Net gains in Standards of Learning pass rates propelled Hardin Reynolds Memorial School to the top 10 percent among the 29 school divisions, and 195 schools, participating in a Comprehensive Instructional Program (CIP).

The scores were announced June 19, according to Cyndi Williams, executive director of instruction.

“In figuring these gains, we analyze the difference in the aggregate pass rates across the school from 2016 to 2017,” Williams said.  She added the county school division began participating in the CIP about three years ago.

According to CIP data, student pass rates at HRMS increased between 2016 and 2017– sometimes by double digits — in several SOL subject areas.

For example, scores in the fifth grade reading SOL shot up more than 19 percent, from 68.85 in 2016 to 88 percent in 2017, the chart showed. Math scores also increased nearly 16 percent, from 78.33 percent in 2016 to 94 percent in 2017. Scores in science SOL tests increased nearly 5 percent in the same time frame, the chart showed.

Students in sixth grade showed improved scores in math and reading SOLs, with increases of 12.66 percent and 5.46 percent respectively, according to the chart.

Students in seventh grade also experienced increased scores in math and reading SOLs, by 6.88 percent and 4.21 percent respectively, according to the chart.

Fourth graders taking math and reading SOLs saw their scores rise by 3.73 percent and 10.31 percent respectively between 2016 and 2017, the chart showed.

Scores in civics and economics increased 3.72 percent, and SOL scores in Virginia studies showed an increase of 7.57 percent, according to the data.

By participating in the program, teachers in rural school divisions, such as Patrick, are able to share resources and work together to share lessons plans, activities, assessments and other information.

Williams said the opportunities available to high school teachers who are the only teacher in a specific subject are one of the biggest benefits for the local school division.

For instance, the local school division may have a dozen grade school teachers who teach the same subject in different elementary schools, but often only one teacher is found at the high school level in some classes, such as chemistry.

Participation in the CIP gives those teachers opportunities to network and work with other teachers in the consortium, she added.