Virginia’s Next Governor Must Transform Education for Future Readiness

As Virginia prepares to elect its next governor, a crucial question emerges: How will the incoming administration address the need for an education system that equips students for a rapidly evolving world? The next governor must prioritize modernization over mere maintenance, ensuring that Virginia continues to uphold its tradition of academic excellence.

A strong, forward-looking K–12 agenda is vital. The next governor should commit to high standards while aligning education with the demands of the future workforce. Virginia’s Standards of Learning (SOLs) have served as a robust framework, but they now require evolution. With the rise of artificial intelligence transforming job markets, educational standards must adapt to emphasize durable skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and ethical reasoning—skills that machines cannot replicate.

Modernizing Educational Standards

The upcoming administration has a historic opportunity to refine the SOLs, ensuring every graduate is not only prepared to navigate a world shaped by AI but also equipped to lead in it. This includes revamping assessments to focus on deeper learning. Integrating performance-based assessments, project-based learning, and authentic demonstrations of mastery alongside traditional testing can enhance student engagement and knowledge retention. When students are encouraged to analyze, create, and collaborate, they develop skills that foster both personal success and bolster Virginia’s economic strength.

Despite progress in educational reform, a significant number of students still lag behind grade level. Research indicates that high-impact tutoring—defined as frequent, small-group, or one-on-one instruction with trained tutors—is one of the most effective interventions for improving student outcomes. The incoming governor should prioritize scaling this strategy across the state by securing dedicated funding, establishing consistent quality standards, and promoting flexible delivery models. High-impact tutoring has the potential to turn recovery into acceleration, ensuring that all school divisions have the necessary resources to integrate it into their instructional day.

Connecting Education to Workforce Readiness

Virginia’s economy increasingly demands graduates who can adapt, think critically, and work collaboratively. Therefore, the next governor should also focus on redesigning the high school experience to connect rigorous academics with practical applications. Supporting initiatives like the Commonwealth Learning Partnership’s Virginia Leads Innovation Network can help reimagine high school education through career-connected learning, flexible scheduling, and innovative assessments that link students with local employers, community colleges, and credentialing opportunities.

A clear statewide goal should be established: every graduate should leave high school with a valuable credential, apprenticeship, or college credit aligned with in-demand careers. This commitment to workforce readiness must be a guarantee rather than a mere promise.

Furthermore, career pathways hold little value if students cannot read at grade level. Virginia Learns advocates for bipartisan legislation that builds on evidence-based reading initiatives, such as the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA). Investing in this area is critical. The VLA mandates one reading specialist for every 550 students in grades K–3 and one for every 1,100 students in grades 4–8. Expanding funding to increase the number of literacy coaches would alleviate caseloads and facilitate earlier intervention for struggling readers.

Additionally, strengthening the educator pipeline is essential. Ensuring that Virginia’s colleges and universities incorporate research-driven literacy instruction into pre-service teacher preparation will help new teachers proficiently deliver evidence-based reading instruction. This proactive approach can significantly reduce costly in-service remediation and guarantee that every child learns to read proficiently by fourth grade.

No educational reform can succeed without dedicated teachers and leaders. Virginia currently faces challenges, including educator shortages, uneven compensation, and outdated professional development systems. Many high schools operate with only one or two certified math teachers. The next governor must implement a comprehensive educator workforce strategy that includes competitive compensation, mentoring programs, and modern professional learning aligned with innovation goals.

If the focus remains on meaningful outcomes—rigorous academics, essential skills, and clear pathways to success—Virginia can maintain its status as a national leader in education. Yet, turning education into a political battleground risks eroding the trust and momentum built over the years. The legacy of the next governor will not be defined by catchy slogans but rather by the ability of Virginia’s schools to rise to meet the challenges posed by the age of AI. High standards, targeted tutoring, and reimagined high schools are essential components to future-proof opportunities for every learner in the Commonwealth.

Robert Nomberg, president and CEO of Virginia Learns, a nonprofit education organization, urges all stakeholders to prioritize these initiatives as the election approaches. His commitment to enhancing education in Virginia reflects a broader need for systemic change that addresses the needs of students and prepares them for a complex future.