New Standards of Learning Test Blueprint for Grade 8 Science (Implemented in Spring 2008)

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 38

February 17, 2006

INFORMATIONAL

TO:

Division Superintendents

FROM:

Patricia I. Wright

Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction

SUBJECT:

New Standards of Learning Test Blueprint for Grade 8 Science (Implemented in Spring 2008)

As communicated in Superintendents Memo No. 16, January 31, 2003, a new blueprint for the grade 8 Standards of Learning (SOL) science test based on the 2003 SOL will be implemented beginning in 2007-2008. Because this test includes science content from grade 6, Life Science, and Physical Science SOL, the use of the new blueprint is being delayed until spring 2008 to allow for full implementation of the 2003 science standards. However, because students who will be taking the test in 2008 are currently in sixth grade, the Department of Education is releasing this new blueprint now. The new blueprint may be accessed and downloaded from http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Assessment/soltests/.

The grade 8 science SOL tests given prior to spring 2008 will measure content from the 1995 science SOL. This blueprint may also be accessed and downloaded from http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Assessment/soltests/.

The SOL test blueprints serve as 1) a guide to test developers for writing test items and constructing test forms, and 2) a guide to educators, parents, and students by showing:

the SOL covered by the test and which standards, if any, have been excluded;
which SOL are assigned to each reporting category;
the number of test items in each reporting category and on the total test; and
general information about how the test questions are constructed.

Each division director of testing will receive notification of the blueprints in a similar communication.

If you have questions regarding the grade 8 science SOL test blueprint, please contact Dr. Marcia Perry, lead specialist, mathematics and science, Division of Assessment and Reporting, by phone at (804) 786-1390 or Marcia.Perry@doe.virginia.gov. If you have questions regarding the science SOL content, please contact Paula Klonowski, specialist in science, K-8, Division of Elementary Instruction, by phone at (804) 371-0249 or Paula.Klonowski@doe.virginia.gov or Eric Rhoades, specialist in science, 8-12, Division of Middle and Secondary Instruction, by phone at (804) 225-2676 or Eric.Rhoades@doe.virginia.gov.

PIW/SLR/jc