Panel backs substitute allowing IB Diploma to substitute for Virginia Advanced Studies requirements for transfers

Senator Saleem sponsored a substitute to align Virginia graduation requirements with the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, reducing an academic burden for students transferring into Virginia in later high‑school years. Josh Singer (IB World Schools) and local school officials described how the change would reduce schedule overload for IB candidates and benefit military and State Department families who frequently transfer.

The substitute narrowed the scope (board approval required for equivalencies) and added a clarification on waivers for CPR/first aid and other hands‑on requirements for students with IEP/504 limitations. After brief questions and a friendly amendment (striking the word "during" grade 10), the committee recommended reporting the substitute as amended, with one abstention noted in the transcript.