The quality of education is paramount to the success and future of every student. In Virginia, public schools are guided by a fundamental goal: to equip each student with the essential skills for academic achievement, life preparation, and the realization of their full potential. This commitment is underpinned by the Virginia Standards Of Learning (SOL), a cornerstone of the state’s educational framework. This article delves into the Virginia Standards of Learning, explaining their purpose, components, and significance for students, educators, and the community.
What are the Virginia Standards of Learning?
The Virginia Standards of Learning are educational objectives established by the Virginia Board of Education. These standards serve as the foundation of Virginia’s educational program, outlining what students are expected to know and be able to do at each grade level and in each subject area. Crucially, the SOL are designed to ensure students acquire the necessary skills for success not only in their academic pursuits but also in their lives beyond the classroom.
At a minimum, the Board of Education mandates Standards of Learning for core subjects including:
- English: encompassing reading, writing, and communication skills.
- Mathematics: focusing on computation, critical reasoning, and problem-solving.
- Science: covering scientific concepts and processes.
- History and Social Science: exploring historical events, civics, and societal structures.
These standards are not considered regulations in the legal sense but rather benchmarks for educational excellence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Key Components of the Virginia Standards of Learning
The Virginia SOL are designed to be comprehensive and forward-thinking, incorporating a range of essential skills deemed vital for today’s students. These key components include:
- Basic Communication Skills: This encompasses listening, speaking, reading, and writing – the fundamental building blocks of effective communication.
- Computation and Critical Reasoning: Developing students’ abilities in mathematical computation, logical thinking, problem-solving, and sound decision-making.
- Technology Proficiency: Ensuring students are adept at using computers and related technologies, which are increasingly integral to modern life and work.
- Computer Science and Computational Thinking: Recognizing the growing importance of computer science, the SOL include computer science and computational thinking, including computer coding skills.
- Personal Finance Skills: Equipping students with the knowledge and skills to manage personal finances responsibly and make informed financial decisions, a crucial aspect of adult life.
For English Standards of Learning in kindergarten through eighth grade, there is a specific emphasis on aligning with evidence-based literacy instruction and science-based reading research, ensuring the most effective methods are used to develop reading proficiency in younger students.
Regular Review and Revision of SOL
To maintain their relevance and rigor, the Virginia Standards of Learning are subject to regular review and revision. This process ensures that the standards remain up-to-date with advancements in knowledge and pedagogical best practices, and continue to reflect a balance between content knowledge and the practical application of that knowledge.
The Virginia Board of Education has established a schedule to review each subject area at least once every seven years. However, the Board is also empowered to conduct reviews and revisions more frequently if deemed necessary, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to evolving educational needs.
Public Input and Transparency in SOL Development
Recognizing the importance of stakeholder involvement, the Virginia Board of Education ensures transparency and public input in the process of revising the Standards of Learning. Prior to establishing any revisions, the Board conducts public hearings to gather feedback from various stakeholders, including:
- The general public
- Teachers
- Local school boards
To facilitate this process, the Board provides advance notice of these hearings to local school boards and interested individuals, and publishes its intention to revise the SOL in the Virginia Register of Regulations. This open process allows interested parties to present information and voice their opinions before any revisions are finalized.
Furthermore, the Virginia Department of Education maintains a website where educators in public elementary, middle, and high schools can submit recommendations for improvements to the Standards of Learning when they are under review. This online platform streamlines the feedback process, making it easier for educators to contribute their expertise and insights.
Implementation and Local Curriculum Alignment
While the Virginia Board of Education sets the Standards of Learning, the responsibility for implementation lies with local school boards. School boards are mandated to implement programs of instruction that are aligned with the SOL and meet or exceed the Board’s requirements. This ensures a consistent baseline of educational quality across the state while allowing for some local adaptation.
Local school divisions can design their own objectives, provided they are equivalent to or surpass the state’s Standards of Learning. The curriculum adopted by each local school division must be aligned with the SOL, ensuring that students are taught the content and skills specified in the state standards. Students are expected to achieve these educational objectives at age and grade levels deemed appropriate by their local school division.
