Although students have returned to the classroom and things are seemingly returning to “normal,” the long-term effects of the pandemic are still looming as statewide test scores show low and concerning marks.
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) released its annual report of test results in September which highlight the persistent learning loss in both reading and mathematics among students in grades 3-8.
According to Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons in a press release from the VDOE, the department recommends school divisions allocate funds in learning loss resources to programs such as high-dose tutoring, Virginia Literacy Act Implementation and chronic absenteeism response. Related funding totaling some $418 million will be going towards Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s statewide “ALL IN VA” plan.
All three schools in Northumberland earned full accreditation status following the 2022-23 Standard Of Learning (SOL) testing.
While Northumberland students overall tested well across the board, either meeting or exceeding state standards, the district’s biggest weakness lies in its chronic absenteeism, particularly at the high school.
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Northumberland Elementary, which hosts pre-kindergarten through fifth grades, performed exceptionally well according to data recorded by VDOE.
According to the report, the elementary school scored in the level one bracket for each….