Mrs. Jarman (division staff) told the board that on Jan. 6 the Virginia Department of Education announced U.S. Department of Education approval of Virginia's school performance and support framework.

The framework uses a weighted index across three levels (elementary, middle, high school) that combines mastery, growth (where applicable), and readiness measures. Components cited in the presentation include Standards of Learning tests (SOLs), the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program, English-language proficiency progress, chronic absenteeism, "growth" measures for elementary and middle school reading and math, and readiness measures such as the 5 C's performance task in early years and a Ready for Life 3E framework (employment, enrollment, enlistment) at the high school level.

For the 2023-24 data used in initial calculations, Powhatan reported four schools classified as "on track" (Powhatan Elementary, Pocahontas Elementary, Powhatan Middle, Powhatan High) with index scores in the mid-80s and one elementary school, Flat Rock, classified as "distinguished" at about the 90-point threshold.

Why it matters: The new framework changes how school performance is measured and reported statewide; Powhatan staff said the division's results were drawn from data the division did not manipulate and that the outcomes show strong performance relative to many other Virginia school divisions implementing the new system.

Board members asked clarifying questions about why mastery weightings differ across grade spans and which readiness components apply in year one of implementation; staff explained that some performance tasks and career-related metrics roll in over time and that year-one measures focus on chronic absenteeism and available assessment data.