Patrick County Public Schools (PCPS) ranked ninth among Virginia school divisions in Standards of Learning performance, marking the fifth consecutive year the division has ranked among the state’s top 10.
Superintendent Dr. Jason Wood credited the division’s teachers, staff, students and families for the continued performance.
“It’s a combination of outstanding teachers, but also the care and support that any of our staff members give them from the warm smile from the bus driver and a cafeteria employee to the custodian checking in on everyone. Definitely the relationships that our staff members bring and build with our students is one of the keys to our success,” he said.
Wood said the division also works to create a positive environment for staff and students.
Noting that children don’t learn from people they don’t like, Wood said the division works to ensure the work environment is a place that staff members like to be every day.
“The old saying, ‘you don’t work a day in your life if you love what you do,’ and so I think we truly have that atmosphere and culture here in our schools,” Wood said.
According to Standards of Learning data from the Virginia Department of Education, the statewide average for reading is 74% and 73% for math.
PCPS students had an average score of 82% in both reading and math, or 8 and 9 percentage points higher than the state averages, respectively.
The state average for science is 71%, compared with 81% for PCPS. In history, PCPS students averaged 80%, compared with the statewide average of 70%.
The results also show strong performance among economically disadvantaged students.
PCPS is one of the top three divisions in SOL performance among divisions with a relative poverty rate above 70%, according to the data.
For economically disadvantaged students, the state average in reading is 62%, compared with 78% in PCPS. The state average in math is 60%, compared with 77% in PCPS.
In science, PCPS students averaged 77%, compared with the state average of 57%. In history, PCPS averaged 75%, compared with the statewide average of 57%.
Wood said the results demonstrate the division’s commitment to student achievement.
“While assessment results are only one measure of success, I am incredibly proud that our students continue to perform at such a high level. These results do not happen by accident. They are the product of talented teachers and staff, hardworking students, supportive families, strong school leadership, and a community that believes deeply in its schools,” he said.
Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Andrea Cassell said the division’s continued strong performance reflects the work of teachers, staff, students and families.
“While we are proud of these results, we know that student achievement is only one part of our commitment to excellence. We will continue to build on our successes, address areas of need, and provide the support and opportunities our students need to reach their full potential,” Cassell said.
