Richmond schools show large performance gaps under new ratings
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Virginia released its highly anticipated new rating system for K-12 public schools last week.
Why it matters: More than a quarter of Richmond-area schools are "off track" under the new system and another 17% "need intensive support," per an Axios review of the findings.
The big picture: The new school performance ratings were a longtime goal of Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who felt the former accreditation-only method failed to deliver a true picture of what was happening in Virginia schools.
- Under the former system, the vast majority of schools — around 89% — achieved full accreditation post-pandemic, despite lagging Standards of Learning (SOL) scores and what the governor described as "catastrophic learning loss" during the pandemic.
- With the new system, which the state Board of Education approved last year, schools are still accredited (or not), but student performance is also measured through SOL scores, chronic absenteeism, graduation rates and advanced coursework.
Zoom in: Using those metrics, each school receives one of four accountability ratings:
- Distinguished: Exceeds expectations.
- On track: Meets expectations.
- Off track: Does not meet expectations and receives extra state support.
- Needs intensive support: Significantly below expectations and receives the strongest support from the state.
By the numbers: Under the new system rankings, out last week, all 196 schools across metro Richmond are fully or conditionally accredited, but just 102 are meeting or exceeding expectations.
- In Richmond: 23 schools are off track, five need intensive support, nine are on track, and five are distinguished.
- In Henrico: 24 schools are off track, 14 need intensive support, 20 are on track, and 10 are distinguished.
- In Chesterfield: 13 schools are off track, 14 need intensive support, 22 are on track, and 15 are distinguished.
- In Hanover: One school — Elmont Elementary — is off track, 14 are on track, seven are distinguished, and none need intensive support.
Of note: The superintendents of local school districts applauded their high-performing schools and welcomed more rigorous standards, the Times-Dispatch reports.
- Richmond and Henrico school leadership told the Times-Dispatch they're looking forward to hearing from the state about additional support or funding they can expect to help strengthen their lower-scoring schools.
Zoom out: Statewide, 65% of schools are on track or distinguished under the new rating system, 22% are off track, and 12% need intensive support, per the Time-Dispatch.
Between the lines: Essentially, accreditation determines if schools meet basic operational requirements, and accountability ratings give parents a clearer idea of how each school is performing, the state Department of Education told Axios last year.
What they're saying: "On day one we committed to delivering the most transparent K-12 accountability system in the nation, with the highest expectations for every student," Youngkin said in a statement last week.
- "This is how we prepare every student for success in life, whether they enroll in college, find employment in a great career, or enlist in our military."
What we're watching: Youngkin leaves office next month, and Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger told the Times-Dispatch she's "not commenting at this time" on the new system.
Go deeper to see how each school performed