Zoie Saunders, Secretary | Vermont Agency of Education
The Vermont Agency of Education has released a new Special Education Report as part of its ongoing strategic planning and the implementation of Act 73, which focuses on transforming education in the state. The report highlights areas of strength, identifies challenges, and outlines opportunities for improving services to students with disabilities. The agency describes the report as "an important part of the Agency’s ongoing strategic planning process and a key step in implementing Act 73, the state’s new education transformation law."
In October, the Agency's Regulatory Compliance Team will offer several webinars for business managers, superintendents, and staff involved with grant management or procurement. Topics include compensation of personal services—"Time and Effort," contract administration, and suspension and debarment procedures related to SAM.gov.
Literacy leaders are invited to attend a workshop titled "Building a Strong Foundation for Lifelong Literacy Success." This session is designed to help educators implement professional learning modules from the statewide science of reading course. The workshop will focus on facilitation strategies, pacing, and best practices for adult learning.
For those involved in early childhood education, free professional development sessions will be available in October. These sessions aim to improve understanding and use of GOLD data for Universal Prekindergarten programs.
A Q&A session regarding Section 10 of Act 72 (16 V.S.A. § 2903 Amendment) will take place later this month. The amendment requires supplemental reading instruction for students whose reading proficiency falls significantly below grade standards or hinders academic progress. Subject-matter experts from the Agency will provide an overview and answer questions about these requirements.
Behavioral Threat Assessment (BTA) workshops scheduled for October 7th and 8th have shifted to a virtual format due to low attendance. These workshops support current and future BTA teams in developing effective programs but are separate from mandatory annual training. Additionally, open office hours for BTA team members will continue throughout the school year on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon.
Champlain College’s Center for Financial Literacy has introduced the Vermont Financial Literacy Academy, a free online program running from October 1 through January 31. K-12 educators can earn up to eight hours of professional development credit by participating in various sessions. Funded by EastRise Credit Union, the academy features presentations from national experts including an interview with Vermont Secretary of Education Zoie Saunders.
For more information about these events or programs, individuals are encouraged to contact relevant staff at the Vermont Agency of Education.
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