Governor McAuliffe Statement on Ruling in Opportunity Educational Institution Ruling

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Governor Terry McAuliffe released the following statement following a Norfolk Circuit Court Judge’s ruling in the lawsuit regarding the Virginia Opportunity Educational Institution:

“My team and I are evaluating today’s ruling and will make a decision about next steps soon. Regardless of today’s ruling, Secretary Anne Holton, Superintendent of Public Instruction Steve Staples and my entire administration are committed to working in a collaborative way with local school divisions and the Board of Education to improve outcomes in all communities, and particularly in our struggling schools. We absolutely have to do better by the children in these schools.

“Reducing the achievement gap is a top priority for me and my entire team. It will require working together with the Virginia Department of Education, local school divisions, other state and local agencies and communities to ensure our youngsters have the best chance for success. Part of our effort will include continuing the bipartisan effort to reform our existing Standards of Learning system to better serve all of our students. Our Standards of Learning Innovation Committee will begin its work this summer.

“Secretary of Education Anne Holton and Superintendent of Public Instruction Steve Staples will be working with other state and local partners to get all of our priority schools on the right track.”

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Selection of Virginia for School Broadband Pricing

Internet Access Here Sign (Photo credit: Steve Rhode)

Governor McAuliffe Announces Selection of Virginia for School Broadband Pricing Project

Goal to Lower Costs and Increase Bandwidth for School Divisions

Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Virginia has been selected to participate in a pilot project to help school divisions lower the cost of high-speed Internet access and increase digital learning opportunities for students.

EducationSuperHighway (ESH) — a San Francisco-based non-profit dedicated to improving Internet access in schools — selected Virginia because of the commonwealth’s leadership in digital learning and because of data suggesting that Virginia schools are paying more than the national average for Internet access and network connectivity.

According to ESH, average monthly megabits-per-second costs for Virginia school divisions are $26 for Internet access and $7 for network connectivity, compared with respective national averages of $22 and $3. ESH data also indicate that the percentage of Virginia schools with less-than-ideal access and bandwidth exceeds the national average.

“Ensuring that all Virginia communities have equal and affordable access to broadband technology is a critical component in developing a 21^st Century Virginia economy,” said Governor McAuliffe. "I am grateful that EducationSuperHighway has selected Virginia for this important project which will use transparency to drive down broadband costs and provide greater opportunities for innovative learning in classrooms across the Commonwealth.”

“Virginia is leading the nation in the effort to lower school broadband costs across the state," said Evan Marwell, CEO of EducationSuperHighway. "We are thrilled to partner with Governor McAuliffe to ensure that all of Virginia's students have access to high-speed Internet for 21st-century learning."

School divisions are using an ESH online portal to report detailed information by the end of August on Internet access and broadband pricing.  After analyzing the data, ESH will produce a comprehensive report in early 2015 on access and pricing for all participating school divisions.

“School divisions will have the ability to compare and evaluate prices across the state and determine whether they are getting their money’s worth in access and bandwidth,” Secretary of Technology Karen Jackson said. 

Working with the secretary of technology, Secretary of Education Anne Holton and the Virginia Department of Education, ESH will identify factors and practices driving up costs for school divisions and provide technical assistance to school divisions on cutting costs by promoting transparency, encouraging competition, and identifying new service options.

“Every student in Virginia deserves access to high-quality digital content,” Secretary Holton said. “Our strategy for closing achievement gaps must include a concerted effort at both the state and local levels to make sure that slow connection speeds and inadequate networks don’t bar the way.”   

EducationSuperHighway says the broadband pricing project will include two states, with the second state being named later this summer.

Last month, ESH and the Washington-based Consortium for School Networking called on the Federal Communications Commission to increase federal E-rate funding for schools and libraries by $800 million annually to support much-needed improvements to wireless networks. E-rate provides subsidies to school systems and libraries through fees paid by telecommunications companies. 

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Next Steps in SOL Reform Process

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Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced the process for the nomination and appointment of members to the Standards of Learning (SOL) Innovation Committee. The 2014 General Assembly directed Secretary of Education Anne Holton to establish the committee as part of a package of reforms to the commonwealth’s assessment and accountability system. The committee’s charge is to recommend further reforms, in addition to an already-approved reduction in the number of required SOL tests. 

“Innovation and accountability are critical components in building a public education system that meets the demands of a 21^st Century economy,” Governor McAuliffe said.  “The challenge for the SOL Innovation Committee will be to chart a course for reform that builds on the strengths of the current SOL system while creating more room for the rich, creative and innovative learning experiences that will prepare all Virginia students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in a global economy.” 

As directed by the 2014 legislation, Secretary of Education Anne Holton is soliciting recommendations and nominations from statewide organizations representing parents, teachers, principals, school boards, superintendents and other stakeholders.

