INFORMATIONAL

The Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in 
Virginia, in 8 VAC 20-131-300 (D)(3)(a) require that schools that are 
rated Accredited with Warning develop a school improvement (corrective 
action) plan designed to assist the improvement of SOL test achievement. 
 The standard states:

Schools that are Accredited with Warning shall develop a 
corrective action plan as described in 8 VAC 20-131-310 
designed to improve student achievement on the SOL tests for 
the grade levels identified in 8 VAC 20-131-280 over two 
years.

The accreditation standards require that the superintendent and school 
board approve improvement plans.  During the implementation years of 
1998-2002, schools do not have to submit a school improvement plan to 
the Board of Education. If a school continues to be Accredited with 
Warning in the 2002-03 school year, local school boards must submit 
improvement plans to the Board of Education beginning in 2002.

The Department of Education, with the assistance of elementary, middle 
school, and secondary school principals from across Virginia, has 
developed a format for school improvement plans.  A copy of the format 
and samples for its use are attached.  At this time the use of this form 
is not required for developing school improvement plans. However, the 
standards require that the Board of Education approve the manner in 
which the plans are submitted for schools Accredited with Warning 
beginning with the 2002-03 school year. When appropriate, the Department 
will recommend a format to the Board for approval. Therefore, if schools 
in your division undertake improvement planning and use this form, we 
would like your comments, suggestions, or recommendations related to the 
use of this form.

If you have questions, please contact the Office of Accreditation at 
804-786-9421.

PDS:tls

Attachments:    A hard copy of this memo and its attachment will be
                sent to the superintendent's office.