Headlines
Fall English SOL Institutes
Each Institute will focus on vocabulary instruction, nonfiction reading, persuasive writing, and research using primary sources. Superintendents should identify a division-level contact to register a team of four consisting of one from central office, one high school teacher, one middle school teacher and one elementary teacher. Registration for each site closes two weeks prior to the Institute or when filled.
- October 3 – Wytheville
- October 8 – Portsmouth
- October 14 – Dulles
- October 29 – Charlottesville
For more information see Superintendent's Memo #155-13.
New Health-Training Requirements for Licensure & Renewal
Effective July 1, every person seeking initial licensure or renewal of a license must provide evidence of completion of certification or training in:
- Emergency first aid
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- The use of automated external defibrillators (AED)
For answers to frequently asked questions and additional information on these new requirements, see Licensure.
VSEP Range Finding Committees
Nominations will be accepted through July 5 for several committees scheduled to meet in Virginia Beach August 7-8. Nominations must be submitted using the web-based Assessment Committee Application Processing System (ACAPS). For a list of the committees and other information see Superintendent's Memo #120-13.
From Vision to Practice Ninth Annual Institute
This year’s Institute, Crossroads: Redefining the Educational Experience, will be held July 9-11 at the Williamsburg Hotel and Conference Center (soon to be Doubletree by Hilton Williamsburg). The deadline for registration is Friday, June 21.
Summer Seminars Offered by the Center for the Constitution
History and social science teachers, curriculum specialists and media specialists are encouraged to apply for classroom seminars held in June and July.
Health and Physical Activity Institute Set for July 14-17
VDOE, The Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, encourage administrators and teachers to attend the Healthy Kids, Healthy Virginia 2013 Health and Physical Activity Institute at James Madison University in Harrisonburg. Register by July 8.
ACTFL Comments on Standards-Based Instruction
ACTFL’s board of directors released a position statement describing how current education initiatives connect with language learning. Comments and input from 70 organizations informed the perspectives in the statement.
Additional eMedia Training Being Offered
Learn more about resources available to teachers through eMediaVA during training sessions now being offered June 19-20 in Roanoke. Questions can be directed to annie.gilstrap@whro.org or by calling 757-889-9382.
eMediaVA Single Sign-On
eMediaVA now offers a way to take the work out of managing your digital repository with its Single Sign-On/Single Log-On option. Learn More: Single Sign-On/Single Log-On Overview (PDF) | SSO/SLO FAQ (PDF)
News by Subject
General Education
- Student Assistance Programming Manual Available
The manual (PDF) includes website resources – including evidence-based curricula, practices, programs and strategies – to help schools and divisions create an environment that supports academic achievement. Information about Student Assistance Programming is also available. - Training Available on Using Student Reports to Guide Summer Remediation
A recorded training presentation about the SOL Student Performance by Question (SPBQ) Report provides information on how school staff can improve summer remediation efforts.
SOL Scoring website
Webinar - Bullying and Sexual Harassment Summit
Experts will provide tangible strategies for prevention and intervention at a summit on June 17 at the Doubletree Inn in Charlottesville. Participants will receive training on the importance of responding to bullying and sexual harassment in distinctly different ways. - Register now for YADAPP Conference
The 29th Annual Youth Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Project (YADAPP) Summer Leadership Conference will be July 15-19 at Longwood University. High schools are encouraged to send a team of four students and one adult. The registration fee for each team is $300. Teams must register and pay for the conference by June 21. Conference information and registration forms may be found at www.YADAPP.com. - Don’t Take a Vacation from Learning
To get a jump start on the next school year, encourage your students to check out the resources available through Virginia is for Lovers … of Summer Learning. Discover fun activities and resources related to reading, mathematics, science and history that can involve the whole family. Download a PDF version of the Summer Learning flyer or bookmark. - SOL-Correlated Resources Available Free
Digital learning resources correlated to the SOLs are available at no cost to teachers and students. For training dates and information, visit the eMediaVA website or contact Angie Callahan. - From Vision to Practice Ninth Annual Institute
This year’s Institute, Crossroads: Redefining the Educational Experience, will be held July 9-11 at the Williamsburg Hotel and Conference Center (soon to be Doubletree by Hilton Williamsburg). The deadline for registration is Friday, June 21.
