Public Comments for 01/23/2023 Education - Higher Education
HB1555 - Higher educational institutions; human trafficking awareness and prevention training required.
Good afternoon Mr. Chairman and members of the Subcommittee. Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments in favor of HB1555 and thank you to Del. Brewer for her leadership in bringing this Bill forward. The Virginia Coalition Against Human Trafficking ("VCAHT") is an alliance of service providers, attorneys, survivor-advocates, and community members on a mission to remove barriers preventing survivors from achieving a full and healthy life through public awareness campaigns, policy reform and enacting survivor-centered human trafficking legislation. VCAHT supports this Bill because it addresses prevention and identification in an age group which is part of the target population of those seeking to profit from the exploitation of others. Equipping this population with the tools they need to keep from being exploited is critical to reducing the numbers of individuals being exploited and the subsequent damage that is caused by that victimization to those being victimized and our communities. Accordingly, VCAHT urges the Subcommittee to vote in favor of this Bill. Thank you.
I hope that you will move to report the following bills as our students desperately need help. It is clear that the previous years' actions by other groups are not supporting kids to learn facts and think for themselves: becoming functional adults that contribute positively to our world. HB1555, HB1726, HB1887, HB1889, HB2277, HB2396 are all items that are before you that will be a catalyst for positive change. Thank you for your time,
"I support HB 1396 as introduced, and it deserves a vote." Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the School Choice fight! Quick Links: Join the Rapid Response Team of Virginia for Educational Freedom School Choice petition to legislators Donate to Virginia for Educational Freedom For Our Children, Natassia Grover Director Virginia for Educational Freedom PS- It is vital that you sign our Petition for School Choice today. The thing politicians fear most is large numbers of angry voters, and your signature on the petition will be added to the thousands that have already signed. This Petition will be delivered to the House Educational Committee, and they will be told they must support full and complete School Choice. So click here to sign! Copyright © 2023 Acton Advocacy Group, All rights reserved. Fighting to restore freedom in education in the Commonwealth Our mailing address is: Acton Advocacy Group 11895 Folly Lane Lovettsville, VA 20180 Add us to your address book
Please support this bill as it is the utmost importance
We oppose HB1555, requiring a human trafficking awareness and prevention training program at each public institution of higher education. This bill proposes a misguided allocation of resources and use of public expenditure policy. Education funds should be used in an effective and efficient manner. This bill would require a mandatory indoctrination of all first-year students regarding an issue not at all related to their college major. The real problem in education is the high cost of tuition and the fact that many students from underserved populations are not getting a college education. If and when a student does enroll in an institution of higher education, he/she should get an education in the degree they choose, not forcibly taught an unrelated ideology.
I support HB 1396 as introduced, and it deserves a vote.
Please support Bill #1396! So important for the children of the Commonwealth of Virginia!
I fully support this bill.
HB1726 - Virginia-based nonprofit organizations; schools for adults to earn credentials, college credit, etc.
The Virginia Education Association opposes HB1726.
I hope that you will move to report the following bills as our students desperately need help. It is clear that the previous years' actions by other groups are not supporting kids to learn facts and think for themselves: becoming functional adults that contribute positively to our world. HB1555, HB1726, HB1887, HB1889, HB2277, HB2396 are all items that are before you that will be a catalyst for positive change. Thank you for your time,
The City of Roanoke is a partner in the NW HUB and is supportive of the effort to establish the Goodwill's Excel Center in Roanoke, an adult high school offering opportunities to earn in-demand credentials while earning a diploma.
"I support HB 1396 as introduced, and it deserves a vote." Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the School Choice fight! Quick Links: Join the Rapid Response Team of Virginia for Educational Freedom School Choice petition to legislators Donate to Virginia for Educational Freedom For Our Children, Natassia Grover Director Virginia for Educational Freedom PS- It is vital that you sign our Petition for School Choice today. The thing politicians fear most is large numbers of angry voters, and your signature on the petition will be added to the thousands that have already signed. This Petition will be delivered to the House Educational Committee, and they will be told they must support full and complete School Choice. So click here to sign! Copyright © 2023 Acton Advocacy Group, All rights reserved. Fighting to restore freedom in education in the Commonwealth Our mailing address is: Acton Advocacy Group 11895 Folly Lane Lovettsville, VA 20180 Add us to your address book
HB1760 - Virginia Teacher Residency Training Corps; established.
The Virginia Education Associations supports HB1760 . We believe that the passage of this bill would reduce teacher shortages.
