Virginia Department of Education, Office of School Improvement

Virginia Department of Education
Office of School Improvement

School Improvement Case File:
Lee County Public Schools
Achieves Objectives of Corrective Action Plan

Lee County Public Schools underwent a voluntary division-level academic review in 2004. With the assistance of the Virginia Department of Education’s Office of School Improvement, Lee County created a corrective action plan addressing all of the essential actions to raise student achievement identified during the academic review.

These essential actions included curriculum alignment, data analysis and benchmark assessment, data-driven remediation, professional development for teachers and instructional leaders and improved communication.

Classroom photo By the fall of 2006, Lee County had met all of the objectives of its corrective action plan and was released by the Board of Education from the division-level academic review process.

The video clips in this case file provide an overview of the challenges facing Lee County and the essential actions that resulted in increased student learning and achievement. Requires the free Adobe Flash Player plug-in.

Introduction
Superintendent of Public Instruction Billy K. Cannaday Jr. discusses the challenges facing Lee County and the partnership formed with the Office of School Improvement to raise student achievement. PLAY VIDEO

The Corrective Action Plan
Lee County aligned all of its resources and activities with the objectives of its corrective action plan. PLAY VIDEO

Curriculum Alignment, Data Analysis and Benchmark Assessments
Aligning the county’s curriculum included the analysis of assessment data to identify gaps in instruction and the creation of materials to assist teachers and instructional leaders. Benchmark assessments enabled Lee County to monitor the effectiveness of classroom instruction. PLAY VIDEO

Targeted Remediation
Lee County used data from benchmark assessments and family schedules to provide timely and effective remedial instruction. PLAY VIDEO

Communications and Technology
Lee County used technology to overcome distance and isolation and allow for effective collaboration among teachers and instructional leaders. PLAY VIDEO

Professional Development
Lee County provided teachers and instructional leaders with professional development aligned with the essential actions identified during the division-level academic review. PLAY VIDEO

Epilogue: Lessons Learned and Future Challenges
The Board of Education released Lee County from the division-level academic review process but challenges remain and the division moves forward on the road from competence to excellence. PLAY VIDEO

Case File Documents:

Board of Education agenda item releasing Lee County from the division-level academic review process (pdf) - Includes Essential Actions and Compliance Indicators
(Approved November 29, 2006)

Lee County Division-Level Review: Superintendent and School Board Roles and Responsibilities (Word)