In addition, applications and nominations are being accepted from individuals interested in serving on the SOL Innovation Committee.  Individuals can submit nominations and applications online by visiting the Gubernatorial Appointments page of the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website and following the directions. Applicants and nominators should select the Education Secretariat in applying or recommending someone for service on the SOL Innovation Committee. Applications and nominations will be accepted until May 23, 2014.

“My goal is to have the committee begin its important work this summer,” Secretary Holton said. “I look forward to working with a diverse group truly representative of the commonwealth and united by a desire to make our nationally regarded public schools even better.”

The SOL Innovation Committee also will include four members of the House of Delegates appointed by Speaker of the House William J. Howell and two members of the Senate appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules on the recommendation of Senate Committee on Education and Health Chairman L. Louise Lucas. Secretary Holton, Board of Education President Christian N. Braunlich (or his designee) and Superintendent of Public Instruction Steve Staples will serve as ex-officio members of the committee.

The reform legislation signed into law last month by Governor McAuliffe directs the SOL Innovation Committee to take a comprehensive look at the SOL assessments — including the computer adaptive tests now being piloted by the Virginia Department of Education — and related accountability and instructional issues and make recommendations to the Board of Education and General Assembly.

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Governor McAuliffe & Board of Education Announce 2014 Virginia Index of Performance Awards

Colorado (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Awards Recognize High-Achieving Schools & Divisions

Governor Terry McAuliffe and the Board of Education announced today that 212 schools and four school divisions earned 2014 Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) awards for advanced learning and achievement. The VIP incentive program recognizes schools and divisions that exceed minimum state and federal accountability standards and achieve excellence goals established by the governor and the board.

“I am pleased to congratulate Virginia’s teachers, principals, superintendents and other educators whose commitment to innovation and excellence have made the Commonwealth’s schools leaders among our economic competitors,” McAuliffe said. “The educators and support staff in these award-winning schools — and in all of our public schools — have dedicated their careers to building brighter futures for our young people and providing pathways for success in a 21^st Century economy. I look forward to visiting as many of these schools as possible and celebrating their accomplishments.”   

The schools and school divisions earning 2014 VIP awards — which are based on student achievement and other performance indicators during 2012-2013 — include:

·        Five schools that earned the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence;

·        One school division and 71 schools that earned the Board of Education Excellence Award; and

·        Three school divisions and 136 schools that earned the Board of Education Distinguished Achievement Award.

2014 Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence

Five schools — Carson Middle, Longfellow Middle and Rocky Run Middle in Fairfax County; Short Pump Middle in Henrico County; and Kemps Landing Magnet in Virginia Beach — earned the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence, the highest VIP award.  Kemps Landing Magnet has won the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence every year since the VIP program began in 2008. This year’s award was Rocky Run Middle’s fifth consecutive Governor’s Award.

“Schools and divisions that earn the Governor’s Award for Education Excellence promote the well-being — as well as the academic achievement — of every student,” Secretary of Education Anne Holton said.

To earn the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence, schools and school divisions must meet all state and federal achievement benchmarks and achieve all applicable excellence goals for elementary reading, enrollment in Algebra I by the eighth grade, enrollment in college-level courses, high school graduation, attainment of advanced diplomas, increased attainment of career and industry certifications, and, if applicable, participation in the Virginia Preschool Initiative. Schools and school divisions earn bonus points for other performance measures, including the Governor’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Scorecard.

2014 Board of Education Excellence Awards

Falls Church Public Schools and 71 schools earned the Board of Education Excellence Award, the second-tier honor in the VIP program. These schools also met all state and federal accountability benchmarks and made significant progress toward goals for increased student achievement and expanded educational opportunities set by the board.

“Virginia’s accountability system includes recognitions for academic excellence and progress,” Board of Education President Chris Braunlich said. “The achievement of the educators and students in these award-winning schools is especially noteworthy given the increased rigor of the commonwealth’s academic standards and assessments.”