"I support HB 1396 as introduced, and it deserves a vote." Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the School Choice fight! Quick Links: Join the Rapid Response Team of Virginia for Educational Freedom School Choice petition to legislators Donate to Virginia for Educational Freedom For Our Children, Natassia Grover Director Virginia for Educational Freedom PS- It is vital that you sign our Petition for School Choice today. The thing politicians fear most is large numbers of angry voters, and your signature on the petition will be added to the thousands that have already signed. This Petition will be delivered to the House Educational Committee, and they will be told they must support full and complete School Choice. So click here to sign! Copyright © 2023 Acton Advocacy Group, All rights reserved. Fighting to restore freedom in education in the Commonwealth Our mailing address is: Acton Advocacy Group 11895 Folly Lane Lovettsville, VA 20180 Add us to your address book
HB1779 - Nuclear Education Grant Fund and Program; established.
"I support HB 1396 as introduced, and it deserves a vote." Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the School Choice fight! Quick Links: Join the Rapid Response Team of Virginia for Educational Freedom School Choice petition to legislators Donate to Virginia for Educational Freedom For Our Children, Natassia Grover Director Virginia for Educational Freedom PS- It is vital that you sign our Petition for School Choice today. The thing politicians fear most is large numbers of angry voters, and your signature on the petition will be added to the thousands that have already signed. This Petition will be delivered to the House Educational Committee, and they will be told they must support full and complete School Choice. So click here to sign! Copyright © 2023 Acton Advocacy Group, All rights reserved. Fighting to restore freedom in education in the Commonwealth Our mailing address is: Acton Advocacy Group 11895 Folly Lane Lovettsville, VA 20180 Add us to your address book
HB1794 - High school student transcript contents; certain test records.
Virginia School Counselor Association supports HB 1794. This change in transcripts provides equity for all high school students in Virginia.
My name is Jennifer Melton and I am a high school counselor in the Virginia public school system. I’ve also worked as a college counselor in independent schools overseas affiliated with the US State Department serving many Virginia families. In my 17 years as a high school counselor, the higher education landscape continues to change and evolve each and every year. And it’s for this reason I write in support of House Bill 1794. Apologies for not being in person, but school counselors are incredibly busy with Academic and Career Planning meetings right now. I am meeting with over 200 students individually over a few weeks, so my time with them is crucial. Current VA Code states that college performance-related standardized tests such as SAT and ACT should be included on the high school transcript, with the option for parents and guardians to exclude them. I believe this code was created in good faith to help families, but the reality is test optional and test-free admissions are ever present in today’s landscape. A student may apply to some colleges with scores and to other colleges without. It’s important to note also, many colleges either require official scores sent from a testing agency or allow students to self-report scores on their application thus removing any need for them to be on a high school transcript. Today, over 1,800 4-year colleges in the US give families the choice of whether or not to send SAT or ACT scores. In Virginia, 47 colleges are either test-optional or test-free (FairTest.org). Finally, SAT and ACT scores are not required to attend community college. SAT and ACT test scores belong to students and their families, not schools. College Board, which conducts the SAT, has a privacy statement stating “Keeping SAT scores off transcripts helps schools comply with FERPA and avoid any possible conflicts in which a school sends SAT scores that a student didn’t intend to report.” In my time working in 5 different independent schools serving many Virginia families, none included these scores on transcripts. For context, the large majority of seniors at my current high school applying to 4-year colleges opted to exclude SAT and ACT scores from their high school transcript. Having scores on VA public school transcripts (even with the choice to exclude) adds increased stress on families to make sure one more task in a long list of to-do’s must be completed. Given that some colleges are moving their application windows and deadlines earlier to September, it creates a real crunch of time early in senior year when families need advice and when high schools are just starting the school year to ensure each piece of the puzzle is ready. In fact, many of those who can afford it, hire additional help beyond the school to navigate in this process. Helping families navigate the college admission process can be incredibly complex – from affording college, researching admission requirements, seeking teacher and counselor recommendations, learning how to apply, and putting together many pieces to submit a strong application. For myself and many of you on this committee, test-optional admissions was likely not something we had to consider when applying to college. But it’s a new reality. Please help VA families and the already cumbersome college admission process by supporting House Bill 1794. Please give families more control of their own information and ease some of the stress of this process.
