HENRY COUNTY – Henry County Public Schools' division accreditation ratings were released by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Thursday.
Based on spring 2018 results, ninety two percent or 12 of 13 Henry County Public Schools (Axton, Campbell Court, Drewry Mason, GW Carver, Meadow View, Mt. Olivet, Rich Acres, Sanville, Stanleytown, Laurel Park, Bassett, and Magna Vista) will be designated as Accredited. VDOE has designated the accreditation status of one Fieldale-Collinsville Middle School as accredited with conditions.
For accreditation, a school’s students must achieve an adjusted pass rate of 75 percent in English (includes reading and writing) and 70 percent in mathematics, science, and history/social science.
Fieldale-Collinsville Middle school met the benchmark in English with a pass rate of 75.02% using the new state accreditation growth model. While meeting this overall benchmark, the students in certain achievement groups did not meet the 75%.
“We are very encouraged by the growth in student achievement last year. As we move forward, everyone is working tirelessly to make sure each and every student reaches his or her full potential. These efforts, coupled with the collaboration between faculty, staff and administration, have created a very positive atmosphere at FC. With that, all stakeholders have high expectations and are determined to keep moving forward toward full accreditation for the 2018-2019 school year,” said Fieldale-Collinsville Middle School principal Laryssa Hairston-Penn.
While state assessments are important, Henry County Public Schools relies on multiple measures to determine student success.
“Our teachers administer formative assessments throughout the school year on a regular basis. This allows the teachers to provide instruction that addresses weakness and areas that need to be enriched,” said Lisa Millner, HCPS Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning.
HCPS student growth is tracked by Measures of Academic Progress (MAP). This is an adaptive tool that allows students to be assessed at their own level and the results help teachers to make informative instructional decisions. Currently, HCPS students take the MAP assessment in grades K-8 in reading, math, and language. Teachers help students set goals for the year based on their initial results in the fall. Students work with the teacher to devise strategies to help the students meet their learning growth goals from fall to spring. In spring of 2018, the targeted benchmark was met for all student reporting groups in reading as assessed by MAP.
Students whose native language is one other than English participate in the WIDA: Access 2.0 assessment during the school year. English Learners receive services and resources during the school year and are assessed for growth in English language development. During the 2017-2018 school year, 58.7% of the students who participated in this assessment demonstrated growth.
Though they have two years left in high school, tenth grade HCPS students participate in the Virginia Placement Test each year. During the 2017-2018 school year, 74.4% of the students who participated met the liberal arts entry requirement in reading at the college level.
“We are so proud of the work our students are doing to enhance their skills in all content areas and the dedication of our staff and families to support them as they strive to achieve their learning goals,” Acting Superintendent Sandy Strayer said, adding, “The foundational skill of reading will continue to be a focus in our efforts to support student growth and progress. Our team is eager to celebrate each student’s success and provide continued encouragement at each stage of the learning journey.”
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