Elementary schools across the division continued meeting the increased pass rates for accreditation based on Standards of Learning (SOL) tests. The 2005 and 2006 school years were the first two years in which 11 out of 12 elementary schools became fully accredited despite the fact that additional grade levels were tested in reading and mathematics during school year 2005-2006. Superintendent Tiffany Anderson shared that she expects all 12 elementary schools to be accredited in the near future as school administrators have worked with staff to create detailed school improvement plans. “It was exciting last year to see so many elementary schools become accredited, and it is wonderful to see the same elementary schools meet the increased pass rates in 2006. The elementary level is the foundation from which to build, and we are proud of the continued achievements,” stated Dr. Anderson.
The reading scores across the county continued to increase in elementary, middle and high school. Some schools such as Elliston Lafayette Elementary School achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the new fourth grade SOL reading test and scores across the county demonstrated continued gains in reading at all levels. Auburn Middle School improved in their pass rate in English (which measures reading and writing) by 20% and AMS passed this area for the first time in several years.
All high schools in Montgomery County met all accreditation standards achieving full accreditation. In addition, all four high schools had an attendance rate exceeding 90%. They continued to work hard to meet the increased pass rates. The new state SOL test in middle school is designed to test more grade levels; therefore, students in grades six and seven were tested in reading and math for the first time in 2006. Montgomery County was similar to school divisions across Virginia in that middle school math scores were not as high as the scores in all other areas. School district staff are assessing the middle school results as well as reviewing the math curriculum’s alignment to state standards. In addition, administrators are getting feedback from schools on how to better prepare students with a stronger foundation in middle school algebra based on the results of the new assessments. All four middle schools improved or maintained in meeting the increased pass rates in the areas of science, history and English.
“As we remain focused on putting students first and moving forward with continuous improvement, we are confident that the academic gains in all areas will continue. We congratulate all of our schools for the continued high academic achievement,” stated Dr. Anderson.