The schools receiving Board of Education Excellence Awards are as follows:

·        Albemarle County — Virginia L. Murray Elementary

·        Arlington County — Arlington Science Focus School, Arlington Traditional, Ashlawn Elementary, Jamestown Elementary, McKinley Elementary, Nottingham Elementary, Taylor Elementary, Tuckahoe Elementary and Williamsburg Middle

·        Chesapeake — Grassfield High

·        Chesterfield County — Bettie Weaver Elementary, Greenfield Elementary, Midlothian Middle, Robious Elementary, W.W. Gordon Elementary and Winterpock Elementary

·        Fairfax County — Archer Elementary, Canterbury Woods Elementary, Chesterbrook Elementary, Churchill Road Elementary, Colvin Run Elementary, Cooper Middle, Floris Elementary, Frost Middle, Greenbriar West Elementary, Haycock Elementary, Hunters Woods Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences, Keene Mill Elementary, Kilmer Middle, Langley High, Madison High, Oak Hill Elementary, Oakton Elementary, Sangster Elementary, Spring Hill Elementary, Thomas Jefferson High, Thoreau Middle and Wolftrap Elementary

·        Falls Church — George Mason High, Mount Daniel School and Thomas Jefferson Elementary

·        Hampton — Armstrong Elementary

·        Henrico County — Glen Allen Elementary, Holman Middle, Mills E. Godwin High, Nuckols Farm Elementary, Pocahontas Middle, Rivers Edge Elementary, Shady Grove Elementary, Short Pump Elementary, Tuckahoe Elementary and Twin Hickory Elementary

·        Loudoun County — Emerick Elementary and Round Hill Elementary

·        Montgomery County — Gilbert Linkous Elementary, Harding Avenue Elementary and Kipps Elementary

·        Prince William County — Cedar Point Elementary, J.W. Alvey Elementary, Mary G. Porter Traditional, T. Clay Wood Elementary and Thurgood Marshall Elementary

·        Roanoke — Crystal Spring Elementary

·        Roanoke County — Cave Spring High and Hidden Valley Middle

·        Stafford County — Garrisonville Elementary

·        Virginia Beach — John B. Dey Elementary, North Landing Elementary and Old Donation Center

·        West Point — West Point High

2014 Board of Education Distinguished Achievement Awards

The Board of Education Distinguished Achievement Award was earned by three divisions — Poquoson, Lexington and West Point — and 136 schools that met all state and federal benchmarks and made progress toward the goals of the governor and the board.

The schools receiving Distinguished Achievement awards are as follows:

·        Albemarle County — Joseph T. Henley Middle, Meriwether Lewis Elementary and Mortimer Y. Sutherland Middle

·        Arlington County — Long Branch Elementary, Swanson Middle and Yorktown High

·        Augusta County — Riverheads High

·        Botetourt County — Breckinridge Elementary

·        Charlottesville — Burnley-Moran Elementary, Greenbrier Elementary and Venable Elementary

·        Chesapeake City — Butts Road Intermediate, Butts Road Primary, Great Bridge Intermediate Great Bridge Middle, Great Bridge Primary and Southeastern Elementary,

·        Chesterfield County — Cosby High, Enon Elementary, Grange Hall Elementary, Midlothian High and Woolridge Elementary

·        Danville — Galileo Magnet High

·        Fairfax County — Fairfax Villa Elementary, Flint Hill Elementary, Forestville Elementary, Franklin Middle, Great Falls Elementary, Hunt Valley Elementary, Irving Middle, Kent Gardens Elementary, Lake Braddock Secondary, Mantua Elementary, McLean High, Mosby Woods Elementary, Oakton High, Poplar Tree Elementary, Robinson Secondary, Sherman Elementary, South County High, Springfield Estates Elementary, Stratford Landing Elementary, Vienna Elementary, Wakefield Forest Elementary, West Springfield Elementary, West Springfield High, Westbriar Elementary, White Oaks Elementary, Willow Springs Elementary and Woodson High

·        Fauquier County — C. Hunter Ritchie Elementary

·        Gloucester County— Bethel Elementary

·        Goochland County — Randolph Elementary

·        Hanover County — Chickahominy Middle, Cool Spring Elementary, Kersey Creek Elementary, Pearson's Corner Elementary, Pole Green Elementary, South Anna Elementary and Washington-Henry Elementary

·        Henrico County — Colonial Trail Elementary, Echo Lake Elementary, Gayton Elementary, Glen Allen High, Pemberton Elementary, Springfield Park Elementary and Three Chopt Elementary

·        Henry County — Rich Acres Elementary

·        Lexington — Lylburn Downing Middle

·        Loudoun County — Ashburn Elementary, Belmont Ridge Middle, Belmont Station Elementary, Blue Ridge Middle, Briar Woods High, Eagle Ridge Middle, Farmwell Station Middle, J. Michael Lunsford Middle, Kenneth W.Culbert Elementary, Legacy Elementary, Liberty Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Little River Elementary, Loudoun Valley High, Lowes Island Elementary, Lucketts Elementary, Newton-Lee Elementary, Pinebrook Elementary, Rosa Lee Carter Elementary, Sanders Corner Elementary and Stone Hill Middle

