Local School Divisions Fully Accredited by VDOE

By Amber Lester Kennedy Friday, September 30, 2011

Both local public school divisions are among the 96 percent of Virginia’s public schools fully accredited and meeting all state standards for achievement in English, mathematics, history, science and graduation rates.

The Virginia Department of Education announced Thursday that 98 percent of Virginia’s elementary schools and 97 percent of middle schools are fully accredited for the current school year, based on students’ performance on Standards of Learning (SOL) and other state assessments during 2010-2011.

The percentage of fully accredited high schools dropped to 86 percent, compared with 99 percent last year. The accountability standards changed, with the Board of Education introducing a “graduation and completion index,” in addition to student achievement on state tests. Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia Wright said it will take time for schools to meet the new expectations.

The new index awards full credit for students who earn a board-recognized diploma and partial credit for students who earn GEDs and local credentials, as well as for students who are still enrolled and expected to complete a fifth year of high school. For full accreditation, high schools must have a graduation and completion index of at least 85.

In Williamsburg-James City County schools, 57.2 percent of students earned advanced diplomas, 32.14 percent earned standard diplomas, 3.45 percent earned GEDs, 2.74 percent earned a special diploma, 2.38 percent earned a modified standard diploma and 1.9 percent earned the GED/ISAEP. The data for students earning certificates of completion was below the state definition for identifiable results.

In York County, 60.65 percent of students earned advanced diplomas, 35.22 percent of students earned standard diplomas, 2.02 percent earned special diplomas and 1.51 percent earned modified standard diplomas. The group earning the GED was considered too small to be counted by the state.

The accreditation ratings are also based on the achievement of students on SOL assessments and other approved substitute tests administered during the summer and fall of 2010 and the spring of 2011. In middle and high schools, a pass rate of at least 70 percent in all four subjects is required for accreditation. In elementary schools, a combined pass rate of at least 75 percent on English tests is required for grades 3-5. Elementary schools must also achieve pass rates of at least 70 percent in math, fifth grade science and fifth grade history, and pass rates of at least 50 percent in third grade science and third grade history.