Virginia Education Department Responds to Assessment System Delay Accusations
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is disputing claims that it failed to meet the General Assembly's mandate to establish a new statewide student assessment system. The controversy stems from concerns about the timeline and progress of the project, initially envisioned by Gov. Glenn Youngkin and lawmakers in 2022.
The Genesis of the Assessment System
In 2022, the goal was to create a system with "rigorous standards" for students, "best-in-class assessments, and a transparent and meaningful accountability and support system." A January 9 report highlighted this objective. Lawmakers allocated $500,000 for the initiative.
Senator Hashmi's Concerns and VDOE's Response
Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Richmond, raised concerns about delays in a letter to Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera and Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Guillickson. Hashmi pointed out the absence of a Request for Proposals (RFP) after the legislature authorized extending the contract with Pearson through December 31, 2027, for “continuity of testing.”
Kenita Matthews, a VDOE spokeswoman, countered that the department hadn't missed any deadlines set by the General Assembly. She suggested the lack of "mandatory carry forward language" in the budget delayed the process, as approval was needed to utilize the allocated funds. Approval finally came on August 25th.
Budgetary Constraints and Procurement Process
Hashmi highlighted that the $500,000 was meant for hiring a vendor to analyze assessment system options and develop a competitive RFP, guided by a work group. She argued that the missed September 1 RFP deadline and lack of monthly updates jeopardize the timeline and could lead to underfunding or overspending.
Matthews clarified that the budget structure necessitated approval for funds to carry over from fiscal year 2025 to 2026. She stated that the department is now finalizing the procurement process and anticipates issuing the RFP by October 6. Monthly updates to lawmakers will resume, and the work group has scheduled six meetings before the November 1 reporting deadline.
Looking Ahead
VDOE expects to issue the RFP no later than October 6. Sen. Hashmi said that a response letter from Gullickson is currently under review. “This is a substantial undertaking by the commonwealth that will impact our school districts, educators, and students for years to come, and we have a condensed time frame to act,” Hashmi said in a statement to the Mercury. “It is time to get serious with the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, continue a transparent process with stakeholders, and ensure our students are well-positioned for success in 2026.”
