A. Schools and local school divisions shall be recognized by the Board of Education in accordance with guidelines it shall establish for the Exemplar School Recognition Program (the Program). The Program shall be designed to recognize and reward (i) schools that exceed Board-established requirements or show continuous improvement on academic and school quality indicators and (ii) schools, school divisions, and school boards that implement effective, innovative practices that are aligned with the Commonwealth's goals for public education. Such recognition may include:

1. Public announcements recognizing individual schools and divisions;

2. Tangible rewards;

3. Waivers of certain board regulations;

4. Exemptions from certain reporting requirements; or

5. Other commendations deemed appropriate to recognize high achievement.

In addition to Board recognition, local school boards shall adopt policies to recognize individual schools through public announcements or media releases as well as other appropriate recognition.

B. A school that maintains a passing rate on Virginia assessment program tests or additional tests approved by the Board of 95 percent or above in each of the four core academic areas for two consecutive years may, upon application to the Department of Education, receive a waiver from accreditation. A school receiving such a waiver shall be fully accredited for a three-year period. However, such school shall continue to annually submit documentation in compliance with the pre-accreditation eligibility requirements.

2010, cc. 38, 103; 2011, cc. 119, 145; 2012, c. 794; 2015, c. 566; 2019, c. 576.