Numbers released Monday by the Department of Education show unprecedented declines nationwide in math and reading for American 4 and 8th grade students.

As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, the numbers show academic setbacks throughout the pandemic, including here in Virginia.

And, as Michael Pope reports, the scores are creating a new discussion about what’s happening in public school classrooms across Virginia.

Schools across Virginia are struggling to find teachers for classrooms this fall. And, as Michael Pope reports, part of the problem is teacher pay.

You can read the entire analysis here.

Schools across Virginia are dealing with a major teacher shortage. Michael Pope reports.

Governor Glenn Youngkin is considering a budget proposal that some fear might harm scholarships for low-income students. Michael Pope explains why.

Education was a hot topic on the campaign trail last year. And, as Michael Pope reports, the issue remains at the forefront of a debate over what students should be learning in classrooms.

Credit: Alamosbasement / Flickr

As more teachers in Virginia organize and advocate for more money in public schools, some worry that advocacy isn’t welcome. Now Richmond is seeking to reassure teachers they have the right to speak up. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.

James Layne and his family pose with Governor Ralph Northam. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)

Virginia has a new superintendent of public instruction, current Chesterfield County superintendent James Layne. Governor Ralph Northam made the announcement in Richmond Thursday. Mallory Noe-Payne has details.

Credit: alamosbasement / Flickr

When students misbehave, how much discipline is too much? Lawmakers will be tackling that issue when they convene in Richmond for this year’s session. Michael Pope has this preview.

Teacher Dana Lockhart is still in training and is a member of VCU’s teacher residency program. Here she teaches while VCU President Michael Rao looks on. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / WVTF / RADIO IQ)

If you want to be a teacher, you can go to school and pay for your master’s in education. Or, you can make a 4-year commitment to teaching in Richmond Public Schools in exchange for a master’s degree through Virginia Commonwealth University, a practically-guaranteed job, and learning through doing. It’s a unique approach — there are only about 20 programs like it in the country. Now, as Mallory Noe-Payne reports, the federal government is taking notice.