Alternative graduation pathways to earn Standard Diploma; development, approval, and implementation,
Sponsored By: Stella G. Pekarsky (Democratic)
In Committee
Summary
Board of Education; development, approval, and implementation of alternative graduation pathways to earn a Standard Diploma; report. Directs the Board of Education to develop, approve, and implement 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, approving, and implementing 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 the Virginia Graduation; (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 approved that includes a nonassessment demonstration of competence; and (vi) consider potential timelines for 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, approving, and implementing 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
Stella G. Pekarsky
Democratic • Senate
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
7/21/2026SenateFiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB147)
2/10/2026SenateContinued to 2027 in Finance and Appropriations (15-Y 0-N)
2/10/2026SenateCommittee substitute printed 26107264D-S1
2/6/2026SenateSenate committee offered
2/5/2026SenateSenate committee offered
2/5/2026SenateReported from Education and Health with substitute and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (14-Y 0-N 1-A)
2/5/2026SenateSenate subcommittee offered
1/29/2026SenateFiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB147)
1/28/2026SenateAssigned Education sub: Public Education
1/15/2026SenateReferred to Committee on Education and Health
1/7/2026SenatePrefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26100671D
1/7/2026Senate
Bill Text
Substitute
2/6/2026
Substitute
2/5/2026
Substitute
1/29/2026
Introduced
1/7/2026
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