Early Childhood
- PreK and Kindergarten Professional Development offered by VASCD
Classroom Interactions that Support Young Children's Learning will be held September 17 at the Science Museum of Virginia. Register online or call Judy Lam at 434-466-7466. - Non-Regulatory Guidance Available for Title I Preschool Programs
A detailed teacher resource list and collaboration advice for Title 1 preschool teachers is now available.
English
- Fall English SOL Institutes
Each Institute will focus on vocabulary instruction, nonfiction reading, persuasive writing, and research using primary sources. Superintendents should identify a division-level contact to register a team of four consisting of one from central office, one high school teacher, one middle school teacher and one elementary teacher. Registration for each site closes two weeks prior to the Institute or when filled.- October 3 – Wytheville
- October 8 – Portsmouth
- October 14 – Dulles
- October 29 – Charlottesville
For more information see Superintendent's Memo #155-13.
- SAVE THE DATE
Fall English SOL Institutes are coming this fall. Each school division will be able to register a team of four consisting of one from central office, one high school teacher, one middle school teacher and one elementary teacher. Each Institute will focus on vocabulary instruction, nonfiction reading, persuasive writing, and research using primary sources. Registration will be posted via Superintendent’s memo at a later date.- October 3 – Wytheville
- October 8 – Portsmouth
- October 14 – Dulles
- October 29 – Charlottesville
- Preparing for Instruction & Upcoming SOL Reading Assessments?
Be sure to utilize resources from VDOE that include:- Updated Practice SOL Items and Guides for all levels plus the opportunity for students to gain TestNav experience prior to testing.
- Tabbed Reading Passages Demonstration shows how tabs can be used to display paired reading selections in an online test.
- Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) about English instruction and SOL tests.
- Vocabulary Resources that provide resource links, teaching strategies, and sample vocabulary SOL test items.
- Reading Progression Chart (PDF) that identifies the grade level at which specific skills are formally introduced in the 2010 English SOL.
- SOL Resources for English
SOL Instructional Resources – Standards of Learning, Curriculum Framework, and Enhanced Scope and Sequence Sample Lesson Plans
Writing Resources – Writing prompts, Anchor Sets, Writing Checklists, graphic organizers, Progression Charts, Understanding Scoring
Vocabulary Resources
SOL and VMAST Practice Test Items
Frequently Asked Questions
Sample Text Dependent Questions - VMAST Reading Blueprints Posted
The Virginia Modified Achievement Standards Test (VMAST) Reading Blueprints are now available on the English SOL page.
Foreign Language
- ACTFL Comments on Standards-Based Instruction
ACTFL’s board of directors released a position statement describing how current education initiatives connect with language learning. Comments and input from 70 organizations informed the perspectives in the statement. - Registration Now Open for ACTFL Conference
Early bird discounts and scholarships for first time convention attendees are available through July 10 for the Convention and World Languages Expo. The event is set for Orlando November 22-24. - Earn a Certificate in Dual Language and Immersion Education
The University of Minnesota 15-graduate credit online certification program in Dual Language and Immersion Education begins this fall. - Second Chance to View Sessions from the Foreign Language Teachers Workshop Series
Miss a session? Want to review? The archived FLTWS sessions are available for viewing on the FLAVA YouTube channel.
Health, Physical Education, & Driver Education
- Health Lesson Ideas from the CDC
Body and Mind (BAM) is an interactive tool for K-8 teachers and students to learn about health and wellness through games and simulations. - Health and Physical Activity Institute Set for July 14-17
VDOE, The Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, encourage administrators and teachers to attend the Healthy Kids, Healthy Virginia 2013 Health and Physical Activity Institute at James Madison University in Harrisonburg. Register by July 8. - Understanding Body Composition & VO2 Max
Free education vignettes are available that explain body composition and aerobic capacity in non-scientific terms.
