The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) announced the 2012 accreditation results Wednesday. All 26 schools in Roanoke County remain fully accredited by the VDOE. Roanoke County Public Schools joins 85 other school systems statewide with all schools fully accredited.

“I’m proud of our teachers who worked hard last year to provide outstanding education to our students,” said Dr. Lorraine Lange, Superintendent of Roanoke County Public Schools. “I’m equally proud of our students who worked hard to learn throughout the year and demonstrate that knowledge on the SOLs,” Dr. Lange added.

Statewide, ninety-three percent of Virginia’s 1,836 public schools are fully accredited and meeting all state standards for achievement in English, mathematics, history and science — and graduation, in the case of high schools. The percentage of schools earning full accreditation for 2012-2013 is three points lower than the percentage that earned the highest rating for 2011-2012.

“This year’s decrease in the percentage of schools meeting the fully accredited rating is attributed, in part, to results of the new college- and career-ready mathematics tests that were first introduced during 2011-2012,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Patricia I. Wright said. “We can expect a similar impact next year when we see the results of schools implementing more rigorous standards and tests in English and science this school year.”

“Even with three-year averaging, the board’s move to more rigorous standards will continue to present accreditation challenges for many of the commonwealth’s schools,” said Board of Education President David M. Foster.” We are confident, however, that over the long haul our graduates will be better prepared to succeed in college and the work place.”

Submitted by Roanoke County Schools