"Best" Virginia schools based on state accreditation waivers?

[Anonymous]

Ok -- here's another possible way to select from the "best" Virginia schools:

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/news/news_releases/2012/jun19.shtml

State Superintendent Offers SOL Flexibility to 101 Schools
Schools Eligible for Full Accreditation for Three Years

Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia I. Wright is offering three-year waivers from annual accreditation to 101 high-performing schools in 21 divisions. The schools qualified for the flexibility by achieving pass rates of 95 percent or higher in all four tested Standards of Learning (SOL) content areas for two consecutive years. Division superintendents have until July 1, 2012, to apply for the flexibility. Each school awarded a waiver will remain fully accredited through 2014-2015.

[...]
The 101 schools qualify for waivers having achieved pass rates in English, mathematics, history/social science and science of 95 percent or greater during 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 (results for state tests administered during 2011-2012 won’t be available until later this summer). Seventy-two of the schools are eligible for first-time waivers.

[...]
Alexandria – George Mason Elementary

Arlington County – Arlington Science Focus, Arlington Traditional, McKinley Elementary, Taylor Elementary and Tuckahoe Elementary

[...]
Fairfax County – Archer Elementary, Carson Middle, Chesterbrook Elementary, Churchill Road Elementary, Colvin Run Elementary, Cooper Middle, Fairfax Villa Elementary, Flint Hill Elementary, Floris Elementary, Fox Mill Elementary, Franklin Middle, Frost Middle, Great Falls Elementary, Greenbriar West Elementary, Haycock Elementary, Hunters Woods Elementary for the Arts and Sciences, Irving Middle, Kilmer Middle, Langley High, Longfellow Middle, Madison High, Mantua Elementary, McLean High, Mosby Woods Elementary, Navy Elementary, Oak Hill Elementary, Oakton High, Rocky Run Middle, Spring Hill Elementary, Thomas Jefferson High for Science and Technology, Thoreau Middle, Union Mill Elementary, Westbriar Elementary, Westgate Elementary, Willow Springs Elementary, Wolftrap Elementary and Woodson High

[...]
Loudoun County – Belmont Station Elementary, Leesburg Elementary, Lucketts Elementary and Round Hill Elementary



Twenty-nine of the eligible schools were also granted waivers last year. These schools are:

[...]
Loudoun County – Lincoln Elementary, Lowes Island Elementary, Pinebrook Elementary and Sanders Corner Elementary

[Anonymous]

Looks like it's based more on income / AAP programs instead of whether a school is the "best" or not.

Oh yeah, that's all SOL's really test anyway.

Nothing on this list is surprising - it's just another way to point out the rich schools.

[Anonymous]

Arlington schools under-performed big time. Not a single middle or high school on the list.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know if FCPS has actually applied for these waivers? Seems like it would be worth pursuing to spend more time focusing on students and more innovative teaching.

[Anonymous]

Not all of those schools are in high income areas and some that are, were left out.

[Anonymous]

does "granted waivers on accreditation" mean kids at these schools won't have to take SOLs?

[Anonymous]

Schools granted waivers continue to administer SOL tests and detailed grade-by-grade and subject-by-subject results are reported to parents and the public

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Schools granted waivers continue to administer SOL tests and detailed grade-by-grade and subject-by-subject results are reported to parents and the public

so what's the big deal then?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not all of those schools are in high income areas and some that are, were left out.

True, but...it's clear that certain schools that used to not be so highly rated that now have AAP as part of their school are on the list. Mosby Woods comes to mind. That used to be a school people avoided. Add AAP, stir, and voila, instant good school.

[Anonymous]

Surprised that Waynewood and Stratford Landing are not on this list. Anyone know why?

[Anonymous]

SOL are one component but they don't weight more important areas against less important (math/science vs history). Example you can attain the waivor if you have 95% math and 95% history but if you are 99% math and 92% you won't get it. In general the US News and newweek anaylsis go more indepth and adjust rankings year by year.

[Anonymous]

Yup..this list is a great starting point for anyone looking to send their child to one of the better ES, MS in FFX.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Surprised that Waynewood and Stratford Landing are not on this list. Anyone know why?

B/c in 2011 I believe they had some 93% or 94% figures, so just missed the cut-off. And as a PP noted, even though they had higher (like 97% or 98% scores) in some subject, it doesn't average out if you don't have at least 95% in all subjects.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yup..this list is a great starting point for anyone looking to send their child to one of the better ES, MS in FFX.

Not really....but I suspect you live in McLean or some place so you may be biased.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yup..this list is a great starting point for anyone looking to send their child to one of the better ES, MS in FFX.

Not really....but I suspect you live in McLean or some place so you may be biased.

You are smart indeed. Yes, I do live 'some place' and yes, like all humans, my opinion is biased based on my point of view.

In addition, Greenbriar West, Rocky Run, Franklin, Navy, Floris, etc are not even close to McLean - so not sure what your point is.