HENDERSON, NC - Vance County Schools students made growth for the 2021-2022 school year based on accountability data released today by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. Fifteen of our district’s schools are meeting and/or exceeding growth in one or more areas. The results were made public today after the data was presented to the N.C. State Board of Education. 

Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett noted, “Final data from the 2021-2022 school year definitely has its bright spots; however, we recognize our areas of learning gaps and deficiencies. Our schools worked diligently to ensure students received a year's growth for a year's schooling. The results indicated that was accomplished. The calculations used by the Department of Public Instruction are weighted heavily on proficiency (80%), with only 20% counting for growth. We will continue to focus on growth, which yields proficiency. We will not use the pandemic to lower expectations for students because we are committed to our vision: providing an adaptable educational setting where learning is a catalyst to the pursuit of dreams in an evolving society. Our district remains focused on growth and we are thankful for the resilience of our teachers, students and families.” 

The fifteen schools meeting and/or exceeding growth in one of more areas includes: Aycock Elementary, Carver Elementary, Clarke Elementary, Dabney Elementary, EO Young Elementary, EM Rollins STEAM Academy, New Hope Elementary, LB Yancey Elementary, Pinkston Street Elementary, Zeb Vance Elementary, STEM Early High, Vance County Middle, Vance County High, Vance County Early College and Advance Academy. 

The 2021-2022 results show that 93% of our schools met or exceeded growth in math, 92% met or exceeded growth in reading and 81% met or exceeded growth overall. All grade level proficiency was 46.8% in 2018-2019 and now the district is at 34.4%. Math course rigor was 90.5% in 2018-29 and now is 87.8%. ACT proficiency took a slight decline from 27.5% to 22.3%. We are committed to closing the gap in grade level proficiency to ensure our students are successful on their educational journey. Vance County Schools continues to search for innovations that will enhance opportunities and experiences for students. 

The student performances to meet and exceed growth last year were the result of a lot of hard work by students, teachers, school support staff, administrators and parents amidst a pandemic. Growth occurred because of school administrators and support staff working with teachers to focus on specific areas in reading and math where students needed additional assistance to improve their skills. Classroom teachers used available data to follow the progress of students and provide extra instruction and interventions to help students improve and reach their goals. 

The four-year cohort graduation rate for the district, following the pandemic, is at 76.2 percent. Of the 34 students who did not graduate with their cohort in 2021-2022 at Advance Academy, 25 are currently enrolled. At Vance County High School, 45 students did not graduate with their cohort; however, 13 students remain enrolled. Though this is a 10% dip from 2018-2019, many of the students in the 2021-2022 cohort are enrolled and we are working hard with those students to complete their degree during the 2022-2023 school year. Currently, our five-year cohort graduation rate is 86.3%, which is an increase of 2.3% . Our goal is to ensure the 38 students who continue to be enrolled with our district graduate this year, many who are on the pathway to a December completion. Though these students will not be calculated in the four-year cohort graduation rate, we are committed to every student in their journey to graduate. 

We are very proud of the growth our students have demonstrated. We will continue to push forward and increase overall proficiency. The last school performance grades (SPG) were given by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in 2018-2019, pre-pandemic, with the state replicating those exact SPG’s in 2019-2020. We have experienced unique learning situations since, but have remained committed to our students. 

Vance County Schools has been in this position before and we worked hard, making substantial progress. We will work diligently to continue academic growth for our students and ensure we are making gains. The overall growth ratings showcase the value of our committed staff and students. With student attendance, parent support and strong district initiatives, we know the growth will lead to proficiency.

Official Press Release