The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

November 9, 2009

65 Exemplary schools honored in Charleston

By Jackie Ayres

Sixty-five of West Virginia’s public schools and career and technical centers were honored for achieving 2009-2010 Exemplary Accreditation status at a banquet Monday night in Charleston.

Raleigh County’s Hollywood and Maxwell Hill elementary schools and Wyoming County’s Mullens Middle School were among the honorees.

Exemplary distinction is considered the gold standard of educational achievement.

To receive this distinction, a school must meet a set of rigorous standards.

Schools are ranked by proficiency in reading and language arts, math, science, social studies and writing. The top 10 percent weighted ranking in elementary, middle and high school are designated as exemplary if they meet a list of other criteria.

Exemplary schools must also have a 94 percent attendance rate, a graduation rate of 85 percent or better, at least 55 percent of the school’s graduating seniors must declare an intent to enroll in college or post-secondary education, and at least 5 percent of the students should successfully complete Advanced Placement, dual credit and/or honors classes.

Career technical centers also have strenuous criteria to meet.

Such schools must meet a minimum of 70 percent of proficiency standards across all concentrations; have a 90 percent placement rate; and a 65 percent in-field job placement and continuing education rate, among other requirements.

“We have high expectations for all schools in West Virginia and these schools have achieved the state board’s highest level of recognition,” said West Virginia Board of Education President Priscilla Haden.

“This accomplishment speaks highly of the quality of education throughout West Virginia, with schools from every area of our state identified as exemplary. Educators, parents, students and communities serving our schools understand that quality is important and are working hard to ensure students succeed. We encourage them to keep up the good work.”

Several counties walked away with numerous honors.

In Kanawha and Putnam counties, nine schools were named exemplary. Also honored were six Ohio County Schools, five Mon-ongalia County Schools and four Harrison County Schools.

Hancock County’s Liberty Elementary School and Wirt County High School were named National Blue Ribbon Schools at the event.

To qualify as National Blue Ribbon Schools, public schools must have at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds that dramatically improve student performance on state tests or have students, regardless of background, achieve in the top 10 percent of their state on state tests.

— E-mail: jayres@register-herald.com

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