A Focus school is –
Iden fied as having the largest achievement or gradua on rate gaps in the state. The WVDE iden fied Focus schools based on the following:  Elementary and middle schools – Achievement Gap component of the West Virginia Accountability Index (WVAI) for all valid subgroups (20 members or more) compared to non‐subgroup members.  High schools – Gradua on rate gaps for all valid subgroups (20 members or more) compared to non‐
subgroup members. How are Focus schools idenƟfied?
 Prior to iden fica on, Priority schools are removed from the statewide list of schools. Then, the following process is used:  Elementary and Middle Schools:  All elementary and middle schools will be ranked using the Achievement Gap component of the WVAI.  WVDE will iden fy the 10th percen le Title I school with the largest achievement gap.  All (i.e., Title I and non‐Title I) elementary and middle schools iden fied within the range of the 10th percen le Title I school will be iden fied as Focus schools.  High Schools:  All high schools will be ranked using gradua on rate gaps.  A total number equal to 5% of the state’s high schools with the largest gradua on rate gaps will be iden fied as Focus schools . What happens aŌer being designated a Focus school?
 Each Focus school will implement the West Virginia School Improvement Framework for Focus schools, which includes the following components:  Diagnos c visit/report with a concentra on on iden fied gaps  Improvement plan  Memorandum of Focus Schools will Understanding implement ar cula ng targeted responsibili es of each interven ons for suppor ng agency subgroups in need.  Implementa on of targeted subgroup interven ons  Monitoring/progress reports/redirec on  A Focus Assistance Support Team (FAST) consis ng of staff with programma c exper se related to each subgroup popula on will be formed at the local, regional, and state levels to support implementa on of appropriate interven ons to improve subgroup achievement and school comple on.  Specific supports/resources for implementa on of Focus school improvement plans will be developed through collabora ve efforts of all partners. How does a school exit Focus status?
A school may exit Focus status when the following criteria have been met:  A school is no longer among the 10% of Title I schools with the largest subgroup gaps as a result of sufficient subgroup improvement, and  A school meets its subgroup proficiency Annual Measurable Objec ves (AMOs) for the subgroups that contribute to a school’s achievement gap. Improvement will be subject to review by the ESEA School Review Commi ee. For AddiƟonal InformaƟon on Data or Accountability
WVDE — Office of Assessment & Accountability (304) 558‐2546 h p://wvde.state.wv.us/oaa/ For AddiƟonal InformaƟon on Technical Assistance
WVDE — Office of School Improvement (304) 558‐3199 h p://wvde.state.wv.us/schoolimprovement/