INFORMATIONAL

In April 1999, the Virginia Board of Education approved a process that included a 
1999-2000 revision for Standards of Learning (SOL) in art, dance, music, theatre, and 
foreign languages. The process calls for submission of draft SOL documents to the Board 
in January 2000 for first review, public hearings in the spring, final review and 
approval by the Board in late spring, and dissemination of the revised SOL in the summer 
of 2000. In an effort to make the information available as quickly as possible, we are 
sending copies of the drafts of the proposed SOL as they were presented to the Board 
on January 6 for first review. Following first review by the Board, there will be numerous 
opportunities for public comment. Before final approval, the Board is committed to 
reviewing all reactions and advice.

Superintendents were invited to nominate individuals to serve on each of the SOL revision 
writing committees. Writing committees were composed of teachers, principals, supervisors, 
students, parents, and representatives of professional associations and parent/teacher 
associations. This has been a cooperative, inclusive process that will benefit students 
in Virginia. I appreciate the assistance that was provided as we approached this task and 
I am confident that the revised standards reflect efforts of all who were involved in this 
work.

If you have questions or need further information, you may contact the respective 
content area specialist at the Department of Education who served as project director: 
Cherry Gardner (art, dance, theatre) at 804/225-2881 or cgardner@pen.k12.va.us;
Dr. Theresa Lee (music) at 804/786-8078 or tlee@pen.k12.va.us; and Dr. Linda Wallinger 
(foreign language) at 804/225-2593 or lwalling@pen.k12.va.us.


JLD/TFL/pl

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