13 April 2020 – Virginian distance learning platform expanded to allow all teachers to host virtual classes

Type of Intervention: Executive Order, Guidance, New Tool / Service / Body
Sectors Involved: Education
Intervention Categories: Social and physical distancing measures; Adapting or closing schools
Level of Jurisdiction: Virginia
Lead People/Agency: Governor Ralph Northam and Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane, VDOE

Overview: Governor Ralph Northam today announced a dramatic expansion of Virtual Virginia, the Virginia Department of Education’s existing online learning system, to allow every teacher in the Commonwealth to host virtual classes while schools are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Full details here: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/all-releases/2020/april/headline-856109-en.html

Type of Justification: Advice of INTERNAL government advisory committee or group
Evidence/Justification: The expansion of Virtual Virginia will provide additional options for school divisions to present the instruction and content that they are unable to provide this spring in traditional classroom settings,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane.