Weekly Field Memo: Recent News and Items of Interest From the Agency

Contents:

District Quality Standards Feedback Reminder

Audience: Superintendents, School Administrators, Educators

The District Quality Standards (DQS) adopted by the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE) effective July 2025 establish expectations for all Vermont school districts under 16 V.S.A. § 165. The AOE is interested in receiving feedback and suggestions from the field regarding the DQS self-evaluationrubrics, with key areas including governance, facilities, assessment systems, continuous improvement, business operations, and data management. The Agency is also interested in feedback regarding the self-evaluation data collection process. Complete our feedback form by 12/22/25: Quality Standards Rubric Feedback Survey.

Contact: Ian Burfoot-Rochford at [email protected]

Introduction to the Include! Curriculum: Building Disability Awareness for All

Audience: All Educators and Special Educators

You are invited to an exciting webinar focused on introducing the Include! curriculum to K-12 faculty and staff. Created by the Vermont State Independent Living Council (VTSILC), this one-hour webinar focuses on identity and belonging, disability awareness, civil rights and social change, and exploring the disability experience through literature. The lesson plans contained within the Include! curriculum will give students insight into an important and often untold piece of history, while fostering self-sufficiency, self-esteem, and respect for others. Webinar will be held virtually February 5, 2026, 2:00 - 3:00 PM.Register for the webinar by January 29, 2026.

Contact: Anne Dubie, UVM at [email protected]

Using Assessment Data to Get Results: Fidelity and Perception Data Matter: 1/13/26

Audience: Leadership teams, VTPBIS School Coordinators, Administrators, SU/SD Coordinators, and other Leadership Team members

As schools implement PBIS/MTSS, assessing whether they are implementing with fidelity and how key partners perceive the efforts is critical to success. This webinar will introduce a variety of assessment tools (Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI), Self-Assessment Survey (SAS), School Climate Surveys and the Team Initiated Problem Solving (TIPS) protocol) to help teams efficiently analyze their data. Participants will learn how to access, complete, and analyze results. Participants will also see examples of how schools present and share their data with staff, families/caregivers, and other partners. Webinar will be held virtually Tuesday, January 13, 2026 from 9:00 - 11:00 AM. Register by 1/6/26 for Using Assessment Data to Get Results: Fidelity and Perception Data Matter.

Contact: Anne Dubie, UVM at [email protected]

Crisis Prevention Institute Regional 2026 Trainings

Audience: Administrators, SU/SD Coordinators

Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) regional initial training schedule is available for 2026:

• 2/10 to 2/13 Concord, NH (Advanced Skills Training)
• 2/24 to 2/26 Nashua, NH
• 3/10 to 3/12 South Portland, ME
• 4/21 to 4/23 Concord, NH
• 6/16 to 6/18 South Portland, ME
• 6/23 to 6/25 Manchester, NH

New trainers will attend all three days and renewing trainers only attend the final day. Both require online pre-work to be completed. Search for and schedule your training via the Crisis Prevention Institute. If you are not seeing a program nearby or that fits your schedule, and you are looking to renew/certify more than four trainers, CPI offers onsite training options. Book a 15-minute Meeting with Kevin Grace at Crisis Prevention Institute.

Contact: Kevin Grace, CPI at [email protected]

State Afterschool Grant Update

Audience: Superintendents, Principals and Afterschool Directors

As of December 10, 2025, at 11:59 PM, the application period for the Program Track State Afterschool Grant has closed. However, the Center Track Grant remains open for submissions via the Grants Management System until January 15, 2026. These grants aim to support the development and expansion of single-site comprehensive afterschool and summer programs. For assistance with accessing or submitting your application, please contact our support team. Thank you for your dedication to enhancing educational opportunities for youth.

Contact: Asah Whalen at [email protected]