Youngkin Releases New Student-Focused Education Plan

Governor Jeb Bush, founder and chairman of the Foundation for Excellence in Education:  

“Governor Glenn Youngkin’s education plan lays out an important agenda that serves the interests of all Virginia students by empowering parents, focusing on early literacy, improving college and career pathways, setting high expectations, and making Virginia’s education system more transparent and accountable to parents.”  

Eric Cantor, former U.S. House Majority Leader from Virginia, and board member, Foundation for Excellence in Education: 

“The Youngkin Administration’s students-first approach to education is a welcomed change, not only for our students and families, but for our state’s economic future. By prioritizing parental control, college and career readiness, early literacy, and ensuring the education system is held accountable, all of our students will have an opportunity to flourish throughout their K-12 journey. I applaud the Governor and his Administration for prioritizing education and releasing this important plan.” 

Patricia Levesque, CEO of the Foundation for Excellence in Education: 

“Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s education plan lays a foundation for improvement by focusing on the fundamentals: Putting students first, providing families with microgrants, raising expectations, strengthened accountability measures, and implementing the recently passed Virginia Literacy Act. ExcelinEd looks forward to working with the Administration’s efforts to make this vision and plan a reality for the benefit of Virginia’s students.” 

The plan includes ambitious policy goals, including: 

• A high-quality assessment system that accurately reflects student achievement and progress, and provides families and the public with transparent, easily understood information. 
• Implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act, ensuring that teachers are equipped with the tools necessary to educate the youngest learners and that students and families are engaged in the quest for literacy. 
• Creation of personalized learning plans that reflect the unique needs of individual students and goals to get them to grade level and beyond. 
• Measures to stem the tide of teacher turnover and attract quality candidates to the field of education. 

• Expansion of education opportunity through the innovative lab school model in partnership with institutions of higher education. 
• Direct support in the form of microgrants to parents and families to help them meet the specific educational needs of their students. 
• Multiple college and career pathways to ensure that each Virginia student is prepared to enter the workforce or continue their education beyond K-12.