Richmond schools show progress under new VDOE grading system

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Richmond Public Schools (RPS) superintendent emphasized the notable progress made with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) results under the new accountability system.

The VDOE transitioned from grading schools based on “accredited” and “not accredited” to using four terms to evaluate the progress made by Virginia schools.

Schools are now based on the scale of:

• Distinguished
• On track
• Off track
• Needs intensive support

Jason Kamras, RPS superintendent, said in a statement that the school district had five distinguished schools, nine on-track schools, 23 off-track schools and five schools "in need of intensive support."

PREVIOUSLY: How local schools scored in Virginia’s new performance rating system

These ratings are based on multiple factors, including student proficiency, Standards of Learning (SOL) growth, attendance rates and how well students are prepared in high schools for employment, enlistment and enrollment in higher education.

Kamras expressed his excitement towards Richmond high schools, where all but one were labeled as "on track" or "distinguished."

On the new 100-point scale, John Marshall and Thomas Jefferson High School, the two comprehensive high schools, earned over 90 points.

The Richmond Community, Open and Franklin Military Academy had students place in the advanced range on SOLs, leading the school to earn over 100 points on the new scale.

Additionally, the schools that received an "off track" or "needs intensive support" are receiving targeted support based on the data. They intend to increase the scores by working with teachers, students and families to meet every child's needs.

Kamras also shared his concerns about the new scale. Some schools labeled as "off track" have already made significant improvements toward student proficiency. He finds that this title implies that the schools are heading in the wrong direction.

However, this new grading scale is providing a more in-depth look at how RPS is performing compared with other counties and divisions.

"All of the divisions in the area have a hard job and do it well, but Richmond often faces deeper challenges, and with less support," Kamras said. "Under the new system, we have a much smaller percentage of schools that are rated ‘needs intensive support’ than our neighbors. That means, relatively speaking, we’re doing a great job of raising the floor for students who have been historically marginalized. "

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