New Kent SOL test scores above state average
New Kent County students continue to excel on Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, exceeding the state average in most categories.
Director of instructional technology, testing, and accountability Ross Miller delivered the news during New Kent’s regular school board meeting Monday night.
In a letter addressed to the school board, students at George Watkins Elementary exceeded the state average in nine out of 11 tests, including a 13 percent gain in writing and 14 percent gain in fourth grade math. At New Kent Elementary, eight out of 11 tests exceeded the state average.
New Kent Middle School students also showed a high excel rate, with 10 of 12 tests rising above the state’s mean. Specifically, grade seven, grade eight, and Algebra tests saw significant increases of 16, 15, and 18 percent respectively.
At New Kent High School, seven of the 12 issued tests were above the state’s average, with Algebra II having the greatest increase in scoring with an 11 percent gain.
Miller provided district-wide numbers for subject areas throughout the division. According to his report, 79 percent of students passed reading, 78 percent passed writing, 78 percent passed mathematics, 89 percent passed history, and 83 percent passed science. Each of those passing rates were at least three percent higher than the state average passing rate.
Miller said a formal report on SOLs and accreditation ratings is expected to be released on Sept. 16. While unofficial, the director expects all four schools to be fully accredited based on scores from testing.
In other matters addressed by New Kent’s school board, members approved the transfer of $507,000 for the schools’ Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
Funds transferred were to address several needs of the schools, according to director of finance and budget Haynie Morgheim. Morgheim recommended projects addressed for funding include replacing HVAC units at New Kent Elementary, improving wireless internet at New Kent Middle and High School, annual roof maintenance, fuel tank replacement at George Watkins, miscellaneous painting tasks, and replacing security cameras at New Kent High School.
In other school news:
–Heritage Public Library’s director Barbary Winter announced the library received a $5,000 rotary grant that will allow the purchase of computers for elementary school students. Expected to be around five computers, the “Lego Introductory WeDO” computers provide programs to help students in science, technology, engineering, and math. Winter expects the computers to be beneficial to elementary school students due to New Kent Middle School already having a Lego learning program in place.
–Superintendent David Myers announced the school’s ADM (average daily membership) as of Sept. 8 is 2,973. That number is 53 students more than the 2,920 projection for the current year. School principals also announced that more parents continue to enroll students in the schools.