In school year 2007-08 the Virginia Beach School Board, as part of its larger Program of Work (the plan that guided the priorities of the school division), identified improving the academic achievement of African American males as a major goal. Since then, Virginia Beach educators have analyzed data, developed action plans and hosted incisive conversations about race from student, teacher and administrative perspectives. On Tuesday, December 2, the School Board received a progress report on this goal.

A summary document, titled Improving the Achievement of African American Males: A Progress Report, has been posted to the school division’s Web site, vbschools.com. To locate the report, click on the School Data/Research link on the home page.

“We are pleased to share this report with our community and are also pleased with our progress on this goal over barely a 12-month period of time. While it is good to point out progress, it is also important that we all understand the challenges still ahead of us. Working together we can make a positive difference in children’s lives,” said Superintendent James G. Merrill.

Merrill said a next step is the development of a plan to further engage the community in support of this goal. Efforts will be coordinated through the Office of Equity Affairs. Those wishing to offer support should contact its director, Esther Monclova-Johnson, at 263-1529 or esther.monclova-johnson@vbschools.com.