Arlington Public Schools (APS) has responded to the Virginia Department of Education’s release of updated accountability and accreditation results, which introduce a new School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF) and redesigned School Quality Profiles for public schools statewide.
The SPSF evaluates schools using multiple indicators beyond single test scores. These include academic mastery, student growth over time, chronic absenteeism, participation in advanced coursework, and graduation outcomes for high schools. The framework assesses four main areas—Mastery, Growth, Readiness, and Graduation—with weighting adjusted by school level. Each school receives both a framework score and an overall rating: Distinguished, On Track, Off Track, or Needs Intensive Support. Accreditation designations are also assigned; however, no school will be denied accreditation this year as the system transitions.
Some schools have received federal identifications such as Comprehensive Support & Improvement (CSI), Targeted Support & Improvement (TSI), or Additional Targeted Support & Improvement under the Every Student Succeeds Act.
Dr. Francisco Durán, Superintendent of APS, addressed concerns about how the new system reflects school performance: “While I believe in the importance of accountability and continuous improvement—and know that we all hold ourselves to high standards—I also understand the challenges that come with this change. There are concerns about how well this new system reflects the full picture of our schools’ performance and our students’ progress—especially for those who may need extra time and support to reach their goals, such as English learners or students with disabilities.”
Key points from APS’s results under the new framework include:
– All APS schools remain fully accredited.
– All APS middle schools and comprehensive high schools received a rating of On Track or Distinguished.
– One third of APS schools earned a Distinguished rating.
– Ten elementary schools had at least one student group identified for TSI.
– Students with disabilities were identified at all ten elementary schools; English learners at one; Hispanic students at three.
In terms of state performance categories among APS:
– 12 schools are rated Distinguished,
– 12 are On Track,
– 3 are Off Track,
– 8 Need Intensive Support.
Federal identification results show one high school designated CSI and ten elementary schools designated TSI. When identified for additional support, these schools receive further training and resources aimed at improving student outcomes in areas such as attendance and learning opportunities.
Dr. Durán emphasized continued commitment: “What I know for certain is this: the strength of APS lies in our teachers and staff whose professionalism, collaboration, and unwavering belief in our students make a difference every single day. As we adjust to this new framework, we will continue to learn, grow, and support one another and always keep our focus on what matters most: our students.”
Families can review detailed results through Virginia’s updated School Quality Profiles or consult resources linked on the School Performance and Support Framework page on the APS website.
