Virginia ranks 51st in the U.S. — behind all other states and Washington, D.C. — in math recovery from 2019 to 2024 for its performance on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, an assessment known as “The Nation’s Report Card.”
Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera said that while other states are lowering expectations, like graduation requirements, Virginia is “raising all of our definitions of proficiency, our rigor, our standards and our requirements.”
Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, who chairs the Senate Education and Health Committee, said Virginia’s ranking as 51st in math recovery over the five-year span is a “mark of shame” and said the blame lies at the feet of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration.
Jackie Garry pets Myrtle, the Richmond SPCA mascot, during an event in front of the General Assembly Building in Richmond on Friday in which national animal welfare group Best Friends Animal Society recognized the 80 Virginia shelters that achieved or maintained no-kill last year. These shelters, along with the 26 state senators who represent them, received certificates and plaques to honor their lifesaving commitments and contributions that have positioned Virginia to become the largest no-kill state in the country.
Margo Wagner, Times-Dispatch
Kayla Tambellini, center, gives Smooches treats at a meet and greet event with adoptable dogs to celebrate the 80 Virginia shelters that achieved or maintained no-kill last year on February 14, 2025, in front of the General Assembly Building in Richmond, Va.
Margo Wagner
Jackie Garry and Jenna Malyn pet Brutus while talking in front of the Virginia State Capitol at a meet and greet event with adoptable dogs to celebrate the 80 Virginia shelters that achieved or maintained no-kill last year on February 14, 2025 in Richmond, Va. Brutus is adoptable from the Richmond Animal League.
Margo Wagner
Casey Marrin watches as Smooches and Barkley play in front of the Virginia State Capitol at a meet and greet event with adoptable dogs to celebrate the 80 Virginia shelters that achieved or maintained no-kill last year on February 14, 2025, in Richmond, Va. Barley and Smooches are adoptable from the Richmond Animal League.
Margo Wagner
Bri Green cuddles with Valentino during Friday’s event. Valentino was rescued from the California wildfires and is adoptable at the Richmond SPCA.
Margo Wagner, Times-Dispatch
Chuck Sagona pets Barkley at a meet and greet event with adoptable dogs to celebrate the 80 Virginia shelters that achieved or maintained no-kill last year on February 14, 2025, in front of the General Assembly Building in Richmond, Va. Barkley is adoptable from the Richmond Animal League.
Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera said that while other states are lowering expectations, like graduation requirements, Virginia is “raising all of our definitions of proficiency, our rigor, our standards and our requirements.”
Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, who chairs the Senate Education and Health Committee, said Virginia’s ranking as 51st in math recovery over the five-year span is a “mark of shame” and said the blame lies at the feet of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration.
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