PWC scores not lowest in Virginia
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Milton C. Johns
Published: July 16, 2008
It is hard to understand the motivation for the “Only in P.W. County” editorial cartoon of July 11. I do not have a problem with anyone expressing an opinion, which is the purpose of an editorial cartoon.
However, I must take issue with the false and misleading information included in the text of the cartoon. It is all the more puzzling that the editorial staff did not bother to check the facts purported in the
cartoon, and even more puzzling that the cartoon would be based (apparently) on an article that ran recently in The Washington Post.
Far from having the lowest “SAT and test scores” in Virginia, Prince William County Public Schools compare quite favorably with other Virginia school divisions. PWCS is not the lowest in Virginia any
subject area, grade, or school.
Perhaps more importantly, preliminary 2007-08 SOL results indicate sustained student improvement with significant increases, especially at the middle-school level. The PWCS instructional program is
strong, aligned with the standards and supports increased student achievement.
Two years ago, the School Board and Superintendent Steve Walts recognized the need to strengthen SAT preparation in PWCS. Under Dr. Walts’ leadership, the School Division began providing all
students in grades 9 through 12 with the College Board’s Official SAT Online Course at no cost.
We give all tenth and eleventh grade students the opportunity to take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) for free. In addition, we offer school-based preparation courses.
At the same time that the School Division is addressing student performance on SATs, we have been encouraging many more students to take these tests than in years past.
As those who have children in Prince William County Public Schools know, our students are thriving and learning in safe environments under the nurturing eye of dedicated teachers, administrators and
support staff.
MILTON C. JOHNS
Chairman, Prince William County School Board
Gainesville
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Reader Reactions
Posted by ( Anny ) on July 18, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Oh really…
I’ve heard bits and pieces that the super. is looking to pack his bags and hightail it out of this school system.
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Posted by ( kgotthardt ) on July 16, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Kudos to Mr. Johns for defending PWC students.
We might also address the usefulness of SAT scores in an age when more and more colleges are not using them as admissions standards. It is time we stop equating standardized tests with infallible measurements of intelligence and aptitude.
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Posted by ( phdee ) on July 16, 2008 at 4:00 pm
PWC school tests scores may not be the lowest in Va., but they are in Northern
Va. PWC scores are to Va. as Prince
George’s are to Md., and similar to the District’s.
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Posted by ( Godsaveus ) on July 16, 2008 at 8:03 am
This is all part of the same campaign. Smear Corey Stewart and the elected authorities. Remove your bumper stickers Democrats, Pandak lost the election, move on.
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