History & Social Science
- Virginia RULES
Designed especially for teens, Virginia Rules provides information and lessons about the laws in Virginia with particular emphasis on how they apply to teens in their day-to-day lives. - Economics & Personal Finance Course Option
School divisions have several course options for providing the Economics and Personal Finance course to students. One option – through Virtual Virginia – allows divisions at no cost. Training for division teachers will be provided August 5 and 6 at the Hotel Roanoke. For additional information see Superintendent's Memo #127-13. - July Seminar to Focus on The War of 1812
The Center for the Constitution at James Madison's Montpelier in Orange offers teachers a five-day course from July 15-19. - Virginia War Memorial Offers Institutes
Middle and high school teachers can register by June 14 for several “See Freedom Speak” teacher institutes. One recertification point per one contact hour will be offered to participants. Attendance at each daily Institute equals five points for Professional Development. - Preparing for Instruction & Upcoming SOL History Assessments?
Be sure to utilize resources from VDOE that include:- Documents of American History (PDF) text of the Constitution of Virginia, Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States of America with Amendments and the Virginia Charters.
- Presentations by specific content areas from the 2012 K-12 History and Social Science SOL Institutes.
- Released tests that were administered in Spring 2012 are available in PDF format.
- VCSS Conference is November 1-2
"Virginia on the Move" is the theme for the conference to be held in Roanoke. Register by October 1 to qualify for the discounted fee. - Economic Education Workshops for Teachers
The Virginia Council on Economic Education and affiliated university based centers for economic education offer economics content and hands-on lessons throughout the year as well as seminars, workshops, webinars and institutes. - Institutes for High School Economics and Personal Finance Teachers – 2013 Dates
Enhanced training, content, and hands-on lessons; expert speakers on selected topic areas. Workshops continue through November 2013. - Summer Seminars Offered by the Center for the Constitution
History and social science teachers, curriculum specialists and media specialists are encouraged to apply for classroom seminars.
Mathematics
- Economics & Personal Finance Course Option
School divisions have several course options for providing the Economics and Personal Finance course to students. One option – through Virtual Virginia – allows divisions at no cost. Training for division teachers will be provided August 5 and 6 at the Hotel Roanoke. For additional information see Superintendent's Memo #127-13. - Preparing for Instruction and Upcoming SOL Mathematic Assessments?
Be sure to utilize resources from VDOE that include:- Updated Practice SOL Items and Guides for all levels – be sure that all students gain experience working in TestNav prior to testing
- Listing of Algebraic Properties (PDF) for review
- Mathematics Vocabulary Word Wall Cards for K-8 vocabulary review
- Using Statewide SOL Test Results to Guide Instruction – Examples of challenging SOL content based on statewide results
- Formula Sheets and Table of Normal Probabilities
- State Approved Calculators (PDF) for SOL testing
- Algebra Readiness Diagnostic Test (ARDT)
- SOL Resources for Mathematics
SOL Instructional Resources – Standards of Learning, Curriculum Framework, and Enhanced Scope and Sequence Sample Lesson Plans
Vocabulary Word Walls
SOL and VMAST Practice Test Items
Analysis of Grades 3-8 Mathematics SOL Results - Strategies for Minimizing Testing Times & Improving Performance on the Mathematics SOL Tests: Division Interviews
Read about Strategies for Minimizing Testing Times and Improving Performance on the Mathematics SOL Tests: A Summary of Interviews with School Division Staff. - Algebra Readiness Diagnostic Test (ARDT) Field Test – Recorded Training Webinars
Recorded training webinars for teachers and school division personnel for the Algebra Readiness Diagnostic Test (ARDT) Field Test are posted on the ARDT website.
- Algebraic Properties List for Grade 3-Algebra now available
The algebraic properties document that lists the algebraic properties taught in grades 3-Algebra I is now available here.
Science
- Preparing for Instruction & Upcoming SOL Assessments?
Be sure to utilize resources from VDOE that include:- Updated Practice SOL Items and Guides for all levels plus the opportunity for students to gain TestNav experience prior to testing.
