New school performance and support framework: VDOE says two-thirds of schools are 'distinguished' or 'on track' in year one

State education officials presented the inaugural results of Virginia—s School Performance and Support Framework, a data-driven system intended to show both whole-school performance and student-group needs and to trigger supports for divisions and schools identified for improvement.

Mark Jennings and Deputy Superintendent staff described the framework—s structure: three model types (elementary, middle and high school) with indicators for growth, mastery, readiness and a four-year graduation measure. High schools also use a 3E readiness framework (enrollment, employment, enlistment) to capture postsecondary and workforce pathways. A points-based framework score converts to four performance categories: distinguished (90+), on track (80—89), off track (65—79) and needs intensive support (below 65).

VDOE said about two-thirds of Virginia—s public schools were classified as distinguished or on track in the first year (approximately 23% distinguished and 43% on track). The department noted regional pockets of high performance and said middle schools performed well on advanced coursework and attendance indicators. The statewide four-year graduation rate was reported at about 89.5%.

Jennings reiterated the federal-identification process under the Every Student Succeeds Act, explaining differences among comprehensive support (lowest 5% of Title I schools), additional targeted support (carried over from the prior system for some schools), and targeted support for student groups. He noted that lowering the minimum student-count threshold to 15 (from 30) increased the number of student groups counted and thus resulted in more federally identified schools than under the prior system; a limited number of divisions raised coding questions during the validation window.

To validate results, VDOE convened technical sessions, gave divisions repeated opportunities to review and sign off on their data, and engaged Old Dominion University to replicate and validate calculations. Officials said most discrepancies were coding or numerator/denominator issues and pledged follow-up work and technical assistance. The department announced grant and support programs (school improvement grant, direct student services grant, math innovation grant, literacy grants and targeted state funds) to be deployed in coming months to help federally identified and off-track schools.

What happens next: VDOE will continue outreach and coding clarifications, publish regional snapshots and data tools on its website, and roll out training and technical assistance for divisions and schools with identified needs.