Public school accountability system; Three "E" Readiness Framework.
Summary
SB784 directs the Virginia Board of Education to revise the state’s Three “E” Readiness Framework—Employment, Enlistment, and Enrollment—used in the public school accountability system to measure high school postsecondary readiness. The bill adds work-based learning as an explicit indicator of readiness and requires the framework to incentivize both participation in and completion of such experiences.
Under the bill, students can earn the maximum points for this indicator by completing at least 90 hours of work-based learning. The measure is intended to encourage schools and students to treat internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, and similar career-connected learning as a meaningful part of high school readiness, alongside traditional pathways such as college enrollment and military enlistment.
Impact
The bill changes the Department of Education’s accountability framework rather than creating a new standalone program. It requires the Board of Education to revise the Three “E” Readiness Framework so that work-based learning counts toward postsecondary readiness scoring, which may affect how schools are evaluated and how they structure career and technical education opportunities. The practical impact is to elevate work-based learning within the state’s school accountability system and potentially increase student participation in employer-connected learning experiences.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad support overall, with strong bipartisan approval in the Senate and passage in the House despite some opposition. It cleared the Senate Education and Health Committee unanimously and passed the Senate 39-0, suggesting little controversy in that chamber. In the House, however, the committee vote was narrower and the floor vote was more divided, indicating some reservations even though the measure ultimately passed.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to be whether and how strongly work-based learning should be weighted in the state’s accountability framework. Supporters likely view the bill as a way to better align high school readiness metrics with workforce needs and career pathways, while opponents may have concerns about implementation, consistency of access across school divisions, or whether the 90-hour threshold and point structure fairly measure readiness. The House vote margin suggests the most skepticism came there, though the bill still received majority support.