COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 248

December 1, 2006

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Billy K. Cannaday, Jr. Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Exemption of Recently Arrived Limited English Proficient Students in the Standards of Learning Reading Test

Based on regulations received from the United States Department of Education in September 2006, a one-time exemption in reading is available for recently arrived limited English proficient students in grades 3 through 8. A limited English proficient student in Virginia is considered to be “recently arrived” if he or she has attended schools in the United States for less than 12 months. This guideline also applies to students arriving from Puerto Rico.

Beginning with the fall 2006 Standards of Learning Test Administration, this exemption is available for eligible limited English proficient students.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Division of Assessment and Reporting by e-mail at darfax@doe.virginia.gov or by telephone at (804) 225-2107.

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