"I support HB 1396 as introduced, and it deserves a vote." Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the School Choice fight! Quick Links: Join the Rapid Response Team of Virginia for Educational Freedom School Choice petition to legislators Donate to Virginia for Educational Freedom For Our Children, Natassia Grover Director Virginia for Educational Freedom PS- It is vital that you sign our Petition for School Choice today. The thing politicians fear most is large numbers of angry voters, and your signature on the petition will be added to the thousands that have already signed. This Petition will be delivered to the House Educational Committee, and they will be told they must support full and complete School Choice. So click here to sign! Copyright © 2023 Acton Advocacy Group, All rights reserved. Fighting to restore freedom in education in the Commonwealth Our mailing address is: Acton Advocacy Group 11895 Folly Lane Lovettsville, VA 20180 Add us to your address book
HB1887 - Local school boards and comprehensive community colleges; compensation structure for instructors.
I hope that you will move to report the following bills as our students desperately need help. It is clear that the previous years' actions by other groups are not supporting kids to learn facts and think for themselves: becoming functional adults that contribute positively to our world. HB1555, HB1726, HB1887, HB1889, HB2277, HB2396 are all items that are before you that will be a catalyst for positive change. Thank you for your time,
"I support HB 1396 as introduced, and it deserves a vote." Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the School Choice fight! Quick Links: Join the Rapid Response Team of Virginia for Educational Freedom School Choice petition to legislators Donate to Virginia for Educational Freedom For Our Children, Natassia Grover Director Virginia for Educational Freedom PS- It is vital that you sign our Petition for School Choice today. The thing politicians fear most is large numbers of angry voters, and your signature on the petition will be added to the thousands that have already signed. This Petition will be delivered to the House Educational Committee, and they will be told they must support full and complete School Choice. So click here to sign! Copyright © 2023 Acton Advocacy Group, All rights reserved. Fighting to restore freedom in education in the Commonwealth Our mailing address is: Acton Advocacy Group 11895 Folly Lane Lovettsville, VA 20180 Add us to your address book
HB1889 - Higher educational institutions, public, etc.; certain immunization requirements prohibited.
I am sure that you all have similar feelings or personal stories regarding the manipulation and loss of personal freedoms beginning with the mandates of late 2020 and early 2021; some currently still being mandated here in Virginia. It is amazing to me that many countries outside the US are standing up and screaming no more- the injections and gene therapy Covid-19 serum is both dangerous and serves no purpose. For those of you that lost your positions/livelihood during the last few years; keep the faith. Whether you made this choice for health reasons, religious freedom, or individual choice you should applaud yourself for standing up for your personal rights and privileges. The time is coming that we will begin to see more and more of these unconstitutional acts begin to fall. Currently, North Shore University Health System employees won a $10.3M class action over the loss of religious freedom. New York City’s mandate for the injection was also overturned for municipal workers and all employees must be reinstated with back pay. Even our own DOD has stopped the mandate of these injections. These are a few cases out of numerous cases where the voices of the people are being heard. Here in the state of Virginia we are seeing many employees ban together to fight back and argue both the safety, efficacy, and lack of informed consent that these mandates provided. As you all know by now these Covid-19 mRNA injections DO NOT prevent the virus nor do they prevent the spread. Going back to Dec 11, 2020, the FDA EUA review committee even knew. The FDA committee pointed out in its discussions, and I quote “vaccine development has a long history and that the FDA is not aware of an example of ANY vaccine that is effective against mild disease that is also effective against severe disease”. Nature publication even has an article that the WSJ discussed where Growing evidence suggests that repeated vaccinations may make people more susceptible to the new Omnicron variant, XBB and could be fueling the virus’s rapid evolution. Senator Ron Johnson held a congressional hearing on Dec 7th with some of the worlds best doctors and researchers discussing that there are plenty of safety signals and current research showing that these injections need to be pulled from the market. Yet here we stand still discussing the risk of not doing so. Is anyone paying attention to the fact that 96+ countries have removed C-19 testing and vaccine requirements to enter? Shortages in higher education all over continue despite the push for the shot two years ago. The shortages that we see today are those that have left the field, are out with injury or are out with constant illness. Our reported weekly numbers rarely vary. So where are the benefits we were to see? Why should we continue what is not making a difference? I currently support this bill and think no one should be denied bodily autonomy- especially in an institution that "teaches" do no harm!
