Governor, State Board of Education Recognize APS for High Achievement Today, Governor Terry McAuliffe and the State Board of Education announced that 10 Arlington schools have earned 2015 Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) awards. The awards were created by the Board of Education in 2016 to promote advanced learning and achievement. “Congratulations to the students, staff and parents for this state honor which recognizes the academic progress our schools are making to assure that students continue to grow and excel in the classroom.” said Superintendent Dr. Pat Murphy. “I am proud of our teachers, leadership teams and students for earning this honor.” 2016 Governor’s Award of Educational Excellence Recipient Tuckahoe Elementary School This is the highest honor under the VIP incentive program. To earn the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence, schools and school divisions must meet all state and federal achievement benchmarks and achieve all applicable excellence goals for elementary reading, enrollment in Algebra I by the eighth grade, enrollment in college-level courses, high school graduation, attainment of advanced diplomas, increased attainment of career and industry certifications, and, if applicable, participation in the Virginia Preschool Initiative. 2016 Board of Education Excellence Award Recipients Arlington Science Focus School, McKinley Elementary School, Nottingham Elementary School, Swanson Middle School and Taylor Elementary School These divisions and schools also met all state and federal accountability benchmarks and made significant progress toward goals for increased student achievement and expanded educational opportunities set by the board. 2016 Board of Education Distinguished Achievement Award Recipients Arlington Traditional School, Ashlawn Elementary School, Long Branch Elementary School and Yorktown High School This award recognizes schools that have met all state and federal accountability benchmarks for at least two consecutive years and have made significant progress toward goals for increased student achievement and expanded educational opportunities set by the Virginia Board of Education. More information about the VIP incentive program for schools and school divisions is available on the VDOE website.