Virginia
We studied 2.3 million job postings from 2020-2021 and found that 1.8 million Virginia jobs or 79% of job postings demanded at least one Durable Skill.
State Standards Analysis & Recommendations for Improvement
COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS
Readiness standards are published and promoted and describe the competencies students need to learn and possess for entry into and success in college and the workforce. They may or may not be assessed by the state but exist as guidance for educators and expectations for students.
Yes
Does the state define college and/or career readiness?
Yes, the state’s definition of college and/or career readiness is “fully prepared to take freshman-level courses or career training without first having to be remediated.”
Yes
Does the state have career readiness standards?
Yes
Does the state report metrics related to college and/or career readiness?
Yes, the state’s reported metrics related to college and/or career readiness include:
- EOC exam scores
- NAEP scores
- CTE completers
- Postsecondary intentions
- Postsecondary enrollment by type of institution
Yes
Are students expected to demonstrate readiness for college and/or career upon graduation?
Yes, students are expected to demonstrate college and/or career readiness through:
- Advanced Coursework Enrollment
- Postsecondary Assessment (SAT/ACT/Other)
- CTE Participation (CTE, WBL, Credential, Apprenticeship, Other)
- Postsecondary Enrollment
Yes
Are Durable Skills reflected in career readiness standards?
Yes, the following Durable Skills are reflected in the state’s career-readiness standards:
- Character
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Creativity
- Critical Thinking
- Fortitude
- Growth Mindset
- Leadership
- Metacognition
- Mindfulness
Yes
Does the state publish career readiness/employability skills standards?
Yes, the state’s career-readiness/employability skills are available here.
Yes
Does the state have a complete framework for work-based learning?
Yes.
Yes
Does the state define WBL?
Yes, the state’s definition for work-based learning is available here.
Yes
Does the state have clear expectations for WBL programs?
Yes.
Yes
Does the state report on WBL participation and outcomes?
Yes, the VDOE collects participation and outcomes data for all 11 WBL experiences and, beginning with school year 2022-23, will use those data as part of the accreditation process.
Yes
Does the state use WBL participation as a program quality indicator for Perkins V federal funding?
Yes, the state uses work-based learning participation as a program quality indicator for Perkins V federal funding. Learn more here.
Yes
Does the state provide guidance related to career/employability skills?
Yes, the state’s guidance related to career/employability skills can be found here.
WORK-BASED LEARNING (WBL)
Work-based learning describes comprehensive guidance, expectations for educators and employers, and quality indicators for assessment.
GRADUATE PROFILE
A graduate profile includes the competencies and skills a student possesses when they graduate from high school. They showcase student learning outcomes and present a full picture of a student’s abilities.
Yes
Does the state include career/workforce readiness in its graduation requirements?
Yes, the readiness requirements outlined by the state are “Students shall (i) complete an AP, honors, IB, or dual enrollment course; or (ii) complete a high-quality WBL experience, as established by Board guidance on work-based learning; or (iii) earn a career and technical education credential approved by the board,…the career and technical education credential, when required, could include the successful completion of an industry certification, a state licensure examination, a national occupational competency assessment, or the Virginia workplace readiness assessment.” Students demonstrate they’ve met these requirements via coursework, assessment, and credential earned.
Yes
Does the state outline a robust set of graduation requirements?
Yes, the state outlines a robust set of graduation requirements that can be found here.
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