For the fourth year in a row, Patrick County Public Schools (PCPS) ranked within the top 10 in Virginia based on Standards of Learning (SOL) test scores.
(Photo by Pat Delaney)
PCPS also ranked third in the Roanoke/New River Valley area.
According to SOL data, Schools Superintendent Jason Wood said the division’s overall average of 82 percent is 10 points higher than the state average of 72 percent.
“We’re very proud of all the hard work of everyone involved because we truly know it takes a village. That’s why we kind of highlight it doesn’t matter what our staff members’ job title is, we all work together to do what’s best for kids. In a small, rural school division you’ve got to rely on each other, so we have truly built a family atmosphere and culture in our school division that we pride ourselves on,” he said.
Wood said he thinks this is why there are so many employees who stay with the division through retirement.
“It’s a great place to live, work, and raise a family and we want to continue to be a bright spot in our community and something everyone can be proud of,” he said.
According to a media release, SOL data shows the division excels at working with economically disadvantaged students.
“In that subgroup, PCPS ranks second in the state in reading performance, third in the state in science, and eighth in the state in math,” the release states.
Wood said the county has a large population of economically disadvantaged students.
“We strive to make sure we meet the needs of all of our students. Statistics show that as poverty goes up, typically SOL performance goes down. However, we’re one of the school divisions who beat that trend and actually have excellent performance from all of our students, including the economically disadvantaged group,” he said.
Wood also believes the division will have more reasons to celebrate once the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) releases the School Performance and Support Frameworks (SPSFs) sometime this month.
That document will provide the overall performance ratings for each school using a variety of measures beyond student pass rates, including student growth in reading and math, chronic absenteeism, advanced coursework, performance tasks, graduation rates, and the “3Es” of post-graduation success: enrollment, employment, and enlistment.
“Until we actually see it black and white we’re just waiting for that (SPSF) to come out. Each school division gets a rating that way. We’re like every school division anxiously awaiting to see how this new framework will actually impact how you’re able to share that with your families and students,” Wood said.
Assistant Superintendent for Administration and Director of Testing Shannon Brown said the released pass rates don’t yet include the other accountability components, and the division is waiting for direction in which areas it can grow and improve.
“We have outstanding teachers and staff whose dedication makes this level of achievement possible. Our students and parents truly value the high-quality education their children receive in Patrick County Public Schools, which is integral to our success. We remain committed to providing exceptional educational opportunities for all students and look forward to sharing the full results with the community once released by VDOE,” Brown said.
Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Andrea Cassell said the division’s strong SOL test performance reflects the dedication and care of the entire school community.
“As we begin a new school year, our focus is on building on that success by accelerating learning and providing targeted support where it’s needed most. Our teachers and staff remain committed to ensuring every student has the tools to grow, achieve, and thrive,” she said.
While the high SOL pass rates and state ranking are something to be proud of, Cassell said she most values why the school division is successful.
“It comes down to the relationships—teachers knowing their students, colleagues supporting each other, and everyone working together to make sure students succeed,” Cassell said. “That’s what makes the difference here in Patrick County.”
