1) What programs are implemented at your school to prepare students for standardized tests?
BVCPS partners with Matt Hurt’s Comprehensive Instructional Program (CIP), a consortium of Virginia schools that work together to design instructional activities and assessments aligned with the Virginia Curriculum Framework. Each quarterly benchmark is intentionally designed to mirror the Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments, helping determine whether students and teachers are meeting the standards outlined in the annual pacing guides.
2) Do you believe that standardized tests are an accurate representation of how well students are Learning?
BVCPS is partnering with Matt Hurt’s Comprehensive Instructional Program (CIP), a consortium of Virginia schools that work together to design instructional activities and assessments aligned with the Virginia Curriculum Framework. These scores provide a reliable indication of whether a student is likely to pass or fail the SOL. However, it’s important to remember that, just like adults, students can have an off day and not perform their best. Many factors can influence test results, so no single assessment should be viewed as a complete measure of a student’s ability.
3) How do you feel about where this school’s scores have been placed in the past, present, and projected for the future?
This is my second year serving as principal at PMMS, and I am proud to share that our middle school scores have consistently remained above average—even during the challenges of the COVID years. This achievement reflects the dedication, flexibility, and hard work of our teachers, who go above and beyond to meet the needs of every student.
4) What kinds of struggles do students face when it comes to standardized testing, and what can be done about them?
My main concern with standardized testing is the amount of weight it carries in defining success. Too often, students view their scores as a simple measure of “I succeeded” or “I failed,” rather than as just one part of their overall yearly learning.
5) Do you think the topic of SOL scores in our local schools is only relevant to people who have children in those schools?
No, because SOL scores are often used to compare our students to those in other Virginia schools—whether those schools are larger with more resources or smaller with fewer. However, having more resources doesn’t automatically mean students are learning more or receiving a better education than ours. BVCPS has outperformed average test scores across the state for the past several years, and these scores are reflective of the hard work of our students, teachers and families.
