VIRGINIA

Virginia is a strong supporter of Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). Under HB 29 (2004), local districts are required to spend state and local funds for dropout prevention programs. The majority of the state-appropriated funds were designated to establish AVID programs for at-risk students in middle and high schools across Virginia. The remaining funds were disbursed to Achievable Dream, Inc., a state organization, to operate extended-school-day and summer enrichment programs for students. Virginia also encourages partnerships among the business sector, community organizations, social service providers, government agencies, parents, and school administrators and other staff members.

Other state developments have centered around strenghthening the state's education system. In 2004, HB 1254 strengthened the School Performance Report Card to include a range of indicators including dropout rates and percentages of students in alternative programs that do not lead to a standard or advanced studies diploma. House Bill 10, enacted in 2006, required the State Board of Education to establish a standard uniform formula for measuring high school graduation rates taking into consideration the recommendations of the National Governors Association. Virginia has reported the National Governors Association’s cohort graduation rate, since 2008.

The compulsory attendance age was set at 18 prior to 2002. The maximum public school entitlement age is 20.