Virginia State Board of Education considers changes to its Standards of Accreditation of schools
The Virginia State Board of Education (VBOE) is considering making changes to its Standards of Accreditation of schools. Among the many changes and improvements suggested are some that would sanction habitually low-performing schools. Last year was the first year that schools began denying diplomas to students who failed to pass the Virginia Standards of Learning tests. Next year will be the first time that low test scores could jeopardize a school's accreditation. A school that loses accreditation would have three options. First, it could agree with VBOE on a plan to change its operations, including by undergoing outside reviews of its teaching and management; hiring a school-improvement expert; and telling parents, the community and the state about its plans and progress. Second, the local school board could replace most of the school's administrators and teachers or convert the school to a charter. Third, and most drastic, the local school board could simply close the school completely. VBOE President Thomas M. Jackson Jr. says the state has neither the legal authority nor the desire to take over schools and that VBOE thinks a collaborative approach works better than a "punitive and dictatorial" one. However, the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) plans to suggest revisions in the sanctions area, according to Elizabeth E. Ewing, its director of legal and policy services. A big concern, she says, is how far Virginia's Constitution allows VBOE to go in imposing sanctions. VBOE is seeking comments on the proposals and plans to hold public hearings across the state in the fall. A vote is expected later next year.
Norfolk Virginian-PilotBy Matthew Bowers
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