Achievement Gaps and Attendance: Key Focus for Warren County Schools Accreditation

Warren County Public Schools (WCPS) recently received accreditation ratings from the Virginia Department of Education. Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Heather Bragg and Testing Coordinator Denise Walton discussed the meaning of school accreditation and the challenges some schools in the county face.

Accreditation, a measure of a school’s performance across various indicators like academic achievement and absenteeism, determines how well schools meet educational standards. Bragg noted that the 2024-25 accountability year accreditation was based on data from the previous year. Of WCPS’s nine schools, five are accredited with conditions: E. Wilson Morrison, Leslie Fox Keyser Elementary, Skyline Middle School, Skyline High School, and Warren County High School. The remaining four schools are fully accredited.

Denise Walton explained that accreditation is based on nine indicators, such as student achievement in math, English, and science and chronic absenteeism. For high schools, additional metrics, including graduation rates and readiness for college or careers, are factored in. These indicators are ranked on a three-level system, with Level 1 being the best and Level 3, often highlighted in red, indicating an area of concern.

A vital issue for some schools, such as E. Wilson Morrison, is the achievement gap in math, particularly among subgroups of students based on race, economic status, and disabilities. While these categories have existed since No Child Left Behind, they are now being scrutinized to ensure that all students, not just certain groups, progress academically. Walton emphasized that while these groupings can spark controversy, they are essential for ensuring equity in education. “It’s about ensuring that all students are achieving,” she said.

Chronic absenteeism remains a significant challenge, especially at the high school level, where Skyline and Warren County High Schools struggle. Bragg emphasized that absenteeism affects learning outcomes. “If you’re not there, you can’t learn,” she said. WCPS has worked to improve absenteeism, particularly in elementary and middle schools, but high school absenteeism remains a red flag. Both officials stressed the importance of parental involvement in ensuring students attend school regularly.

The district is also addressing another issue affecting all levels: science achievement. Science instruction has been a focus, with efforts underway to make lessons more engaging. WCPS has introduced hands-on science activities to help students better connect with the material. This year, elementary schools received live butterfly and ladybug kits for younger students, while high schools have been supplied with DNA models and synthetic blood typing kits to enhance their science programs. Bragg explained, “Students need those experiences to connect vocabulary and learning to real-world concepts.”

The conversation turned to how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced absenteeism and truancy. Bragg and Walton acknowledged that the pandemic made it easier for families and students to become accustomed to staying home. However, WCPS has been working to re-engage students, helping them understand the value of attending school in person. Bragg also noted that Virtual Virginia remains an option for students who prefer online learning but emphasized that in-person engagement offers benefits that online instruction cannot replicate.

Throughout the discussion, Bragg and Walton highlighted the importance of relationships between students, teachers, and parents. Building a welcoming environment where students feel connected is crucial to improving attendance and academic achievement. They pointed out that chronic absenteeism and disengagement often stem from a lack of connection, and teachers work hard to create positive relationships with their students.

Despite the challenges, WCPS continues to make progress. The Blue Ridge Technical Center remains a district highlight, offering students the chance to gain hands-on experience and graduate with licenses or certifications that lead directly to the workforce. Bragg described the center as a “bright spot” for the county, with many students thriving in its programs due to the relevant and engaging curriculum.

Bragg and Walton also discussed the upcoming changes to Virginia’s accountability system, which will bring new school evaluation methods next year. This shift is part of the ongoing effort to refine how schools are measured and ensure that educational standards continuously improve.

Looking ahead, Bragg emphasized the importance of working with parents and the community to support students and help WCPS schools improve. “Education is how our students can change their future,” she said, calling on parents to encourage their children to attend school regularly and engage with their teachers.

The conversation concluded with a reminder that accreditation is just one tool for measuring school success. “It’s a yardstick,” Bragg said, “but the work we do daily to improve instruction and engage students matters.” WCPS is committed to continuing its efforts to raise achievement levels across the board, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.