Inclusivity and Comprehensive Curriculum
The Virginia Standards of Learning are designed to be inclusive and address a wide range of educational needs and topics. Specifically, the SOL for history and social science must include the study of contributions to society made by diverse people, encompassing considerations of disability, ethnicity, race, and gender. This commitment to diversity ensures a more complete and representative historical and social understanding for students.
Moreover, the SOL for health incorporate essential life-saving skills. Health instruction includes emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Practical, hands-on practice in CPR is a required component, based on current national evidence-based emergency cardiovascular care guidelines.
Hazing prevention is also addressed within the Standards of Learning. Physical and health education in grades nine or 10 includes research-based hazing prevention instruction, in accordance with guidelines developed by the Board of Education.
Career and Technical Education and SOL Integration
Recognizing the importance of preparing students for the workforce, the Virginia Standards of Learning emphasize the integration of academic and career-related skills. Competencies for career and technical education programs are regularly reviewed and revised to fully integrate English, mathematics, science, and history and social science SOL. These programs are aligned with industry and professional standard certifications where they exist, enhancing students’ employability and career readiness.
Career investigation is also a key component, with content standards and curriculum guidelines established for courses in elementary, middle, and high school. Middle school students are required to take at least one course in career investigation or an equivalent alternative, providing a foundation for academic and career planning. Resource materials are developed and disseminated to help students explore career and technical education opportunities, with input from industry and trade professionals.
Program of Instruction and Essential Skills
Local school boards are responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive program of instruction for grades K through 12 that is aligned with the Standards of Learning. This program must emphasize a broad range of essential skills and knowledge areas, including:
- Reading, Writing, and Speaking: Continued development of these foundational communication skills.
- Mathematical Concepts and Computations: Building upon earlier math skills, with an emphasis on more complex concepts and problem-solving.
- Technology Proficiency: Further enhancing students’ ability to use computers and related technologies, including computer science and computational thinking.
- Scientific Concepts and Processes: Deepening understanding of scientific principles and methodologies.
- Citizenship Skills: Essential knowledge and concepts of citizenship, including Virginia, U.S., and world history, economics, government, foreign languages, international cultures, health, physical education, environmental issues, and geography.
- Fine Arts and Practical Arts: Including music, art, and practical arts to foster creativity and well-rounded development.
- Preparation for Future Pathways: Knowledge and skills needed for further education, employment, or career and technical training.
- Lifelong Learning Skills: Developing the ability to apply skills and knowledge for lifelong learning and economic self-sufficiency.
Local school boards are also tasked with developing programs for prevention, intervention, or remediation for students who are educationally at risk, including those who do not pass SOL assessments in grades three through eight or end-of-course tests. These programs must be research-based and tailored to address students’ specific needs.
Supporting Student Success: Remediation and Early Intervention
The Virginia Standards of Learning framework includes provisions for supporting students who struggle to meet academic benchmarks. Remediation programs are a key element, designed to assist students who do not achieve passing scores on SOL assessments.
Students who pass some but not all SOL assessments in grades three through eight may be required to attend remediation programs. Students who fail all SOL assessments or end-of-course tests are mandated to participate in remediation. These programs can include public summer school or other forms of remediation chosen to meet the student’s academic needs. School divisions are responsible for providing these remediation programs without charging tuition.
Remediation programs should include early identification procedures for students at risk of failing SOL assessments. Summer school and other remediation options are available for elementary, middle, and high school grades. The Board of Education establishes standards for full funding of summer remedial programs, including minimum instructional hours and assessment systems to evaluate program effectiveness.
Early intervention is also prioritized. Programs in grades K through three emphasize developmentally appropriate learning to enhance early academic success. Additionally, programs focused on prevention, intervention, or remediation are designed to increase high school graduation rates and reduce dropout rates, using research-based strategies.
