Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) has announced that targeted strategies implemented by teachers last year have led to sustained growth on Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments, despite the introduction of new standards and testing challenges.
According to NNPS, these strategies during the 2024–2025 school year focused on strengthening Tier 1 instruction, implementing evidence-based literacy practices, and fostering a positive school culture. Preliminary results indicate significant gains at several schools, notably Greenwood Elementary, which reported double-digit improvements in multiple math and science areas. Students with disabilities and English learners also demonstrated progress, meeting or exceeding established performance goals.
The district attributes these improvements to consistent curriculum implementation, strong classroom instruction, and robust local assessments that measure student mastery before SOL tests. NNPS maintains a School Support Team to review data quarterly and provide targeted interventions, including instructional coaching where necessary. Division-wide analysis helps identify successful strategies for sharing across schools, reinforcing the approach that curriculum, instruction, and assessment must be consistently aligned and supported.
“There will be new terminology for a new criteria,” said NNPS Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell. “Whichever system is being used, numerous content areas and individual schools have shown marked growth over the last two years and continue on a path towards long-term increases in scores.”
NNPS serves approximately 26,000 students across 40 schools, including early childhood centers as well as elementary, middle, high, and combination schools. Over 1,500 students speak a language other than English. The district employs roughly 3,900 teachers, administrators, and support staff with a focus on preparing all students to graduate college-, career-, and citizen-ready. NNPS offers early learning programs, advanced science labs, and educational technology to support student and teacher success. The district is governed by a seven-member elected School Board with Dr. Michele Mitchell serving as superintendent. Board meetings are public with structured opportunities for citizen input.
