Bill > HB362

This bill establishes a "Printed Textbook Pilot Program" in Virginia to promote positive educational outcomes by requiring that, unless a student's individualized education program (IEP) specifies otherwise, printed textbooks and other high-quality instructional materials serve as the primary basis for a grade-level subject or course, with digital materials allowed as a secondary option. The Department of Education will competitively select up to 10 school divisions to participate, considering factors like school performance, student demographics, and geographic diversity. The Department will provide technical assistance and award grants, funded by appropriations, to these divisions for purchasing printed materials, with no local match required and these funds intended to supplement, not replace, existing state funding for textbooks. Participating divisions will assist the Department in submitting annual reports to legislative committees detailing implementation, satisfaction levels, and student learning outcomes to inform potential program modifications or expansions.