Governor McAuliffe & Board of Education Announce 2015 Virginia Index of Performance Awards
Awards Recognize High-Achieving Schools & Divisions

Governor Terry McAuliffe and the state Board of Education announced today that 252 schools and four school divisions earned 2015 Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) awards for advanced learning and achievement. The VIP incentive program recognizes schools and divisions that exceed state and federal accountability standards and achieve excellence goals established by the governor and the board.

“These schools and divisions are laboratories for innovation that are preparing young Virginians to compete and succeed in a new Virginia economy,” Governor McAuliffe said. “I congratulate the students, teachers, principals, and communities whose efforts have turned their schools into leaders in training the workforce of the future.”

The schools and school divisions earning 2015 VIP awards — which are based on student achievement and other performance indicators during 2013-2014 — include:
· Six schools that earned the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence;
· Two divisions and 109 schools that earned the Board of Education Excellence Award; and
· Two divisions and 137 schools that earned the Board of Education Distinguished Achievement Award.

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.

“These awards convey the Board of Education’s deep gratitude to the thousands of teachers, principals and other educators whose efforts are enabling more and more of the commonwealth’s students and schools to meet higher standards for learning and achievement,” Board of Education President Christian N. Braunlich said. “The awards also recognize successful efforts to increase opportunities for students and address non-academic factors such as health and nutrition.”

“I encourage all of the schools and divisions earning awards to take time before the close of the school year to celebrate their success,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Steven R. Staples said. “Schools succeed unless students are successful, and each of these awards highlights a school where young Virginians are being well prepared for the challenges ahead.”

More information about the VIP incentive program for schools and school divisions is available on the VDOE website.

source:
Brian Coy
Office of Governor Terry McAuliffe