The Office of School Improvement promotes student learning and achievement by assisting schools and school divisions in the implementation of effective instructional strategies and best practices. The responsibilities of the Office of School Improvement include school-level and division-level academic reviews, school improvement planning and innovative programs such as the Partnership for Achieving Successful Schools (PASS).
 Contact the Office of School Improvement
How to receive Title I School Improvement funds (Word document)
E-Conferences
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| New Data Disaggregation Resource Available to All Schools |
Restructuring Quarterly Report to the Committee on School and Division Accountability of the Virginia Board of Education
This new data disaggregation resource focuses the attention of school and central office personnel as well as outside technical assistance providers on the frequent and formal analysis of data as a primary means of addressing the academic deficiencies of the school. The results of the frequent (quarterly) review provide schools, divisions, and the state with detailed, useful information that can be used to develop or refine technical assistance strategies.
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| Questionnaire for Year 5 and Beyond Title I School Improvement Schools |
Restructuring/Alternative Governance Questionnaire for Year 5 and Beyond Title I School Improvement Schools (Word document)
Alternative governance is intended to be the structure for the delivery of new and revised data-driven initiatives to improve student performance. As such and in order to receive final approval to expend school improvement funds, identified schools must show the alignment of all major reform initiatives under the alternative governance structure. In particular, schools that are also participants in the Partnership for Achieving Successful Schools (PASS) program and/or schools that have been rated conditionally accredited or accreditation denied under the Standards of Accreditation must align school reform efforts. This questionnaire allows schools to show how various school reform initiatives interface to generate improved student achievement.
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| Content Specific Resources |
Middle School Mathematics
Many schools across Virginia have demonstrated success in the area of middle school mathematics. Three successful principals share their experiences in the areas of monitoring instruction, professional development and scheduling. In addition, the Virginia Department of Education resources for middle school mathematics are annotated in streaming video.
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| School Improvement Case Files |
 Hampton Improves Student Achievement Using "Powerful Words"
Test-Taking Strategy
The Hampton Eleven and Hampton Fifteen test-taking strategy programs are modeled after the 12 Powerful Words program created and presented by Larry Bell. Eleven to fifteen words frequently included in Standards of Learning test items have been incorporated into instructional and parent activities designed to help elementary and middle level students understand each word. The words are presented with student-friendly language, a visual symbol and a song (chant) or rhyme to learn approximately every two weeks. Hampton credits this program with contributing to improved student achievement and, ultimately, higher Standards of Learning test scores.
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  Lee County Achieves Objectives of Corrective Plan
In 2004, Lee County Public Schools underwent a voluntary academic review. By the fall of 2006, Lee County had met all of the objectives of its corrective action plan.
This case file incudes video clips providing an overview of the challenges facing Lee County and the essential actions that resulted in increased student learning and achievement. Requires the free Adobe Flash Player plug-in.
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 Messages from Superintendents Recently Recognized
by the Board of Education
Four superintendents from Manassas Park City Public Schools, Smyth County Public Schools, Hopewell City Public Schools, and King and Queen County Public Schools provide comments regarding the benefits of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (AdvancEd)— SACS/CASI district accreditation process. These divisions were recognized by the board for having all schools fully accredited and meeting the requirements of the district accreditation process. SACS CASI is an accreditation division of AdvancED, the parent organization for North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), and the National Study of School Evaluation (NSSE). Requires the free Adobe Flash Player plug-in.
 PLAY VIDEO
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| School Improvement and Academic Reviews |
Overview of the Academic Review Processes
Full Text of the Standards of Accreditation
Guidance Document Governing Certain Provisions of the Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia (8 VAC 20-131.)
Academic Review Team Resources
School Support Team Resources
 Checklist and Certification of SOA and NCLB School Improvement Plan Requirements
School Division Self-Studies
Instructional
Practices Self Study (Word document)
School Self Studies
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| School
Improvement Planning |
School Improvement Planning
Guide: Technical Assistance for Developing and Implementing School Improvement
Plans
Suggested Formats for Three-year
School Improvement Plans
October 1 Status Report
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) Resources
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| Division Level Academic Reviews |
Description of the Process (pdf)
Correlations of Responsibilities Under the SOQ and the SOA (pdf)
District Support for School Improvement Project
This is a restricted site and requires an ID and password. The purpose of this project is to provide support to certain divisions that are working with the office of school improvement in collaboration with with the Virginia Foundation of Educational Leadership, the Appalachian Regional Comprehensive Center, and the Center for Innovation and Improvement. For more information, contact Kathleen M. Smith (804) 786-5819.
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| Related Documents and Reports |
New Teacher Initiative:
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Stepping Stones to Success Manual (pdf)
A manual put together for new teachers as well as mentors and other veteran teachers. It is an informative guide related to a variety of issues and good practices that teachers need to be successful in the classroom.
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Stepping Stones to Success II (pdf)
A manual put together to assist new teachers with the concepts of an “Inclusive
Philosophy” for teacher professional growth and student learning. The element of
collaboration is necessary for the success of ALL.
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A Study of Effective Practices in Virginia Schools
PowerPoint Presentation | Full Report (pdf)
Instructional Models/Programs
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| Q & A for IST: Instructional Support Team Model (pdf) |
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| Office of School Improvement Professional Development Presentations and Related Materials
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| (PASS) Partnership for Achieving Successful Schools |
| PASS - Partnership for Achieving Successful Schools - a statewide initiative that fosters community involvement with schools that are having difficulty reaching targeted levels of academic performance and specific SOL goals. |
| 2006-2007 Special Initiative Continuation Application
Funding Source:
Comprehensive School Reform (CSR) or
Title I School Improvement
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| Superintendent's Memoranda & Selected E-mail Communications from the State Superintendent |
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From the Office of Policy & Communications:
Virginia School Standards of Accreditation |
Standards of Accreditation
Guidelines Governing Certain Provisions of the Standards of Accreditation (pdf)
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Selected Provisions of the Standards of Accreditation
SEE OFFICE OF POLICY AND COMMUNICATIONS |
Title I Years 4, 5, and Beyond Schools