After 7 am meeting, then this one. HB 1689 - Please move to report. No one should die without benefit of spiritual help. *HB 1864 - No person should be required to input into their bodies something they don't want there, just to keep their job. We're not North Korea. *HB 1889 - Data shows that they are not at great risk of disease. HB 2057 - Why should people who have worked and paid thousands of dollars for decades, by denied Social Security because those who violated the law came here? Why shouldn't we put infrastructure and improve schools for African American communities FIRST BEFORE any others? Why do they deserve any thing before our veterans? Please PBI this bill. HB 2160 - In honor of those who lost family/friends & weren't allowed to see them at the end, please move to report. HB 2276 - The data is clear: children are not at risk of death from COVID. HB 2293 - https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/articles/comparingdifferentinternationalmeasuresofexcessmortality/2022-12-20 Sweden and Norway were essentially tied for the lowest “[p]roportional all-cause excess-mortality scores” (which “measure[] the percentage change in the number of deaths compared to the expected number of deaths (based on the five-year average [from 2015 to 2019])” among the listed European countries, looking at data from Jan. 2020 to June 2022: Their excess mortality was up 2.7%, compared to, say, 5.2% for Denmark, 7.1% for Finland, and 11.8% for the Netherlands. They had the lowest all causes death rate since COVID arrived and didn't do these long, lengthy lockdowns. Sweden had lower rate avg. excess death percentages: https://reason.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ERGExcessMortality.xlsx https://www.baconsrebellion.com/wp/covid-19-update-still-lots-of-idle-hospital-capacity/ noted on 4/25/2000 Roanoke Valley had 80 cases, 6 hospitalizations and 0 deaths compared to Arlington with 764 cases, 137 hospitalizations, 29 deaths. Elective surgery was banned in both, although the whole of Roanoke Valley had 0 deaths. HB2489 - Please move to report so that men can be given the support to become strong fathers.
Please support HB1889. No student/employee of a college should be forced to choose between a degree/employment or a medical procedure-- vaccination. There is risk to every vaccination and nobody can undo it once it's been injected. I bet that the majority of US colleges that mandated the Covid vaccine are CRIMINALLY negligent for injuring and/or killing at least one student or employee. That's how dangerous yet ineffective the Covid vaccines are, and when an institution coerces harm, that's a crime. Even better yet, create a bill that reinforces complete and full bodily autonomy for the entire state of Virginia! There is no situation where any Virginian should be forced to take any shot or medical treatment. Ever.
I support HB1889. Bodily autonomy is a fundamental human right and therefore no one should be forced to take the COVID 19 injection as a condition to attend or be employed by institutions of higher education. Further, this injection is still only approved under Emergency Use Authorization reducing the ability for injected persons to receive compensation in the event of a bad reaction or death. Since the injections have been available in Virginia, 22,457 deaths have occurred. Additionally, myocarditis, from which one can not heal , is one of the main side effects of this injection. Support HB 1889 and protect our freedoms to choose what we put into our bodies. Thank you.
As a mother of 2 recent graduates and 1 current student at Virginia universities I respectfully ask that you please support HB1889 to prohibit any Virginia colleges and universities from requiring covid-19 shots for enrollment. From the start of the covid pandemic, healthy college age students were never at risk for serious illness. In the summer of 2021, it was known that the covid 19 shots did not stop infection and transmission of the virus and there were reported cases of myocarditis and other adverse events in the college age cohort. Despite these facts, most, if not all, Virginia colleges & universities mandated these shots for the Fall 2021 semester. In order to continue attending their colleges, students were told to get the shots or get a medical or religious exemption. Medical exemptions were hard to get, doctors were reluctant to grant them even when they thought it was justified for fear of reprisal. Students who did not want to get the shots were told by their college or university that they could transfer somewhere else or take a semester off; both of which are terrible options for students in the middle of earning their degrees. Parents, by the thousands, complained to college & university administrators about them forcing unnecessary, unwanted Emergency Use Authorized shots which have absolutely zero long term safety data on their young adult children, but their concerns were ignored. Many students felt coerced into getting shots they did not want or need and sadly some Virginia college students suffered serious adverse reactions. As if being coerced into getting covid shots for the Fall semester was not bad enough, in December of 2021 during Christmas break, many Virginia colleges and universities decided to mandate covid booster shots due to an irrational fear about the emerging Omicron variant - even though it was known at the time to be much less virulent than the previous ones. So, once again Virginia's college and university administrators mandated a covid booster shot that the college age cohort did not need, and it was still true that the shots do not stop infection or transmission and there is still absolutely zero long-term safety data and many serious adverse events occurring from the covid 19 shots. And again, complaints from parents and students went out to the administrators of Virginia's colleges and universities and fell on deaf ears. Students who did not want to get the booster shot were told they could defer for a semester or transfer to a different college - all bad options. So, once again many of Virginia's college and university students were coerced into getting a shot they did not need and did not want. The Commonwealth of Virginia needs to stand up for medical freedom and choice and tell college and university administrators that they will never again be allowed to decide what shots college students should take. Also, the Virginia Department of Health should not be deciding what shots college students should take.
