INFORMATIONAL

  The purpose of this memo is to inform you that the
  Department of Education has issued a Request for Proposals
  (RFP) to solicit sealed proposals to establish a contract
  through competitive negotiations for (a) Standards of
  Learning (SOL) assessments and (b) a nationally norm-referenced 
  achievement test.  The RFP was issued on Friday,
  May 24, 1996.  Responses to the RFP are due to the
  Department on July 25, 1996.  After that date the proposals
  will be evaluated and a contract(s) awarded.  The evaluation
  and award processes are expected to take about 30 to 60
  days.  A copy of the RFP has been sent to your Division
  Director of Testing.
  
  Two enclosures are provided for your information:  (a) the
  State Board's April 25, 1996 Resolution concerning
  Virginia's new assessment program and (b) an attachment from
  the RFP which shows the grade levels and content areas for
  which SOL assessments will be developed.
  
  If you have any questions, please contact Doris Redfield,
  Division Chief, Assessment and Reporting, at 804/225-2102.
  
  WCBJr/mwc
  
  Enclosures:  This memo and its enclosures will be sent to
               the superintendent's office.