Board of Education Guidelines on Exemplar School Recognition

1. Board of Education Guidelines on Exemplar School Recognition March 2018

2. Regulation on Exemplar Recognition Standards of Accreditation 8VAC20-131-410.B:Schools and divisions may be designated and recognized by the board for exemplar performance in accordance with criteria and guidelines it shall establish for top achievement in one or more school quality indicators and the board may include recognition for high performing schools in specific peer categories, such as schools with high levels of poverty.

3. Proposed Recognition Structure Three areas for recognition: Highest Achievement: Success across all school quality indicators, including achievement gaps Continuous Improvement: Consistent, meaningful improvement across multiple years Innovative Practice: Implementation of an innovative practice with demonstrated impact

4. Board of Education Exemplar Performance Recognition • Highest Achievement: School is rated “Accredited” and meets each of the following: • State benchmark on pass rates in reading, math and science for all students • State benchmark on pass rates in reading and math for all student groups, and • No more than 5% between pass rate of lowest performing group and all other students (2 student groups) • No more than 10% between pass rate of lowest performing group and all other students for schools (3 or more student groups) • Benchmark for Level One performance for chronic absenteeism and GCI and dropout (for schools with a graduating class)

5. Example of Highest Achievement Recognition

6. Board of Education Exemplar Performance Recognition • Continuous Improvement: School is “Accredited” or “Accredited with Conditions” and meets one of the following: • Reduction in failure rate for all students in reading, math, and science for 3 years of at least 15% • Reduction in failure rate for 2 or more student groups in reading and math for 3 years of at least 15% • Decrease in chronic absenteeism rate for 3 years of at least 15% • Increase in GCI for 3 years of at least 4% and decrease in dropout rate for 3 years of at least 15%

7. Example of Continuous Improvement Recognition

8. Board of Education Innovative Practice Awards • Eligibility: • Open to school(s), school division(s), and school boards • Evidence-based innovative practice addressing a priority area • Implemented for at least two years with a demonstrated impact • Priority areas: • Closing achievement gaps • Developing an integrated STEM approach to learning • Building relationships with families • Enhancing technology infrastructure • Elevating the quality of the school environment • Retaining quality teachers

9. Anticipated Timeline and Related Initiatives • Exemplar recognition for highest achievement and continuous improvement will be awarded for the first time in Fall 2018 • Exemplar recognition for innovative practice will be awarded for the first time in Fall 2020 • Virginia Index of Performance • Staff will bring before the Board recommendations for a Code change • If passed, Code change will become effective July 1, 2019