Please support HB1889 to prohibit any Virginia colleges and universities from requiring covid-19 shots for enrollment. From the start of the covid pandemic, healthy college age students were never at risk for serious illness. In the summer of 2021, it was known that the covid 19 shots did not stop infection and transmission of the virus and there were reported cases of myocarditis and other adverse events in the college age cohort. Despite these facts, most, if not all, Virginia colleges & universities mandated these shots for the Fall 2021 semester. In order to continue attending their colleges, students were told to get the shots or get a medical or religious exemption. Medical exemptions were hard to get, doctors were reluctant to grant them even when they thought it was justified for fear of reprisal. Students who did not want to get the shots were told by their college or university that they could transfer somewhere else or take a semester off; both of which are terrible options for students in the middle of earning their degrees. Parents, by the thousands, complained to college & university administrators about them forcing unnecessary, unwanted Emergency Use Authorized shots which have absolutely zero long term safety data on their young adult children, but their concerns were ignored. Many students felt coerced into getting shots they did not want or need and sadly some Virginia college students suffered serious adverse reactions. As if being coerced into getting covid shots for the Fall semester was not bad enough, in December of 2021 during Christmas break, many Virginia colleges and universities decided to mandate covid booster shots due to an irrational fear about the emerging Omicron variant - even though it was known at the time to be much less virulent than the previous ones. So, once again Virginia's college and university administrators mandated a covid booster shot that the college age cohort did not need, and it was still true that the shots do not stop infection or transmission and there is still absolutely zero long-term safety data and many serious adverse events occurring from the covid 19 shots. And again, complaints from parents and students went out to the administrators of Virginia's colleges and universities and fell on deaf ears. Students who did not want to get the booster shot were told they could defer for a semester or transfer to a different college - all bad options. So, once again many of Virginia's college and university students were coerced into getting a shot they did not need and did not want. The Commonwealth of Virginia needs to stand up for medical freedom and choice and tell college and university administrators that they will never again be allowed to decide what shots college students should take. Also, the Virginia Department of Health should not be deciding what shots college students should take.
Please support this bill. The requirement of an educational institution for any medical procedure whatsoever, including immunization against COVID-19, violates the bodily autonomy of individuals. Discrimination based on personal healthcare choices should not be allowed. Further, the health risks of COVID-19 immunizations are becoming increasingly clear. No person should be forced or pressured into receiving these shots.
I hope that you will move to report the following bills as our students desperately need help. It is clear that the previous years' actions by other groups are not supporting kids to learn facts and think for themselves: becoming functional adults that contribute positively to our world. HB1555, HB1726, HB1887, HB1889, HB2277, HB2396 are all items that are before you that will be a catalyst for positive change. Thank you for your time,
"I support HB 1396 as introduced, and it deserves a vote." Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the School Choice fight! Quick Links: Join the Rapid Response Team of Virginia for Educational Freedom School Choice petition to legislators Donate to Virginia for Educational Freedom For Our Children, Natassia Grover Director Virginia for Educational Freedom PS- It is vital that you sign our Petition for School Choice today. The thing politicians fear most is large numbers of angry voters, and your signature on the petition will be added to the thousands that have already signed. This Petition will be delivered to the House Educational Committee, and they will be told they must support full and complete School Choice. So click here to sign! Copyright © 2023 Acton Advocacy Group, All rights reserved. Fighting to restore freedom in education in the Commonwealth Our mailing address is: Acton Advocacy Group 11895 Folly Lane Lovettsville, VA 20180 Add us to your address book
HB2076 - Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program; changes to eligibility criteria.
The attachment are the short remarks that I have prepared in reference to HB 2076.
