School Ratings in VA (Alexandria, Fairfax: home, elementary school, college)

[algia]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone can explain how schools are rated in VA, basically when an elementary school is given an "8" is that because:
1. Test scores?
2. Student performance?
3. Graduation Rate?
4. Something else?

Is emphasis in VA schools on tests only too? or kids there actually are learning for their future? here in FL is ALL for tests to make the schools look good and nothing else.

Is there a directory of schools in VA (Alexandria) that lists the schools that have programs for children with mild forms of autism with speech delay? or there are special schools for them (public NOT private) where would I find more info on that?

thank you,

[marie5v]

FCPS Home Page Redirect Page

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by algia

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone can explain how schools are rated in VA, basically when an elementary school is given an "8" is that because:
1. Test scores?
2. Student performance?
3. Graduation Rate?
4. Something else?

Is emphasis in VA schools on tests only too? or kids there actually are learning for their future? here in FL is ALL for tests to make the schools look good and nothing else.

Is there a directory of schools in VA (Alexandria) that lists the schools that have programs for children with mild forms of autism with speech delay? or there are special schools for them (public NOT private) where would I find more info on that?

thank you,

I can only speak to my experience with the Fairfax County schools but my kids were well prepared when they got to college and did well there so I feel the schools here did a very good job. I'm not sure about the autism question but I did see a thread on here recently addressing that issue so you might want to do a search and read through it. As I recall, the person was not very happy with that aspect of the school system.

[choff5]

Originally Posted by algia

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone can explain how schools are rated in VA, basically when an elementary school is given an "8" is that because:
1. Test scores?
2. Student performance?
3. Graduation Rate?
4. Something else?

Is emphasis in VA schools on tests only too? or kids there actually are learning for their future? here in FL is ALL for tests to make the schools look good and nothing else.

Is there a directory of schools in VA (Alexandria) that lists the schools that have programs for children with mild forms of autism with speech delay? or there are special schools for them (public NOT private) where would I find more info on that?

thank you,

Here's the link to VA Dept. of Educ (VDOE) website for all schools and their report card. https://p1pe.doe.virginia.gov/reportcard/ I don't think this breaks down specific programs in the schools but there is a lot of information here. Also, I would take the School Safety report with a grain of salt, as iti's what is reported, or rather, what is interpreted by the school needed to be reported.

[algia]

Thank you, that helps a lot.

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by algia

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone can explain how schools are rated in VA, basically when an elementary school is given an "8" is that because:
1. Test scores?
2. Student performance?
3. Graduation Rate?
4. Something else?

Is emphasis in VA schools on tests only too? or kids there actually are learning for their future? here in FL is ALL for tests to make the schools look good and nothing else.

Is there a directory of schools in VA (Alexandria) that lists the schools that have programs for children with mild forms of autism with speech delay? or there are special schools for them (public NOT private) where would I find more info on that?

thank you,

If you are referring to the greatschools site they do theirs all on test scores. Frankly I don't think it's that reliable.

[camrynh]

Since NCLB, all schools seem to teach to test.

[Skatergirl]

Originally Posted by CAVA1990

I can only speak to my experience with the Fairfax County schools but my kids were well prepared when they got to college and did well there so I feel the schools here did a very good job. I'm not sure about the autism question but I did see a thread on here recently addressing that issue so you might want to do a search and read through it. As I recall, the person was not very happy with that aspect of the school system.

Good memory CAVA1990, yes, autism services in this state are bad. Here's the link to previous and lengthy posts on this topic:


//www.city-data.com/forum/north...eds-child.html

[Leezer]

Originally Posted by algia

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone can explain how schools are rated in VA, basically when an elementary school is given an "8" is that because:
1. Test scores?
2. Student performance?
3. Graduation Rate?
4. Something else?

Is emphasis in VA schools on tests only too? or kids there actually are learning for their future? here in FL is ALL for tests to make the schools look good and nothing else.

Is there a directory of schools in VA (Alexandria) that lists the schools that have programs for children with mild forms of autism with speech delay? or there are special schools for them (public NOT private) where would I find more info on that?

thank you,

You'll find that most of the schools that are highly ranked (top 5-10) on those lists don't have much diversity (ethnic or income).

The key is to find schools with both really good test scores and some semblance of a diverse population.