Vermont: College and Career Policies

Established by the State Board of Education in 1996, the Vermont Comprehensive Assessments System (CAS) evaluates student performance in the state's schools, based on Vermont's Framework of Standards and Learning Opportunities,with the goal of improving teaching and learning. Statewide assessments include:

The New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) which was administered each fall, ending in October, 2013. Reading and writing assessments were administered in grades 3-8 and 11.

Vermont updated the math standards in 2010. These standards are aligned to the Common Core State Standards.

In order to renew a license, administrators must complete professional learning activities through a minimum of 6 credit hours or 90 clock hours.

Vermont updated the arts standards in 2016.

The Vermont State Board of Education has full authority to adopt assessments.

In March 2011, the State of Vermont Department of Education created the Vermont Task Force on Teacher & Leader Effectiveness to develop guidelines for teacher and leader evaluation. Knowing and respecting the fiercely independent nature of Vermonters, Task Force members were committed to developing these guidelines for creating and assessing evaluation systems and not creating a plan or template for school districts to adopt. The Task Force developed standards for evaluation based on the InTASC standards for teachers. These standards were adopted by the Vermont Standards Board for Professional Educators in 2011.

In March 2011, the State of Vermont Department of Education created the Vermont Task Force on Teacher & Leader Effectiveness to develop guidelines for teacher and leader evaluation. Knowing and respecting the fiercely independent nature of Vermonters, Task Force members were committed to developing these guidelines for creating and assessing evaluation systems and not creating a plan or template for school districts to adopt. The Task Force developed standards for evaluation based on the InTASC standards for teachers. These standards were adopted by the Vermont Standards Board for Professional Educators in 2011.

The Vermont Standards Board for Professional Educators oversees teacher licensure.

In order to receive a certificate, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, show content knowledge, prove student teaching experience, and communicate effectively.

The Vermont Standards Board for Professional Educators sets standards and approves teacher preparation programs.

To be approved in Vermont, teacher preparation programs must meet administrative, student teaching, and other requirements outlined in the policy.

The English Language Learner (ELL) Program administers funds to support programs for limited English proficient (LEP) and bilingual students. These programs are intended to provide needed resources to support high-quality instruction to help immigrant children and youth meet the same challenging performance standards expected of all Vermont students. The program also support a variety of activities related to English language acquisition, language enhancement, academic achievement and immigrant education, including: