ADMINISTRATIVE

  In order to print and distribute the appropriate number of
  SOL tests for the Spring 1998 administration, it is
  necessary to have early estimates of the number of students
  needing to take each test.  The Department of Education will
  use the 1997 Fall Membership numbers to estimate the number
  of tests needed in grades 3, 5, and 8.  However, the
  Department has no information regarding enrollment of
  students in courses with which an end-of-course test is
  associated.  This memo establishes this data collection. 
  The actual data collection forms have been sent under
  separate cover to your designated Division Director of
  Testing.  Complete instructions for the completion of the
  forms is included in their mailing.  A sample form and a set
  of directions is included with this memo.  It is extremely
  important that this information be as accurate as possible
  and forwarded to the Division of Assessment and Reporting as
  soon as possible, but no later than December 12, 1997.

  In an effort to minimize the amount of information you must
  enter, the school names and school numbers have been pre-printed.
  You will need only to enter the number of students
  enrolled in courses to which a specific SOL end-of-course
  test is associated.

  Since this is the first time we will be administering the
  SOL tests, we anticipate a number of questions related to
  this data collection.  We have tried to anticipate as many
  of these questions as possible in the instructions and
  accompanying materials.  Please be sure to read the
  instructions carefully before completing the required
  information.  The Division of Assessment and Reporting will
  be happy to answer any questions you have regarding this
  data collection.  They may be reached at (804) 225-2102.  

  RTL/jc

  Enclosures:    A hard copy of this memo and its enclosures
                 will be sent to the superintendent's office.