DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P.O.
SUPTS. MEMO NO.86
April 11, 2008
INFORMATIONAL
|
TO: |
Division
Superintendents |
|
FROM: |
Billy K.
Cannaday, Jr. Superintendent
of Public Instruction |
|
SUBJECT: |
Phase Out
of Cumulative Grade 8 |
Superintendent's Memorandum Number 138, dated July 8, 2005, announced that new blueprints for the SOL tests in reading and mathematics would be implemented in the 2005-2006 school year. Prior to this time, the grade 8 reading and mathematics tests were cumulative and were based on SOL content from grades 6, 7, and 8. Beginning with the spring 2006 test administration, the grade 8 reading and mathematics tests measured content from the grade 8 SOL only, and students completing classes covering the grade 8 SOL were expected to take the tests developed using the new blueprints.
However, students in grades 9 through 12 who were pursuing the Modified Standard Diploma but had not met the literacy or numeracy requirements prior to spring 2006 were allowed to continue taking the cumulative reading and mathematics tests developed using the older blueprint. The majority of the students who began their attempts to meet the literacy and numeracy requirements prior to the 2005-2006 school year will exit school by 2010. Therefore, following the spring 2010 administration, the Grade 8 cumulative reading and mathematics tests will no longer be offered. Beginning with the summer 2010 test administration, all students, including those pursuing the modified standard diploma, must take the Grade 8 reading and mathematic tests that measure grade level standards only.
Should you have questions, please contact the Office
of Test Administration, Scoring, and Reporting at student_assessment@doe.virginia.gov
or (804) 225-2107.
BKCJr/SLR/cd