Instruction within the Bristol Virginia Public Schools is guided primarily by the Standards of Learning (SOL’s). These standards detail instructional requirements for student learning and achievement in grades K-12 in English, math, science, history/social science, technology, fine arts, foreign language, health and physical education and driver education. The school division also provides special programs of instruction for gifted students, English as a second language students, and students with disabilities.
***Online courses are provided by Virtual Virginia, Elite Learning and Odysseyware.
The Adult Education Program offers a variety of classes in business, computer applications, trade and industrial education, and general investment. All classes are designed to meet the needs of business, industry, the general public, and are offered at the basic and advanced levels. These classes are offered by the local school division in order to give individuals an opportunity to improve and/or seek new job skills.
Students participating in the Crossroads Alternative Education Program will develop abilities to function successfully in the regular school environment and become responsible citizens in the community.
SOL assessments measure student achievement in English, Math, Science and History/Social Science. Students are assessed in English and Mathematics in grades 3-8 and in end-of-course tests for high school classes. SOL tests in Science and History are administered in grades 3, 5 and 8 and in end-of-course tests for high school classes. Some students may take tests at other grade levels based on the school’s curriculum. In addition, the division completes various annual local tests.
BVPS Testing Transparency and Parent Opt Out Policy
The career and technical education offerings are designed to help students develop life skills such as auto mechanics, cosmetology, computer applications and/or office related skills in preparation for entering business occupations and/or for pursuing additional education.
The Bristol Virginia Public Schools reports a variety of data on public education including information on enrollment, demographics, student achievement, finances and safety. School division report cards provide detailed information about the quality of learning and instruction, including state and federal accountability ratings, grade-by-grade data on student achievement, graduation rates and teacher qualifications.
The Bristol Virginia School Board affirms that parents are the student's first teachers and that the public schools should serve to strengthen family and parental support. No student will be required to participate in any counseling program to which the student's parents object. Parents shall be notified in writing about the academic and career guidance programs, and the personal/social counseling programs which are available to students within the school division. Parents will be advised concerning the purpose, general description of the programs, how parents may review materials to be used in the programs, and procedures by which parents may limit the students’ participation in the program. Information and records of personal/social counseling shall be kept confidential and separate and not disclosed to third parties without prior parental consent or as otherwise provided by law.
The library functions for the benefit of students and faculty. Library/Media Services provide a wealth of information found in books, periodicals and electronic sources. Assistance is given with research papers, extra-curricular projects, leisure reading materials and other library related activities.
The School Board accepts the overall goals of public education as expressed by the Standards of Quality legislated by the Virginia General Assembly and implemented by State Board of Education regulations. The school board will report its compliance with the Standards of Quality to the Board of Education annually. The report of compliance will be submitted to the Board of Education by the chairman of the board and the division superintendent. The School Board commits itself to providing programs and services as stated in the Standards of Quality only to an extent proportionate to funding thereof provided by the General Assembly.