SB 147: Alternative graduation pathways to earn Standard Diploma; development, approval, and implementation,

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

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. 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.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. February 10, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB147)
2. February 10, 2026Continued to next session in Finance and Appropriations (15-Y 0-N)
3. February 6, 2026Committee substitute printed 26107264D-S1
4. February 5, 2026Senate committee offered
5. February 5, 2026Reported from Education and Health with substitute and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (14-Y 0-N 1-A)
6. February 5, 2026Senate committee offered
7. January 29, 2026Senate subcommittee offered
8. January 28, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB147)
9. January 15, 2026Assigned Education sub: Public Education
10. January 7, 2026Referred to Committee on Education and Health
11. January 7, 2026Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26100671D