"I support HB 1396 as introduced, and it deserves a vote." Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the School Choice fight! Quick Links: Join the Rapid Response Team of Virginia for Educational Freedom School Choice petition to legislators Donate to Virginia for Educational Freedom For Our Children, Natassia Grover Director Virginia for Educational Freedom PS- It is vital that you sign our Petition for School Choice today. The thing politicians fear most is large numbers of angry voters, and your signature on the petition will be added to the thousands that have already signed. This Petition will be delivered to the House Educational Committee, and they will be told they must support full and complete School Choice. So click here to sign! Copyright © 2023 Acton Advocacy Group, All rights reserved. Fighting to restore freedom in education in the Commonwealth Our mailing address is: Acton Advocacy Group 11895 Folly Lane Lovettsville, VA 20180 Add us to your address book
HB2114 - Higher educational institutions, public; tuition & financial aid, dependency override application.
"I support HB 1396 as introduced, and it deserves a vote." Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the School Choice fight! Quick Links: Join the Rapid Response Team of Virginia for Educational Freedom School Choice petition to legislators Donate to Virginia for Educational Freedom For Our Children, Natassia Grover Director Virginia for Educational Freedom PS- It is vital that you sign our Petition for School Choice today. The thing politicians fear most is large numbers of angry voters, and your signature on the petition will be added to the thousands that have already signed. This Petition will be delivered to the House Educational Committee, and they will be told they must support full and complete School Choice. So click here to sign! Copyright © 2023 Acton Advocacy Group, All rights reserved. Fighting to restore freedom in education in the Commonwealth Our mailing address is: Acton Advocacy Group 11895 Folly Lane Lovettsville, VA 20180 Add us to your address book
HB2142 - Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back (G3) Program; eligibility, high-demand fields.
"I support HB 1396 as introduced, and it deserves a vote." Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the School Choice fight! Quick Links: Join the Rapid Response Team of Virginia for Educational Freedom School Choice petition to legislators Donate to Virginia for Educational Freedom For Our Children, Natassia Grover Director Virginia for Educational Freedom PS- It is vital that you sign our Petition for School Choice today. The thing politicians fear most is large numbers of angry voters, and your signature on the petition will be added to the thousands that have already signed. This Petition will be delivered to the House Educational Committee, and they will be told they must support full and complete School Choice. So click here to sign! Copyright © 2023 Acton Advocacy Group, All rights reserved. Fighting to restore freedom in education in the Commonwealth Our mailing address is: Acton Advocacy Group 11895 Folly Lane Lovettsville, VA 20180 Add us to your address book
HB2152 - Higher educational institutions, public; in-state tuition, children of active duty service members.
"I support HB 1396 as introduced, and it deserves a vote." Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the School Choice fight! Quick Links: Join the Rapid Response Team of Virginia for Educational Freedom School Choice petition to legislators Donate to Virginia for Educational Freedom For Our Children, Natassia Grover Director Virginia for Educational Freedom PS- It is vital that you sign our Petition for School Choice today. The thing politicians fear most is large numbers of angry voters, and your signature on the petition will be added to the thousands that have already signed. This Petition will be delivered to the House Educational Committee, and they will be told they must support full and complete School Choice. So click here to sign! Copyright © 2023 Acton Advocacy Group, All rights reserved. Fighting to restore freedom in education in the Commonwealth Our mailing address is: Acton Advocacy Group 11895 Folly Lane Lovettsville, VA 20180 Add us to your address book
HB2194 - Higher ed. institutions, certain; reimbursement for noncredit workforce training program, grants.
"I support HB 1396 as introduced, and it deserves a vote." Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the School Choice fight! Quick Links: Join the Rapid Response Team of Virginia for Educational Freedom School Choice petition to legislators Donate to Virginia for Educational Freedom For Our Children, Natassia Grover Director Virginia for Educational Freedom PS- It is vital that you sign our Petition for School Choice today. The thing politicians fear most is large numbers of angry voters, and your signature on the petition will be added to the thousands that have already signed. This Petition will be delivered to the House Educational Committee, and they will be told they must support full and complete School Choice. So click here to sign! Copyright © 2023 Acton Advocacy Group, All rights reserved. Fighting to restore freedom in education in the Commonwealth Our mailing address is: Acton Advocacy Group 11895 Folly Lane Lovettsville, VA 20180 Add us to your address book
HB2277 - Comprehensive community colleges; education preparation programs.
The Virginia Education Association opposes HB1726.
I hope that you will move to report the following bills as our students desperately need help. It is clear that the previous years' actions by other groups are not supporting kids to learn facts and think for themselves: becoming functional adults that contribute positively to our world. HB1555, HB1726, HB1887, HB1889, HB2277, HB2396 are all items that are before you that will be a catalyst for positive change. Thank you for your time,
This excellent measure will reduce the cost of comprehensive community college support by Virginia taxpayers.
