District staff outline new Virginia accountability and accreditation framework; preliminary SOL pass-rate data reported above state average

Dr. Joppa and Ms. Danielle Henderson Jones updated the board on the Virginia Board of Education's new accountability and accreditation framework and what the district can expect as VDOE reports arrive.

"Our preliminary pass rate data shows our students exceeded the state average in all subject areas," Danielle Henderson Jones said, noting that VDOE reports still awaited will detail how schools perform on framework indicators. The district explained that the state has split what was formerly a single accreditation determination into two processes: an accountability framework that emphasizes student-growth, chronic absenteeism, graduation, achievement gaps and readiness measures; and an accreditation process focused on compliance and institutional inputs.

Ms. Henderson Jones outlined weighting under the new framework (elementary mastery 65%/growth 25%/readiness 10%; middle mastery 60%/growth 20%/readiness 20%; high school mastery 50%/readiness 35%/graduation 15%) and performance-category bands (distinguished 90+, on track 80-89, off track 69-75, needs intensive support below 65). She said final VDOE reports and some data remain pending and that the state recently approved elevated SOL cut scores effective next school year; VDOE will provide implementation supports and hold stakeholder information sessions in October.

The district also described that accreditation designations (fully accredited, conditionally accredited, accreditation denied) will continue but that principals will now be required to document implementation of Standards of Accreditation in addition to the superintendent's division-level certification. Ms. Henderson Jones said more reports from VDOE are forthcoming and the district will continue to update the board.