VCU T/TAC

03/13/2026

March is Music in Our Schools Month, and it’s the perfect time to spotlight how powerful music can be for learning and behavior.
If you haven’t explored TeachRock’s lesson plan collections, you’re missing a goldmine. Their free, culturally rich, ready‑to‑use lessons connect music to history, literacy, social‑emotional learning, and more. When students see themselves in the content and engage creatively, you get stronger attention, better behavior, and deeper classroom community.

Music isn’t just an art form—it’s a pathway to connection, curiosity, and positive behavior. Dive into the resources at TeachRock and bring that energy into your classroom this month.

https://teachrock.org/lesson-plan-collections/

03/12/2026

Educators, this new Hechinger Report piece is a must‑read. A Yale research team dug into the academic impact of social‑emotional learning, and the findings reinforce what so many of us see every day: when students feel supported, their learning thrives.
If you’re looking for evidence that SEL strengthens both well‑being and achievement, this article offers compelling insights. Take a moment to explore the research and reflect on how SEL is shaping your classroom community.

https://hechingerreport.org/proof-points-sel-academic-benefits-yale-study/

03/11/2026

Here's another great math resource! The Mathematics Intervention Toolkit, developed by the IES Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Program, is a professional development course that divisions and schools can implement with math intervention teachers, grades 3–6. The modules of the course include videos, readings, example math activities, and instructional routines that assist teachers to build their knowledge and use of evidence-based practices to support math learning. Visit https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/rel/math-support-grades-3-6/ to check out the toolkit.

Assisting Students Struggling with Mathematics in Grades 3-6

03/10/2026

The Virginia Department of Education's Training and Technical Assistance Center at the Virginia Commonwealth University is inviting you to join us for any of these short, informative, virtual learning sessions related to executive function and building learner expertise.
March 18, 2026 4-5 PM Virtual: Use ""rough draft thinking"" to build students’ cognitive skills by working through errors--in any content area!
Share this registration link with others:

The Virginia Department of Education's Training and Technical Assistance Center at the Virginia Commonwealth University is inviting you to join us for any of these short, informative, virtual learning sessions related to executive function and building learner expertise. If you are a coach or other....

03/10/2026

Proposed Updates to the VQB5 2026-2027 Guidelines Webinar - March 23 at noon.
VDOE will host a webinar for all Early Childhood Care and Education stakeholders on Monday, March 23 at noon to review the proposed updates to the 2026–2027 VQB5 Guidelines.
Registration link

03/09/2026

Register for Leveling Up 2026 on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 to delve into Learning Strategy Toolkits, cognitive writing and TPRY, the First 20 Days, and executive function! The Central Virginia SIM Network began sponsoring free summer institutes in 2018...and this year they are partnering with the Southside Virginia Writing Project at Longwood!

Register at:

The Central Virginia SIM Network began sponsoring free summer institutes in 2018...and this year we are excited to announce an ongoing partnership with the Southside Virginia Writing Project! This year's summer conference will move from our school buildings to Longwood's campus. Although there will....

03/09/2026

Are you going to GRAETC 's EdTechRVA on Thursday, March 12? Join Shannon Costley and Susanne Croasdaile at 2:45 PM for "What if kids don't WANT to be Empowered Learners? A step-by-step strategy instruction plan for motivation and executive function" and dig into HLP 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 8 and 22!

Registration closes Monday, March 2, 2026 at 4 p.m. Please register or cancel by then. After March 2, tickets can be transferred but no refunds will be available. EdTechRVA: From Parchment to Pixel…

03/03/2026

The Center on PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) recently published another useful resource.

The Tier 2 District-Level Systems Guide, created for division level teams, provides guidance to develop the system features that support and monitor Tier 2 data, systems, and practices across schools. In turn, these system features facilitate sustainable implementation of Tier 2 supports.

Check out the Tier 2 District-Level Systems Guide at https://www.pbis.org/resource/tier-2-district-level-systems-guide?fbclid=IwY2xjawQKZWhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe43LwgMc8xufZr7w1hSRJydX5fY-Ic0tjvCxka7PYiuySIgaCJpwWhk2X6A0_aem_aZyBsjyv0qDz5zNdG9U-AA

PDF: The purpose of this practice guide is to assist district-level teams supporting and monitoring Tier 2 data, systems, and practices across schools in developing system features that facilitate durable implementation. These system features include procedures for teaming, training and coaching sta...

03/02/2026

What if creativity was a superpower? 🦸‍♂️

🎨Violet Blue’s art class is dull…until she discovers a case of shimmering crystals! Suddenly, her imagination sparks magical powers. When new student Oliver faces bullying, Violet’s courage and creativity shine, and the Art Room Heroes are born. A heartwarming story about friendship, empathy, and using your unique strengths, perfect for young readers, classrooms, and read-alouds.

Join Violet Blue’s adventure today! 📖

Violet Blue Finds Her Powers: Art Room Heroes

02/27/2026

As you prepare your students for end of year testing, are you looking for fresh ideas? Remember to check out the Bridging for Math Strength resource page for grades K-8 for resources that include rich tasks, thinking routines, games, and ideas families can help their students review content. Here is the link:

This exciting project partnership with George Mason University and the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is to offer strength-based formative assessment and bridging activities to support instruction for K-8 students. Standards are considered a bridge when they: function as a bridge to which

02/27/2026

The Virginia Department of Education is seeking applications for participation in the VLA Advisory Group requested by Governor Spanberger.
If you are interested, please refer to the Virginia Education Update. Application window closes March 2.
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/VADOE/bulletins/40a3f13

02/27/2026

The Virginia Department of Education is seeking applications for participation in the VLA Advisory Group requested by Governor Spanberger.
If you are interested, please refer to the Virginia Education Update. Application window closes March 2.

#2026-06 Virginia Education Update for February 19, 2026 Virginia Department of Education sent this bulletin at 02/19/2026 01:13 PM EST View this message online #2026-06 | Update for February 19, 2026 Download Superintendent's Briefing Note (To-Do & Article List) This Week's To-Dos: Article 2026-06-...