Review of the Foreign Language Standards of Learning: Seeking Input from the School Community

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 43

February 24, 2006

INFORMATIONAL

TO:

Division Superintendents

FROM:

Patricia I. Wright

Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction

SUBJECT:

Review of the Foreign Language Standards of Learning: Seeking Input from the School Community

At the January 11, 2006, Board of Education meeting the Department of Education was authorized to proceed this spring with the review and revision process of the Foreign Language Standards of Learning, consistent with the schedule adopted by the board in September 2000. It is anticipated that the standards revision will be completed before June 2007.

An important part of the review process for the Foreign Language Standards of Learning is the solicitation of comments from administrators, curriculum supervisors, foreign language educators, and others who have worked with the current standards. Please inform personnel in your school division that they may review and comment on the current standards at the Virginia Department of Education website at http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/SOLcommentforms/foreign-language.html. Comments will be received at this address from February 24, 2006, until March 31, 2006.

The Department of Education is also seeking nominations from division superintendents for individuals who are qualified and available to serve on committees to review the standards for French, German, Latin, and Spanish during the summer of 2006. Nominees should be teachers, principals, administrators, content specialists, or other educators who have knowledge of the content areas and experience with standards development.

Committee members reviewing the standards for French, German, Latin, and Spanish will be asked to review information related to their content areas prior to convening for a two-day meeting on July 31August 1, 2006, to review the Standards of Learning. Committee members who are not under contract with a school division will receive a stipend, and those under contract may receive recertification points, pending the approval of their school division. The Department of Education will cover expenses for mileage, meals, and lodging related to the review process.

A nomination form to be duplicated as needed for interested individuals is attached. Please return nomination forms by April 7, 2006. Committee members will be notified on or before May 1, 2006. Committee members will be selected on the basis of expertise and experience in foreign language and balanced regional representation.

If you have any questions about the Foreign Language Standards of Learning review, please contact Helen Small (Helen.Small@doe.virginia.gov), specialist for foreign languages, Office of Middle and High School Instruction at (804) 225-3666.

PIW/HS/yba

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintendents_memos/2006/inf043a.doc