This should lower costs. FXCO has paid a premium for teachers with a masters,but can show no results.
We are supporting HB 2277 that will allow Virginia to utilize their 23 community colleges to move fairly quickly to end the growing teacher shortages in the state. A recently published article in the Community College Daily publication is attached. Hans A. Andrews, Ed.D.
Teacher Shortages and Florida Community Colleges offering Baccalaureate Degrees in Teaching A sample of both large and smaller Community Colleges out of the total of 27 colleges offering these programs The community colleges have been proposed as a major solution going forward. Florida has provided an example of the kinds of teacher preparation programs community and technical colleges can provide. Additionally, community colleges can contribute to increasing the number and diversity of a future cohort of K -12 educators. The solutions for teacher shortages, via community and technical colleges, are available throughout the country in the back yards of all American school districts! Miami Date State College • BS Early Childhood Education • BS Exceptional Student Education K-12 • BS Secondary Science Education • BS Secondary Mathematics Education Chipola College • BS Teacher Education in Elementary Education K-6 • BS Teacher Education in English Education • Bachelor of Science in Teacher Education in Exceptional Student Education • BS Teacher Education in Middle School Math Education (grades 5- 9) and Mathematics Education (grades 6-12) • BS Teacher Education in Middle School Science Education (grades 5-9) and Biology Education (grades 6-12) • BS Teacher Education in English Education South Florida State College • BS Elementary Education St. Johns River State College • Early Childhood Education
Resolving K-12 teacher shortages: New pathways are needed, and community colleges offer a way! An educational crisis has been growing for over a decade in the United States and many other places worldwide. The pipeline relied on for so long that the university system of educating future teachers has dropped below fifty percent of what it was just a decade ago. Over the years 2010 to 2019, 340,000 fewer students were preparing to become teachers than previously expected. A 50 percent decline is documented in nine states. Oklahoma reported that the University of Central Oklahoma had dropped teacher's enrollments from 1,800 to 856 in just seven years. Diversity enrollment concerns also continue to expand. Studies have identified some 15,000 fewer Black students enrolled across the country in teacher preparation programs in 2018 than in 2010. Over 60 teacher preparation programs in universities and colleges across the country have dropped their programs! Legislation in 2021-2022 Several states have recently attempted to respond to the growing crisis through legislation. But unfortunately, much of the recently passed new legislation involves patches rather than long-range solutions. Constant Carroll, former chancellor of the San Diego Community College District, stated that I will continue my efforts to ensure that, just like Florida, California can have its community colleges offer bachelor's degrees without limitation. The following are some of the results provided by community colleges being allowed to grant baccalaureate degrees in California: • Opportunity for students: Over half of the students in these programs would not otherwise have pursued a bachelor's degree. • Backgrounds: Some 60% enrolled from communities of color and disadvantaged backgrounds. • Affordability: Tuition for all four years costs just over $10,500. • Place-Bound: Most of the students are 'place-bound.' There are a significant number of community colleges in Florida presently offering Baccalaureate Degrees in education. The larger community colleges have a wider array of offerings than the more rural area colleges. Teacher shortages in every state have continued to grow over the past several years. Other than adding 'patches,' few legislative solutions have been difficult to identify. The previous pipelines for preparing teachers have been unable to keep up and have experienced enrollment declines. A few have even closed out their programs due to a lack of enrollment. Community colleges have been proposed as a practical solution in the future. Additionally, community colleges can contribute to increasing the number and diversity of a future cohort of K -12 educators. About the Authors Dr. Hans Andrews is the Distinguished Fellow in Community College Leadership through Olney Central College in Olney, Illinois. He is a former president of the college. Dr. William "Bill" Marzano is a Former Academic Administrator at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, Illinois. Dr. Greg Rockhold has served on the Board of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, President of the New Mexico Coalition of School Administrators and Executive Director of the New Mexico Association of Secondary School Principals,
"I support HB 1396 as introduced, and it deserves a vote." Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the School Choice fight! Quick Links: Join the Rapid Response Team of Virginia for Educational Freedom School Choice petition to legislators Donate to Virginia for Educational Freedom For Our Children, Natassia Grover Director Virginia for Educational Freedom PS- It is vital that you sign our Petition for School Choice today. The thing politicians fear most is large numbers of angry voters, and your signature on the petition will be added to the thousands that have already signed. This Petition will be delivered to the House Educational Committee, and they will be told they must support full and complete School Choice. So click here to sign! Copyright © 2023 Acton Advocacy Group, All rights reserved. Fighting to restore freedom in education in the Commonwealth Our mailing address is: Acton Advocacy Group 11895 Folly Lane Lovettsville, VA 20180 Add us to your address book
HB2396 - Virginia College Savings Plan; renamed Commonwealth Savers Plan, duties of governing board.
