All schools fully accredited in three area divisions

Most area schools mirrored the statewide trend of full accreditation, according to state education department information released Thursday.

Of the state’s 132 school divisions, 96 have all schools fully accredited. Three of those are local, in Appomattox, Campbell and Nelson counties.

Virginia’s public schools are awarded accreditation based on Standards of Learning test results in English, math, history and science. Test results in each subject are combined to create school passing percentages.

Elementary schools must meet a pass rate of 75 percent in English, which includes a fifth-grade writing test and reading tests in grades 3, 4 and 5. Middle and high schools need a 70 percent pass rate in English. All schools must also achieve a 70 percent pass rate in math, history and science.

This year’s percentage of fully accredited schools marks the highest since the accreditation system’s inception ten years ago. Among the state’s schools 95 percent are fully accredited, including 96 percent of elementary schools and 98 percent of high schools.

At the middle school level, sixth- and seventh-grade math tests instituted in 2006 are presenting a challenge. While scores are steadily increasing, only 87 percent of Virginia middle schools are fully accredited.

Only four area schools did not receive full accreditation, including three middle schools.

w Lynchburg City Schools had one school not fully accredited. Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School for Innovation was accredited with warning because it did not meet math pass rates. City officials had announced Dunbar’s status at a school board meeting several weeks ago.

It’s the third year the school has been accredited with warning. If it does not meet the required pass rate it could be denied accreditation next year. The school, like many in the state, has struggled since the inception of math tests in grades six and seven in 2006.

When division officials discussed the schools’ status they highlighted efforts being made at the school. Staff members have received more math professional development, students who struggle with math have been getting more help and math classes are utilizing hands-on tools to teach concepts.

w Bedford County Schools also had one school accredited with warning, Staunton River Middle School.

“They missed accreditation in math only, and only by one percentage point so they were very close,” said Bobbi Johnson, assistant superintendent. “They’ve been fully accredited for years so this was new for them.”

Johnson said there were difficulties in sixth- and seventh-grade math. Middle school students were not double tested, Johnson said, which could have meant higher scores. She said the division did not want to make students sit for the same two tests, which is an option.

“If we had done that they would be fully accredited,” she said.

Johnson said the division has spent considerable time and energy on professional development and remediation programs in all middle schools. A group from central office will also meet with Staunton River staff once a month to pinpoint areas students need help in.

w Campbell County Schools had all of its 14 schools receive full accreditation, a distinction the division also had last year.

“Obviously we’re pleased,” said John Erb, assistant superintendent for instruction.

Erb attributed the division’s success to the effort of students and hard work of teachers, administrators and central office staff. The division has put in additional resources to help in the area of middle school math.

w Amherst County Schools had two schools, Central Elementary School and Monelison Middle School, accredited with warning.

Julie Rogers, assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment, said Central missed accreditation by one point in reading and Monelison by two points in math.

“All of our schools including the two accredited with warning have made great progress with their test scores and student achievement,” Rogers said.

Monelison was also accredited with warning last year due to math. Rogers said the school is making gains and programs are in place to help.

“We have reading and math coaches supporting the programs in those schools,” she said, adding there is also additional professional development in reading and math for those schools.

Monelison has also looked at its schedule to build more time for support into the school day.

w Appomattox County and Nelson County schools both had all of their schools fully accredited.