COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA
Department of Education

November 2, 2012

TO:  Division Superintendents

FROM:  Patricia I. Wright, Superintendent of Public Instruction

SUBJECT:  K-12 English Standards of Learning Institutes Professional Development Resources

The Virginia Department of Education has provided targeted professional development through a series of eight K-12 English Language Arts Standards of Learning (SOL) Institutes, which focused on the major changes made between the 2002 K-12 English Language Arts SOL and the current 2010 K-12 English Language Arts SOL.   More than 1,100 educators from 119 school divisions across the Commonwealth attended the K-12 English SOL Institutes.  Each of the Institutes began with a general session where the changes in the 2010 English SOL were highlighted. Educators had a choice of four different breakout sessions with an elementary or secondary focus.  Concurrent sessions facilitated by area teachers spotlighted strands in the 2010 English Standards of Learning:  writing, reading nonfiction, research, and media literacy.

Supporting professional development resources, including PowerPoint presentations, lesson plans, and handouts associated with each K-12 English SOL Institute, are available online on the English Standards of Learning Institutes Web page.

Questions regarding the K-12 English SOL Institutes or associated professional development resources should be directed to Tracy Fair Robertson, English coordinator, by e-mail at Tracy.Robertson@doe.virginia.gov or by telephone at (804) 371-7585; or Thomas Santangelo, elementary English specialist, by e-mail at Thomas.Santangelo@doe.virginia.gov or by telephone at (804) 225-3203.

PIW/TFR/vdg