learning (SOL) tests in Virginia Studies, Civics & Economics, World Geography, World History I, World History II, and Virginia & United States History. In Virginia Studies, Civics & Economics, and Virginia & United States History, students will be assessed on the 2015 standards. In World Geography, World History I, and World History II, students will be assessed on the 2008 standards. Please note: The only students who will need to take SOL tests in high school EOC courses (World Geography, World History I, World History II, and Virginia & United States History) are those who still need to earn a verified credit in Social Studies. Continue reading →

Stage 4 Instructional & Technology Resources

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3D Number 4

In preparation for a possible decision to transition to Stage 4 of our Return to School plan, the departments of Instruction and Technology collaborated to create a set of resources for teachers. In addition to these resources, we encourage teachers to reach out to your school’s assigned Instructional Coaches and Learning Technology Integrator to support thinking through instructional needs and approaches. Continue reading →

Apology Regarding Recent Guidance for African American History Month

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Black History Month heart logo

With regard to the recent Guidance for African American History Month, the writing team for this guidance would like to express our apologies for taking an official stance on the name or interpretation of Black or African American History Month. We recognize that language and interpretation of this month is owned by the community. Continue reading →

Guidance for African American History Month

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African American History Month

History and Purpose of African American History Month

African American History Month grew out of the efforts of Carter G. Woodson, a historian and native of Buckingham County. The meaning and scope has changed significantly since its inception in 1926; however, it still remains critical that we, as educators, make African American history and people more visible in our curricula. We believe that one of the most important shifts we can make is to use the month of February to commit and take action to center African American history, agency and excellence in our curricula and instruction throughout the year. Continue reading →

Regional PBS TV Stations Broadcasting SOL-Aligned Learning Experiences to Support Families Without Internet Connection

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VDOE Virginia Is For Learners

In addition to learning options being provided to students and their families by teachers across the school division, homes will also be able to tune into “VA TV Classroom” on weekday afternoons. This new service is being provided by public radio and television stations in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education. Instruction for students in grades K-12 supports the state’s academic standards and expands learning opportunities, especially for students who are unable to access other distance learning options because their home lacks access to high-speed internet. Continue reading →

Secondary Teachers: Schoology Survey & Year 2 Update

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Schoology

Attention All Secondary Teachers: As we approach the middle of our first year of Schoology implementation, we ask that you participate in a survey focused on Year 1 minimum expectations, future professional development opportunities, and student use of Schoology. Take the survey »

Please provide your feedback by Friday, January 24. We are looking for 100% participation from secondary teachers. Continue reading →

Annual State of the Division Report

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State of the Division 2019

Our annual State of the Division report serves to provide information to the School Board and school community about the school division’s successes and challenges from the previous school year. The State of the Division 2019 report highlights growth worth celebrating, but it also reveals deficiencies. We titled the report, “A Work in Progress,” acknowledging that the core of our work as a public school system is about generating progress, and that, as a community of learners, we are committed to continuous improvement. Visit the State of the Division web page »

Continue reading →

2019-20 Class Size Report

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Report

Earlier this month, the school division provided the 2019-20 Class Size Report to the School Board. The report consists of data collected for every school in the division as of September 30 of this year.

Low class size has been a competitive strength of our school division, and that continues to be the case this year. As the report shows, class size across all of our schools continues to average fewer than 22 students. Continue reading →