WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — As Williamsburg city leaders consider forming an independent school division, a new study is taking a closer look at disparities in area classrooms.
The independent report by the Village Initiative shows gaps in academic achievement and discipline among students of color and those with disabilities in Williamsburg-James City County Schools.
The findings are part of the annual equity report by the Village Initiative. The Williamsburg-based non-profit examines issues of equity and justice in the area’s school division and the community and works with local leaders to help bridge the gap.
“The goal is awareness,” said the group’s founder, Jacqueline Bridgeforth-Williams. “The ultimate goal is that we find solutions.”
Citing data from the school division and the Virginia Department of Education, the report shows Black and Hispanic students, as well as those with disabilities, fell behind their counterparts in reading at both the state and local levels last school year.
“There are inequities across the board that arguably are not a true reflection of who we all are in the community,” said Bridgeforth-Williams.
The Village Initiative often works in partnership with William & Mary. Sociology professor Amy Quark, who also serves with the group, said the data shows students of color made up a disproportionate number of suspensions.
“All of these achievement-related issues are directly related to racial disparities in discipline,” said Quark.
The study comes as Williamsburg city leaders consider separating from the jointly run school system with James City County. Williamsburg City Council conducted a feasibility study, which found division students who lived in the City limits underperformed compared to children in the county. Bridgeforth-Williams said it was important for the study to examine the state of subgroups across the region, and the report shows issues of academic disparities are impacting students regardless of residence.
“And we just need to find the piece that is the key to make sure that we are giving every student everything they need to be successful,” said Bridgeforth-Williams.
The group suggests, in part, more resources and support for educators and local families, and they are hoping to work with division leaders on some of the findings.
During a presentation earlier this week, the Village Initiative shared the report with community members, including some local and school leaders. This is the sixth year for the group's annual equity report.
We reached out to the school division, and a spokesperson says division leaders plan to present goals for academic achievement, college and career readiness, and educational equity, in June, as part of their annual report on the division's strategic plan.