We want to take this opportunity to update you on an important shift in the way Virginia schools will be accredited, beginning with the 2025-26 school year. This new system, designed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), marks a significant redesign of the state’s accreditation process, offering a clearer and more transparent accountability model through the new School Performance and Support Framework.
VDOE recently shared performance summaries with school divisions across the commonwealth to offer insight into how they may perform under the new system. These performance summaries are based on data from the 2023-24 school year.
Lynchburg City Schools (LCS) is actively preparing for this significant change in Virginia’s school accreditation process.
Change to the Accreditation Model
Under this new framework, schools will be assessed and categorized into four performance levels:
- Distinguished
- On Track
- Off Track
- Needs Intensive Support
This model integrates operational compliance metrics—such as attendance, graduation rates, and academic performance—into a comprehensive evaluation. Unlike the previous system, the new framework separates student accountability from accreditation ratings, providing a more nuanced view of school performance.
How LCS is Preparing
LCS has proactively focused on improving outcomes and aligning with the upcoming accreditation model through various initiatives, including the following:
- Comprehensive Literacy Plan: Using Science of Reading research, LCS is committed to enhancing literacy outcomes, aligning with the Virginia Literacy Act. We also train teachers on evidence-based reading instruction strategies. Through the ALL In VA initiative, we have implemented high-impact tutoring programs to ensure all students receive targeted support.
- Professional Development: The division-wide Professional Learning Plan creates ongoing opportunities for teachers and administrators to improve their instructional skills. All schools are engaged in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), which use student outcome data to guide interventions and extensions.
- Focused Classroom Observations: The Department of Curriculum and Instruction has already conducted 288 classroom observations across all schools for the current school year. The data gathered at these observations help identify strengths and areas for growth in teaching practices. In schools with lower performance scores, principals are conducting even more frequent classroom visits and providing actionable feedback to teachers to improve instructional quality.
- Comprehensive School Support Plans (CSSPs): Each school is developing its CSSP, which includes strategies tailored to the specific academic and behavioral needs of its students. These plans are directly tied to improving learning outcomes and closing achievement gaps.
- Instructional Leadership and Accountability: Building-level administrators are prioritizing instructional leadership, regularly observing classrooms and monitoring progress through monthly Principal Data Review meetings with Curriculum and Instruction staff. Principals are developing quarterly action plans that connect directly to their school’s CSSP goals.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025-26 implementation of the new accreditation model approaches, LCS will continue to partner with the Academic Success Committee and the Concerned Citizens’ Group to address achievement gaps. Continued collaborations with organizations like the 40 Ways Coalition will provide opportunities for real-world learning experiences. To ensure continuous educator improvement, LCS will expand the division-wide Professional Learning Plan and establish Principal PLCs to foster collaboration among school leaders and share best practices.
We recognize the areas of needs across our schools, and with the support of our community, staff, and families, we are confident that we can meet the challenges of the new accreditation model and create an even stronger future for our schools. These efforts demonstrate our unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for all students in Lynchburg City Schools.