I hope that you will move to report the following bills as our students desperately need help. It is clear that the previous years' actions by other groups are not supporting kids to learn facts and think for themselves: becoming functional adults that contribute positively to our world. HB1555, HB1726, HB1887, HB1889, HB2277, HB2396 are all items that are before you that will be a catalyst for positive change. Thank you for your time,
"I support HB 1396 as introduced, and it deserves a vote." Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the School Choice fight! Quick Links: Join the Rapid Response Team of Virginia for Educational Freedom School Choice petition to legislators Donate to Virginia for Educational Freedom For Our Children, Natassia Grover Director Virginia for Educational Freedom PS- It is vital that you sign our Petition for School Choice today. The thing politicians fear most is large numbers of angry voters, and your signature on the petition will be added to the thousands that have already signed. This Petition will be delivered to the House Educational Committee, and they will be told they must support full and complete School Choice. So click here to sign! Copyright © 2023 Acton Advocacy Group, All rights reserved. Fighting to restore freedom in education in the Commonwealth Our mailing address is: Acton Advocacy Group 11895 Folly Lane Lovettsville, VA 20180 Add us to your address book
HB2408 - New Economy Workforce Credential Grant Program; eligible institutions, maximum reimbursement.
"I support HB 1396 as introduced, and it deserves a vote." Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the School Choice fight! Quick Links: Join the Rapid Response Team of Virginia for Educational Freedom School Choice petition to legislators Donate to Virginia for Educational Freedom For Our Children, Natassia Grover Director Virginia for Educational Freedom PS- It is vital that you sign our Petition for School Choice today. The thing politicians fear most is large numbers of angry voters, and your signature on the petition will be added to the thousands that have already signed. This Petition will be delivered to the House Educational Committee, and they will be told they must support full and complete School Choice. So click here to sign! Copyright © 2023 Acton Advocacy Group, All rights reserved. Fighting to restore freedom in education in the Commonwealth Our mailing address is: Acton Advocacy Group 11895 Folly Lane Lovettsville, VA 20180 Add us to your address book
HB2409 - Virginia College Savings Plan; renamed Commonwealth Savers Plan, duties of governing board.
Public schools are overcrowded, and classroom sizes are too big. Parents need SCHOOL CHOICE now.
"I support HB 1396 as introduced, and it deserves a vote." Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the School Choice fight! Quick Links: Join the Rapid Response Team of Virginia for Educational Freedom School Choice petition to legislators Donate to Virginia for Educational Freedom For Our Children, Natassia Grover Director Virginia for Educational Freedom PS- It is vital that you sign our Petition for School Choice today. The thing politicians fear most is large numbers of angry voters, and your signature on the petition will be added to the thousands that have already signed. This Petition will be delivered to the House Educational Committee, and they will be told they must support full and complete School Choice. So click here to sign! Copyright © 2023 Acton Advocacy Group, All rights reserved. Fighting to restore freedom in education in the Commonwealth Our mailing address is: Acton Advocacy Group 11895 Folly Lane Lovettsville, VA 20180 Add us to your address book
HB1419 - Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship Program; extension of eligibility.
support this bill HB1419
Please vote for this bill.
The Virginia Education Association supports HB1419.
"I support HB 1396 as introduced, and it deserves a vote." Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the School Choice fight! Quick Links: Join the Rapid Response Team of Virginia for Educational Freedom School Choice petition to legislators Donate to Virginia for Educational Freedom For Our Children, Natassia Grover Director Virginia for Educational Freedom PS- It is vital that you sign our Petition for School Choice today. The thing politicians fear most is large numbers of angry voters, and your signature on the petition will be added to the thousands that have already signed. This Petition will be delivered to the House Educational Committee, and they will be told they must support full and complete School Choice. So click here to sign! Copyright © 2023 Acton Advocacy Group, All rights reserved. Fighting to restore freedom in education in the Commonwealth Our mailing address is: Acton Advocacy Group 11895 Folly Lane Lovettsville, VA 20180 Add us to your address book
Please support Bill #1396! So important for the children of the Commonwealth of Virginia!