Students Score High
<bt>Special education students in Fairfax County Public Schools received high marks on the Virginia Alternate Assessment program (VAAP) evaluation, released by the Virginia Department of Education, during the 2002-03 school year. The VAAP is administered to students with disabilities who cannot participate in Standards of Learning tests because of the severity of their disabilities. A total of 281 school-system students were assessed using the VAAP.
In English and language arts, 95 percent of students who were tested passed the assessment with a score of proficient or advanced. In mathematics, 96 percent of students who were tested passed, while 91 percent of students who were tested passed their science-technology assessment, and 95 percent of students who were tested passed the history-social studies-vocational studies assessment.
The VAAP consists of collections of evidence (COE) that are accumulated throughout the school year by special education teachers. The COE, which can include student work samples and audio- or videotapes, is required to provide evidence of how the student is achieving the goals set forth in his or her individualized education program.
Fairfax County Public Schools serves 23,570 students in special education programs.
<sh>Students Receive Scholarships
<bt>Two students from Fairfax County Public Schools have been named recipients of college-sponsored National Achievement Scholarship awards, conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The students are Deanna Pruitt, a recent graduate of Mount Vernon High School, and Sarah King, a recent graduate of Oakton High School.
Pruitt, who lists pediatric medicine as her probable career choice, received her award from the University of Illinois. King, who lists engineering as her probable career choice, received her award from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Scholarships are renewable awards from $500 to $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the sponsor institution. The National Achievement Program is an academic competition for Black American youth.
<sh>FCPS Events Calendar
<bt>Wednesday, June 25, 6:30 p.m.
School Board, closed meeting. Burkholder Center, 10700 Page Ave., Fairfax.
Wednesday, June 25, 7:30 p.m.
Adult and Community Education Advisory Committee meeting. Centreville Adult Center, 5775 Spindle Court, Centreville.
Thursday, June 26, 7:30 p.m.
School Board regular business meeting. Luther Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church.
Saturday, June 28
McLean High School reunion, class of 1992. Doubletree Tysons Corner, Falls Church. For more information, call 800-655-7971 or on the Web, www.GreatReunions.com.
Friday, July 4
Independence Day holiday for all Fairfax County Public Schools.
Tuesday, July 8, 8 a.m.
School Board work session, facilities; policy review; instruction; human resources;student services and finance & budget. Burkholder Center, 10700 Page Ave., Fairfax.
Thursday, July 10, 7:30 p.m.
School Board regular business meeting. Luther Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church.
Saturday, July 12
* Mount Vernon High School reunion, class of 1983. Holiday Inn Alexandria.
* Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, class of 1983. Hilton Garden Inn, Fairfax.
For more information, call 800-655-7971 or on the Web, www.GreatReunions.com.