COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 109

June 20, 2003

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Jo Lynne DeMary Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Released Items for Standards of Learning Tests

As you know, Standards of Learning released tests from 2000, 2001, and 2002 in English, Mathematics, and Science are posted on the Virginia Department of Education website. In addition to the released tests, the website contains 1998 sample test items representing English, Mathematics, History/Social Science, and Science. Effective July 3, 2003, the 1998 material will be removed from the website. Some of these items are no longer applicable due to the revisions to the Standards of Learning in all disciplines. The 2000, 2001, and 2002 tests will remain posted on the website.

Although no complete history tests are available for release due to the loss of test items incurred in the revision of the 2001 History and Social Science Standards of Learning, ten released items for each of the following will be posted on the Web June 27, 2003: grade 3 history, grade 5 history, grade 8 history, World History I, World History II, World Geography, and Virginia and United States History.

The new elementary and middle school break-out tests for United States History to 1877, United States History: 1877 to the Present, and Civics and Economics are currently being field tested; thus, no items for these tests are available for release.

Should you have questions or need additional information, please contact Mr. Donald H. Marsh, II (dmarsh@mail.vak12ed.edu), at (804) 225-2232.

JLD/SLR/ST/jc