Comprehensive Support Services and Programs
Beyond curriculum and remediation, the Virginia Standards of Learning framework encompasses a wide range of support services and programs to address diverse student needs. These include:
- Career and Technical Education Programs (K-12): Integrating career knowledge, exploration, and competency-based programs with academic outcomes.
- Economic Education and Financial Literacy (Middle and High School): Emphasizing these crucial life skills.
- Early Identification of Students with Disabilities and Gifted Students: Ensuring appropriate instructional programs for both groups.
- Educational Alternatives: Providing options for students whose needs are not met in standard programs.
- Adult Education Programs: Supporting individuals functioning below the high school completion level.
- Division-wide Priority for At-Risk Students: Implementing plans to prioritize and measure the progress of educationally at-risk students.
- Postsecondary Credit Agreements: Facilitating agreements with community colleges for dual enrollment and advanced placement credit.
- Notification of Opportunities: Ensuring students and parents are informed about dual enrollment, advanced placement, career and technical education, and financial aid options.
- Programs for Students with Limited English Proficiency: Providing appropriate instructional programs, including dual language options.
- Early Mathematics Intervention: Identifying and assisting students with mathematics difficulties, providing targeted instructional strategies.
- Integration of Arts and Physical Education (Elementary School): Incorporating art, music, and physical education into the elementary curriculum.
- Physical Activity Programs (K-12): Ensuring regular physical activity for all students.
- Student Services Program (K-12): Aiding students in their educational, social, and career development through comprehensive student services.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Using data to evaluate and improve instructional programs.
- Civics Education: Instruction on civics content from the U.S. Naturalization Test in the Virginia and U.S. Government course.
State-Level Support and Resources
To further support the implementation of the Virginia Standards of Learning, the Virginia Department of Education has established a unit focused on:
- Evaluative Studies: Conducting research to assess the effectiveness of educational programs and practices.
- Resource and Technical Assistance: Providing support to school divisions to enhance instructional quality.
- Implementation Assistance: Helping school divisions implement programs and practices that improve student performance and family and community involvement.
This unit identifies and analyzes effective instructional programs, evaluates parental involvement initiatives, and disseminates information about best practices and funding opportunities. Priority is given to school divisions with lower passing rates on SOL assessments, ensuring targeted support where it is most needed.
Workforce Credentials and College and Career Pathways
The Virginia Standards of Learning framework also recognizes the value of industry-recognized workforce credentials. The Board of Education, in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System and industry partners, maintains a list of these credentials that can substitute for certain high school graduation credits. This list is publicly accessible and is regularly updated.
Local school boards can enter into College and Career Access Pathways Partnerships with community colleges and other higher education institutions. These partnerships specify options for students to earn college credit, industry credentials, certifications, or licenses while in high school, facilitating seamless transitions to postsecondary education and careers. They also include options for pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs.
Literacy Instruction and Reading Intervention
A critical component of the Virginia Standards of Learning is a strong emphasis on literacy. Local school boards must provide literacy instruction aligned with science-based reading research and evidence-based practices for students in kindergarten through grade eight.
Reading intervention services are mandated for students in grades K-8 who demonstrate reading deficiencies based on SOL reading assessments or literacy screeners. These services must be evidence-based and documented in individual student reading plans. Reading specialists collaborate with teachers to develop, implement, and monitor these plans, with parental involvement. Student reading plans outline specific reading skill deficiencies, goals, progress monitoring measures, evidence-based instruction, and resources for parents.
The Department of Education provides resources to support literacy instruction and intervention, including guidance on student reading plans, lists of core literacy curricula and intervention programs, templates for reading plans, and online literacy resources for parents and schools.
Conclusion
The Virginia Standards of Learning represent a comprehensive and evolving framework designed to ensure high-quality public education throughout the Commonwealth. By setting clear educational objectives, emphasizing essential skills, and promoting continuous improvement, the SOL aim to prepare all Virginia students for success in their academic journeys, future careers, and lives as engaged and informed citizens. The commitment to regular review, public input, and comprehensive support services underscores the dedication of Virginia’s educational system to providing the best possible learning opportunities for every student.
