NEWS: Academic Achievement Gaps Identified by WJCC Public Schools Amidst Overall Success
Achievement gaps in English and Mathematics remain problematic at some schools
During a recent joint meeting with the Williamsburg City Council and Williamsburg-James City County School Board held earlier this month, WJCC Public Schools leadership presented an analysis of system results for the 2023-2024 school year. Metrics included school accreditation, student academic achievement and on-time graduation rates.
According to the presentation posted on the James City County website, each of the system’s 16 schools are fully accredited by the Virginia Board of Education. Additionally, based on what the system calls the “School Quality Profile Report Card,” the overall WJCC Public Schools system scored at or above state averages for academic achievement, achievement gaps and student outcomes.
Yet, various schools in the system did score less than the state average in several key metrics. Below are additional key takeaways compiled from the data presented by the school system.
1. Overall WJCC student performance in core competencies compares favorably versus statewide averages.
A higher percentage of WJCC students scored proficient in every core category vs state averages:
Reading (78% vs 73%)
Writing (80% vs 76%)
Math (76% vs 71%)
Science (75% vs 68%)
History/Social Studies (71% vs. 65%)
2. WJCC students also fared well in core competencies when compared with those in other local school systems.
In terms of core competencies, WJCC students scored proficient in reading, mathematics and science at a higher rate than several other local districts. For example, overall WJCC Public School’s core competency rates of proficiency are higher than students in both Hampton (who scored 71% reading proficient, 74% math proficient, 74% science proficient) and Newport News (60%, 59%, 57%).
York County students consistently performed best among nearby school systems, scoring 87% proficient in reading, 86% proficient in math, and 80% proficient in science.
3. Achievement gaps in English and math are higher than state averages at several schools.
Though WJCC Public Schools achieved acceptable outcomes in most schools, results narrowing achievement gaps remain sub-standard at 4 middle schools - including Berkley Middle and James Blair Middle, both of which get most of their students from the City of Williamsburg.
The Virginia Department of Education defines academic achievement gap as “the difference between the performance of subgroups of students, especially those defined by gender, race/ethnicity, disability and socioeconomic status.”
Only one high school (Jamestown High) and one elementary school (James River Elementary) received a below average score for either English or math achievement gaps.
4. Total on-time graduation rate for students in WJCC Public Schools exceeds the state average but trails other local school systems.
WJCC Public Schools’ seniors graduated on-time at a greater than 95% clip, which surpassed the statewide average of nearly 93%. Students in York County graduated on-time almost 98% of the time. Newport News (93%) and Poquoson (91%) trailed other local systems.
According to the presentation, the WJCC school system’s overall performance in terms of on-time graduation was better than the state average for a variety of subgroups. These included students identified as white, black, Hispanic, English learners or persons with disabilities.
5. Most high school students pursue a more rigorous degree than required to graduate.
An “Advanced Studies Diploma” was awarded to more than half of all graduates at the end of the last school year. According to an academic planning guide issued last year by the WJCC system, these students must take additional courses in mathematics, laboratory science and world languages among other requirements. Pursuing an advanced degree leaves half as much time for electives as the standard diploma.
6. Chronic absenteeism in WJCC Public Schools declines year-over-year yet remains a focus for improvement.
The WJCC school system had fewer students with chronic absenteeism problems - almost 11% - than the statewide average of 16%. The system’s chronic absenteeism percentage marks a decline from the prior 22-23 academic year, in which over 16% of WJCC students were chronically absent. According to the presentation, attendance, student behavior and academic performance rank as top priorities.
(Update: 1-6-25 The headline was updated to identify the piece as news.)
George Arbogust is Founder and Editor of the Williamsburg Independent. You can contribute too! Send stories and ideas to contact@williamsburgindependent.com.