The Virginia Board of Education has awarded a Virginia Innovative Practice Exemplar Award to Roanoke County Public Schools for the implementation of its “C-Change Framework”: an innovative “systems approach” to produce successful student outcomes. The Board of Education noted that Roanoke County Public Schools “highlights the creation of a school climate that cultivates the physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being of students. The climate is created, in part, by implementing Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) with fidelity, having a licensed health counselor in every secondary school, violence and suicide prevention programs, the Student Voices Initiative, and strong school safety and security.”

Roanoke County Public Schools is the only school district in the state to receive two Virginia Innovative Practice Exemplar Awards.  The other award was presented for the regional student apprenticeship program in partnership with Roanoke City Public Schools and Salem City Schools.

“The C-Change Framework recognizes that education is complex work, requiring many components to function together as a system focused on the learning needs of students,” said Dr. Ken Nicely, superintendent of Roanoke County Public Schools.  “We believe strongly that students successfully achieve within a carefully cultivated climate and culture conducive to learning and with educators and support staff fully prepared to collaboratively meet the needs of each student.  Our C-Change Framework is the roadmap to help us stay focused on cultivating a physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe environment in which students can thrive in their learning and can experience a sense of belonging,” Dr. Nicely added. “We are grateful for and proud of the work done by our trained school counselors and LIFE counselors to meet individual students where they are, and for the many leaders and staff who ensure school safety and set high expectations for student behavior and success within the school community.”