- Narrated demonstration with examples of various technology-enhanced item types that appear on the spring 2013 Science SOL tests.
- EOC Chemistry Periodic Table of Elements (PDF)
- Using Significant Digits in Chemistry (PDF) – This technical assistance document provides some basic rules for determining significant digits and using significant digits in calculations.
- SOL Test Implementation Manuals (allowable test materials on page 20-21) and Examiner’s Manuals
- State Approved Calculators (PDF) for SOL testing
- Seeking Unique Scientific & Engineering Innovations in Aerospace & Aviation
The U.S. Secretary of Transportation has announced an award to recognize outstanding students who develop unique scientific and engineering innovations in aerospace and aviation. Apply by July 1. - SOL Resources for Science
SOL Instructional Resources – Standards of Learning, Curriculum Framework, and Enhanced Scope and Sequence Sample Lesson Plans
Practices for Scientific Investigation Progression Chart
K-3 Science Progression
SOL Practice Test Items - SIA Summer Institutes Registration Now Open
Science teachers are encouraged to register by June 17 for one of three Science through an Interdisciplinary Approach (SIA) Institutes this summer on both content and pedagogical methods. Two are for K-5 teachers and the third is for middle and high school teachers. See Superintendent’s Memorandum #097-13 for details. - Website Provides Mathematics & Science Resources
The Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) website has been updated to include professional development models and materials, curricula developed by teachers participating in MSP projects and videos of science and mathematics teachers, as well as administrative resources for school divisions and institutions of higher education that are implementing a MSP program. See Superintendent’s Memorandum #096-13 for more information. - VISTA secondary teacher program
Paid training plus stipends are available for new science teachers. Applications are due by the end of August. - Virginia Association of Science Teachers Awards
VAST awards are presented to recognize excellence of contributions to science education in Virginia. Nomination deadline is August 20. - New Chemistry Technical Assistance Document on the Use of Significant Digits
The Use of Significant Digits in Chemistry (PDF) provides some basic rules for determining significant digits and using significant digits in calculations.
Other News
Opportunities for Teachers*
- VGLA Range Finding Committees
September 13 is the deadline for submitting nominations – using the web-based Assessment Committee Application Processing System (ACAPS) – for the committees that will meet in Richmond in October. Superintendent's Memo #148-13 includes criteria, meeting dates, and additional information. - Substitute Test Review Committees
Nominations for review committees for tests previously identified as substitute tests for verified credits will be accepted until July 11 using the Web-based application process ACAPS.
The committee meetings will be held in Richmond, Virginia on the dates indicated below and will include the following committees:- End-of-Course (EOC) Reading and Writing: August 12-15, 2013
- EOC Mathematics: August 12-14, 2013
- EOC Earth Science: September 30, 2013
- EOC Virginia and U.S. History: September 30, 2013
- EOC Biology: October 1, 2013
- EOC World History I and II: October 1, 2013
- EOC Chemistry: October 2, 2013
- EOC World Geography: October 2, 2013
For more information see Superintendent's Memo #138-13.
- Additional eMedia Training Being Offered
Learn more about resources available to teachers through eMediaVA during training sessions now being offered June 19-20 in Roanoke. Questions can be directed to annie.gilstrap@whro.org or by calling 757-889-9382. - eMediaVA Single Sign-On
eMediaVA now offers a way to take the work out of managing your digital repository with its Single Sign-On/Single Log-On option. Learn More: Single Sign-On/Single Log-On Overview (PDF) | SSO/SLO FAQ (PDF) - TeacherDirect Update
TeacherDirect will go on summer vacation from June 17-August 16. TeacherDirect will return on August 19 with exciting updates and information for teachers! Current subscribers will remain subscribed for the next school year. If you prefer to be removed from next year’s list for weekly email updates, click on Unsubscribe by June 24. - VAAP Range Finding Committees
June 14 is the deadline for submitting nominations – using the web-based Assessment Committee Application Processing System (ACAPS) – for the committee which will meet in Richmond on July 23-25. Superintendent's Memo #121-13 includes criteria and additional information. - VSEP Range Finding Committees
Nominations will be accepted through July 5 for several committees scheduled to meet in Virginia Beach August 7-8. Nominations must be submitted using the web-based Assessment Committee Application Processing System (ACAPS). For a list of the committees and other information see Superintendent's Memo #120-13. - Register now for Upcoming Events offered by VASCD
Summer and fall professional development opportunities are available through VASCD. Visit their website for information and registration.
