Bedford County Public Schools reports mixed special-education outcomes; graduation rate below state target

Bedford County Public Schools staff presented the division's Special Education Performance Report (federal fiscal year 2023) to the school board, saying the report compares the division's outcomes to Virginia's state targets under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The presentation highlighted areas of progress and concern. The division reported a 57.58 percent graduation rate for students with disabilities in the 2022–23 cohort, below the state target of 72.24 percent; staff said the rate improved from a lower prior year figure and that credit accommodations and other state supports are expected to help raise it further. The report also showed a rise in students with long suspensions and a discrepancy in suspension rates, and that post‑secondary outcome targets (one year after graduation) were not met.

Why it matters: IDEA requires states to publish performance against a set of indicators that cover graduation, dropout, assessment participation and proficiency, disciplinary outcomes, least restrictive environment, preschool outcomes and transition planning. Local scores determine where the state requires documentation, corrective actions or additional monitoring, and the department's plan identifies priorities staff say will affect students' future employment, education and independence.

Key findings and context - Graduation (Indicator 1): Bedford reported 57.58% for the 2022–23 cohort; the printed state target shown in the packet was 72.24%. Staff noted the division's graduation rate rose compared with the prior reported year (packet noted 51.32% the year before)…