SB147
Alternative graduation pathways to earn Standard Diploma; development, approval, and implementation,
Status:
In Senate
Latest Action:
Feb. 10, 2026
Senate: Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB147)
Chief Patron:
Stella Pekarsky (D)
Session:
2026 Regular Session
Summary
As Introduced. 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. ... (More) 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. (Less)-
Bill History
- 01/07/2026 - Senate: Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26100671D
- 01/07/2026 - Senate: Referred to Committee on Education and Health
- 01/15/2026 - Senate: Assigned Education sub: Public Education
- 01/28/2026 - Senate: Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB147)
- 01/29/2026 - Senate: Senate subcommittee offered
- 02/05/2026 - Senate: Senate committee offered
- 02/05/2026 - Senate: Reported from Education and Health with substitute and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (14-Y 0-N 1-A)
- 02/05/2026 - Senate: Rereferred to Finance and Appropriations
- 02/05/2026 - Senate: Senate committee offered
- 02/06/2026 - Senate: Committee substitute printed 26107264D-S1
- 02/10/2026 - Senate: Continued to next session in Finance and Appropriations (15-Y 0-N)
- 02/10/2026 - Senate: Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB147)
