RICHMOND, Va. — Not only is the state tracking a school's accreditation status, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is now assigning scores and rankings that provide more insights into whether schools are meeting standards across multiple different measures and student groups.
The changes come as part of Governor Glenn Youngkin's push to reform the public education accountability system and, in part, address concerns that the previous accreditation process did not truly reflect how well or poorly students were performing on key indicators of success.
"For decades, Virginia's used the term 'fully accredited.' It's been our understanding," VDOE Assistant Superintendent Mark Jennings told the State Board of Education during a meeting on Wednesday. "People think 'my school's fully accredited' means this— that's good, you should be fully accredited— but we also want to look at the performance, and with those resources, you're in compliance, how are your students doing?"
While the accreditation process checks for regulatory compliance with policies and state requirements, the new school performance scoring system will take into account students' SOL test results, learning growth in reading and math, measures on readiness such as chronic absenteeism and participation in advanced coursework, and high school graduation rates.
Using scores on those metrics, schools are then placed into one of these four categories:
- Distinguished: exceeding expectations
- On track: meeting expectations
- Off track: not meeting expectations
- Needs intensive support: significantly below expectations
The standards also emphasize academic outcomes for specific student groups such as students with disabilities and English learners to ensure that certain groups do not fall behind.
Newly released data published by VDOE showed many schools in Central Virginia were designated as fully accredited, yet received the lowest possible performance ranking for the 2024-2025 school year.
On average, VDOE said 66% of statewide schools met or exceeded expectations last year, based on the new standards. Here's how local school districts performed.
Richmond Public Schools
- 5 were distinguished
- 9 were on track
- 23 were off track
- 5 need intensive support
33% of RPS schools exceeded or met expectations, meaning 66% did not meet expectations or fell significantly short of meeting expectations.
“I think the new system shows what we already know which is we have a lot of great things going on at RPS, huge growth and a lot of success, and we have a lot of work to do. We knew that before the new rating system and it has just reconfirmed that," Superintendent Jason Kamras told CBS 6.
Kamras said the new system helps better explain variations in school performance and raises the bar, which he applauds, but he believes some "tweaks" are necessary.
“Now that the state has identified several hundred schools that are off track or needs intensive support, my expectation is that the commonwealth will provide the necessary investments needed to support all of those students. That’s the only thing I think is really missing right now. We need to see that in order to make sure we respond appropriately," Kamras said.
Henrico Public Schools
- 10 were distinguished
- 20 were on track
- 24 were off track
- 14 need intensive support
44% of the district's schools exceeded or met expectations while 56% did not.
“This new framework provides us with new data sets to celebrate achievement and help drive school improvement by seeing where we can put additional structures in place to support students and provide additional tools for teachers. We are always utilizing data, particularly in how we can apply it to our students’ unique needs and help keep parents informed so they understand their child’s progress," Henrico Schools Superintendent Dr. Amy Cashwell said in a written statement. “Everyone in Henrico County Public Schools is dedicated to creating a learning environment where every student feels supported and challenged, and where belonging and achievement go hand in hand.”
Chesterfield Public Schools
- 15 were distinguished
- 22 were on track
- 13 were off track
- 14 need intensive support
58% of CCPS schools exceeded or met expectations, while 42% did not.
“Hard work and commitment by our students, teachers, staff members and partners are shown in the data released by the Virginia Department of Education,” said Dr. John Murray, superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools. “I’m proud of what we have accomplished so far and the successes we will achieve as we move forward. We will continue to set high expectations for our students, believing in their potential and challenging them to soar to new heights. Together, we will create a better tomorrow — not by chance, but by choice.”
Hanover Public Schools
- 7 were distinguished
- 14 were on track
- 1 was off track
- None need intensive support
Hanover Schools had the highest percentage of schools exceeding or meeting expectations in the metro region at 95%. Only one school was designated as off track, and none received the lowest possible ranking.
“Hanover County Public Schools continues to be a leader in public education in Virginia and this information validates what we celebrate every day: the incredibly meaningful work of educating and inspiring our students with excellence, with passion, and with kindness,” said Dr. Lisa Pennycuff, Superintendent of Hanover Schools. “Our success lies not only in academics, but in the relationships built by our faculty and staff, the kindness they show, and the confidence they instill in every student who walks through our doors. In collaboration with our School Board, we remain committed to supporting our schools and providing the necessary resources for our students and staff to succeed, preparing them for lifelong success.”
VDOE said $31 million in state and federal grants are available for schools who need the most significant improvements, but as Kamras said, that alone is not enough.
The department said it's also streamlining its operations to provide more robust and responsive supports, resources, and subject matter expertise to school divisions that need assistance.
CBS 6 is committed to sharing community voices on this important topic. Email your thoughts to the CBS 6 Newsroom.
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