Standard Diploma; Board of Education shall develop alternative graduation pathways to earn.
Sponsored By: Sam Rasoul (Democratic)
Passed
Summary
Board of Education; development of alternative graduation pathways to earn a Standard Diploma; report. Directs the Board of Education to develop alternative graduation pathways to earn a Standard Diploma that are designed to expand opportunities for students to complete the verified credit requirements for the Standard Diploma that do not require achieving a passing score on applicable Standards of Learning assessments. In developing such alternative graduation pathways, the bill directs the Board to (i) consult with and integrate the perspectives of a broad range of relevant stakeholders; (ii) consider alignment with the competencies articulated in the Profile of a Virginia Graduate; (iii) consider certain elements for incorporation into such alternative pathways, including nonassessment demonstrations of competence, alternative assessments that could be used in lieu of or alongside Standards of Learning assessments, and pathway structures or elements designed to encourage hands-on learning and civic engagement; (iv) ensure that any such alternative graduation pathways do not impact or replace the current requirements for earning a Standard Diploma or an Advanced Studies Diploma; (v) ensure at least one alternative pathway is developed that includes a nonassessment demonstration of competence; and (vi) consider next steps for approval and implementation of such alternative graduation pathways. Finally, the bill directs the Board to submit to the Governor and Chairs of the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education and Health by January 1, 2027, a report detailing the Board's progress in developing alternative graduation pathways to earn a Standard Diploma, in accordance with the provisions of the bill.
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Bill Overview
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Bill
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Sam Rasoul
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Continued from last session
7/21/2026SenateSenate subcommittee offered
3/5/2026SenateContinued to 2027 in Education and Health (15-Y 0-N)
3/5/2026SenateAssigned Education sub: Public Education
2/26/2026SenateFiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1171)
2/10/2026HouseReferred to Committee on Education and Health
2/5/2026SenateConstitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)
2/5/2026SenateRead third time and passed House (87-Y 11-N 0-A)
2/4/2026HouseEngrossed by House - floor substitute
2/3/2026HouseDelegate Rasoul Floor substitute agreed to
2/3/2026Housecommittee amendments rejected
2/3/2026HouseRead second time
2/3/2026HouseFloor Offered
2/3/2026HouseFloor substitute printed 26107051D-H1 (Rasoul)
2/3/2026HousePassed by for the day
2/2/2026HouseRead first time
1/30/2026HouseFiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1171)
1/28/2026HouseReported from Education with amendment(s) (18-Y 3-N)
1/28/2026HouseSubcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s) (10-Y 0-N)
1/27/2026HouseAssigned HED sub: K-12 Subcommittee
1/23/2026HouseReferred to Committee on Education
1/14/2026HousePrefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26101631D
1/14/2026House
Bill Text
Amendment
3/5/2026
Substitute
2/3/2026
Introduced
1/14/2026
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