Education

HILLSVILLE —  Twin County high school graduation rates defy the stereotype that rural students are more likely drop out before completing their education.

The high schools in Carroll, Galax and Grayson all topped the statewide average of students that either graduate on time or earn some other certification, like a GED.

INDEPENDENCE — Now that the new school year is underway, Grayson County Public Schools hosted the Choice Bus on Sept. 22 to enable students to better understand the power of education and some of the long-lasting consequences of dropping out of school prior to graduation.

Average SAT scores for Virginia's 2010 graduating class are nearly identical to last year's, with students scoring higher than the national average in reading and writing, but below in math.

The College Board, which administers the SAT college-readiness exam, released national and state-by-state results this week. Nationwide, this year's graduating class participated in the SAT in higher numbers than previous graduating classes, the organization said.

Carroll County, Grayson County and Galax educators say federal assistance will keep teachers working.
The federal Education Jobs Fund was signed into law on Aug. 10 and provides $10 billion nationally, with provisions similar to the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The purpose is to provide additional funding to states for the support of local teacher salary and related costs at the early childhood, elementary and secondary levels.
It is expected that Virginia will be awarded the funds by Oct. 1.