a message from the Superintendent

Dr. Billy K. Cannaday Jr. - Superintendent of Public Instruction

(click here for the video version of this message)

Virginia’s public schools have reached a milestone on the road to excellence. More than 90 percent of the commonwealth’s schools are now meeting the objectives of the Standards of Learning, and in nearly as many, students are making the progress required by No Child Left Behind.

Virginia students also are demonstrating increasing proficiency and outperforming their peers on national tests in reading, mathematics, and most recently, science. Governor Tim Kaine is now challenging Virginia’s schools to build on this success by setting their sights above minimum state and federal standards for competency and achievement, while maintaining accountability for the instruction of every child.

I am honored that Governor Kaine asked me to lead this effort as the commonwealth’s twenty-second superintendent of public instruction. Our goal is to make sure that every student is challenged every day he or she comes to school, regardless of where his or her school happens to be. The Standards of Learning provide a solid foundation for our students to reach beyond competence and proficiency and achieve excellence. By asking more of our children, from preschool through their senior year, we will better prepare them for success and productive citizenship in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. Our success in providing the education the 21st century demands will depend on the efforts of thousands of dedicated teachers and administrators, millions of increasingly engaged parents, and all Virginians who understand the connection between education and economic prosperity.

Thank you for visiting the Virginia Department of Education online, and thank you for your interest in the commonwealth’s public schools. Billy K. Cannaday, Jr. Superintendent of Public Instruction

Billy K. Cannaday, Jr.
Superintendent of Public Instruction