INFORMATIONAL

  At its January 8, 1998, meeting the Virginia Board of
  Education took two actions related to the Virginia
  assessment program.  These are outlined below:

  1) The Board of Education approved a resolution asking the
  Department of Education to study the various aspects of
  allowing students not enrolled in Virginia's public schools
  access to the Standards of Learning tests.  The results of
  the study are to be presented to the Board of Education at
  its September meeting.

  2) The Board of Education approved a resolution asking the
  Department of Education to explore the feasibility, legal
  and contractual aspects, timing, and advisability of moving
  the Stanford 9 achievement testing to the fall of the year
  and at different grade levels than those currently tested. 
  The Department is to report to the Board of Education on
  this issue at its February 1998 meeting.  The Board
  requested that the Department explore such a move as early
  as the spring 1998 administration.  

  The Division of Assessment and Reporting will begin
  immediately to study these issues and will rely heavily upon
  input from educators throughout the Commonwealth as these
  issues are explored.  

  Should you have any questions regarding these studies,
  please contact the Division of Assessment and Reporting at
  (804) 225-2102.

  RTL/jc