Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
Craig County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jason Wheeler reported positive accreditation results and outlined upcoming changes to Virginia’s Standards of Learning assessments during the Craig County School Board meeting on Dec. 16.
Wheeler told the board that the Virginia Board of Education has approved changes to SOL cut scores, following discussions held earlier this fall. The 2024-25 school year will serve as a preparation year, meaning no changes to cut scores will take effect during the current testing cycle.
Beginning next year, a temporary performance category called “approaching effective” will be added to reading and mathematics SOLs. Students scoring in this category will be considered passing. The temporary designation will remain in place through the conclusion of the 2028-29 school year, at which point it will be removed.
Wheeler noted that students who retake an SOL assessment next year will still be required to meet the old cut scores in order to pass, even as the new standards are introduced.
Starting in 2026, parents and school divisions will receive revised student assessment reports that reflect both scoring systems. According to Wheeler, the reports are expected to show how a student would score under the existing cut scores as well as the new standards, allowing families time to better understand the transition.
The superintendent also shared accreditation results released by the Virginia Department of Education on Dec. 3. Both McCleary Elementary School and Craig County High School are fully accredited and were designated “on track” under the state’s performance framework.
The “on track” designation is the second-highest category, below “distinguished,” and above “off track” and “needs intensive support.” Wheeler said Craig County High School narrowly missed earning the distinguished label.
“Kudos to all the hard work at both schools,” Wheeler said, calling the accreditation results a significant achievement for the division.
Wheeler also provided several upcoming professional development updates. He and Assistant Superintendent Ms. Duncan will attend the Virginia Association of School Superintendents Winter Conference in Richmond from Jan. 4-6, which focuses heavily on school finance. Wheeler said he also plans to attend the Virginia School Boards Association conference Jan. 25-27, which includes training for new board members and new superintendents.
At the conclusion of his report, Wheeler thanked outgoing board member Walter Marston for his service to the school division.
“He’s just a strong advocate for public education and schools,” Wheeler said, adding that Marston has been a consistent supporter during his tenure as superintendent.
Wheeler closed by inviting board members to ask questions before ending his report.