·        Newport News — Deer Park Elementary

·        Norfolk — Larchmont Elementary

·        Pittsylvania County — Tunstall High

·        Poquoson — Poquoson High

·        Prince George County — L.L. Beazley Elementary

·        Prince William County — A. Henderson Elementary, Bristow Run Elementary, Buckland Mills Elementary, Gainesville Middle, Louise A. Benton Middle, Mountain View Elementary, Old Bridge Elementary, Pennington School, Piney Branch Elementary and Victory Elementary

·        Richmond — Richmond Community High

·        Roanoke County — Cave Spring Elementary, Cave Spring Middle, Clearbrook Elementary, Fort Lewis Elementary, Glenvar Middle, Hidden Valley High, Oak Grove Elementary and Penn Forest Elementary

·        Rockingham County — East Rockingham High and Peak View Elementary

·        Salem — South Salem Elementary

·        Scott County — Yuma Elementary

·        Stafford County — Colonial Forge High and Rodney E. Thompson Middle

·        Virginia Beach — Great Neck Middle, Hermitage Elementary, Kingston Elementary, New Castle Elementary, Princess Anne Elementary, Red Mill Elementary, Thoroughgood Elementary and Trantwood Elementary

·        Washington County — High Point Elementary

·        Williamsburg-James City County — Lois Hornsby Middle, Matoaka Elementary and Matthew Whaley Elementary

·        Wise County — Eastside High 

·        York County — Coventry Elementary, Mount Vernon Elementary and Tabb Middle

“I congratulate the superintendents, principals, teachers and other educators in all of the divisions and schools that earned VIP awards this year,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia I. Wright, who proposed the awards program in 2007 as a means of rewarding high-achieving schools and divisions. “These educators — and thousands of others in schools across this commonwealth — dedicate every day to challenging students and helping them to achieve their goals.”

More information about the VIP incentive program for schools and school divisions is available on the VDOE website: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/statistics_reports/va_index_performance_awards/index.shtml

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Governor McAuliffe Announces 2014 Governor’s Challenge Champions in Economics and Personal Finance

Map of Fairfax County and neighboring jurisdictions (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Three Virginia High School Teams Crowned State Champions at Competition of Economics and Financial Skill

Richmond – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced the winners of the 2014 Governor’s Challenge in Economics and Personal Finance.  Preliminary online rounds attracted a record number of participants, almost 3,000 high school students from across Virginia.  161 students qualified for the day-long championship competition at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) on April 9th where the following teams prevailed:

Adam Smith Division (advanced economics)

  1^st place: Chantilly High School, Fairfax County;  teacher: Joe Clement

  Runner up:  St.Stephen’s/St.Agnes School, Private;  teacher: Theresa Cullen Hill

David Ricardo Division (economics)

  1^st Place: Dominion High School, Loudoun County;  teacher: Gregory Welling

  Runner up:  Appomattox Regional Governor’s School, Multi-Divisions;  teacher: Emily Hardesty

Personal Finance Division

 1^st Place: Rappahannock High School, Richmond County;  teacher: Brent Brown

  Runner up: Charlottesville High School, City of Charlottesville;  teacher: Katie Baugher

“Equipping Virginia students with real-world financial skills and an understanding of their role in a dynamic and global economy is crucial to their future success,” said Governor McAuliffe. “The Governor’s Challenge highlights the excellent job that teachers are doing relaying the scope and relevance of economic education to their students.  These students will lead the way in strengthening Virginia’s workforce and are prepared to make informed financial decisions that will lead to stronger communities and a stronger economy.” 

The Governor’s Challenge is conducted in partnership with the Virginia Council on Economic Education (VCEE), a nonprofit public-private partnership focused on enhancing economics and financial education in grades K-12.  Students who graduate in 2015 will be the first class required to earn a credit in economics and personal finance in order to graduate.  VCEE has been a key partner in providing professional development and creative classroom resources to assist teachers who are teaching this new course.  The Governor’s Challenge is part of the Virginia High School Initiative designed to support teachers and school divisions with implementation of the new high school course.

“The knowledge level and engagement of our students is quite impressive,” said Virginia Secretary of Education Anne Holton.  “It is clear these students will leave high school better prepared for the jobs of the 21st Century and be more effective consumers, savers, and investors.” 

“Congratulations go to all the teachers who prepared their students and made the extra effort to provide them the opportunity to participate in the online and ‘live’ Governor’s Challenge,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Patricia I. Wright.

Thanks go to lead sponsor Capital One, and additional sponsors BCG Companies, Dominion Resources, and Virginia Credit Union who provided financial support to make the Governor’s Challenge possible.

Visit  http://www.education.virginia.gov/Initiatives/EconomicAndFinancialLiteracy/index.cfm andwww.vcee.org to learn more about the Governor’s Challenge and other efforts to promote economic and financial education for Virginia’s students.

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