Policy and Data Updates
- New Health-Training Requirements for Licensure & Renewal
Effective July 1, every person seeking initial licensure or renewal of a license must provide evidence of completion of certification or training in:- Emergency first aid
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- The use of automated external defibrillators (AED)
For answers to frequently asked questions and additional information on these new requirements, see Licensure.
- School Health Legislative Changes
The 2013 General Assembly made changes to laws concerning eating disorders, CPR requirements and which school employees may possess and administer epinephrine. Details are available in Superintendent's Memo #151-13. - Reporting of Founded Abuse & Neglect Complaints to School Boards
State law now requires local social services agencies to notify school boards of founded complaints of child abuse and neglect by school employees. See Superintendent’s Memo #140-13 for more information about this new reporting requirement approved by the 2013 General Assembly. - Final Legislative Report for the 2013 General Assembly
Information regarding legislation passed by the 2013 session of the Virginia General Assembly that is of interest to school superintendents and division personnel is summarized in Superintendent's Memo #136-13. The final legislative tracking reports for the 2013 General Assembly are posted on the VDOE website. - Probationary Term of Service for Teachers
New legislation approved by the General Assembly changes what constitutes a teacher’s probationary term from “three years” to “of at least three years, and at the option of the local school board, up to five years”. For more information see Superintendent's Memo #134-13. - Teacher Evaluation Summer Institutes
VDOE is offering two one-day institutes concerning implementation of teacher evaluation systems:- Achievement Goal Setting − Practical Guidance and Practice will be held on July 23 in Roanoke.
- Assessment Literacy for Student Achievement Goal Setting will be held on July 30 in Charlottesville and again on September 24 in Richmond.
SOL Testing
- Virginia Assessment Schedule for 2013-2014
The schedule (PDF) for SOL tests and VMAST for the upcoming school year is now available. Superintendent's Memo #150-13 provides additional information. - VGLA Range Finding Committees
September 13 is the deadline for submitting nominations – using the web-based Assessment Committee Application Processing System (ACAPS) – for the committees that will meet in Richmond in October. Superintendent's Memo #148-13 includes criteria, meeting dates, and additional information. - Required Student Participation in Virginia SOL Assessments
As a result of several inquiries from school divisions and parents regarding student participation in SOL assessments, information is provided in Superintendent's Memo #142-13. All students enrolled in the Virginia public schools are expected to take the applicable state tests. See Virginia Board of Education Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia. - VAAP Range Finding Committees
June 14 is the deadline for submitting nominations – using the web-based Assessment Committee Application Processing System (ACAPS) – for the committee which will meet in Richmond on July 23-25. Superintendent's Memo #121-13 includes criteria and additional information. - VSEP Range Finding Committees
Nominations will be accepted through July 5 for several committees scheduled to meet in Virginia Beach August 7-8. Nominations must be submitted using the web-based Assessment Committee Application Processing System (ACAPS). For a list of the committees and other information see Superintendent's Memo #120-13. - Cut Scores Set for 5, 8, EOC Writing & 3, 5, 8 Science SOL Tests
The Board of Education recently approved cut scores to align with the 2010 English and Science Standards of Learning. - VMAST Cut Scores Set for 3-8 & EOC Reading
Cut scores for grades 3-8 and End-of-Course VMAST Reading tests have been approved by the Board of Education. - Updates to the VMAST Practice Item Sets
Approximately five additional VMAST practice items have been added to the existing grades 3-8 mathematics, grades 3-8 reading, End-of-Course (EOC) Algebra I, and EOC reading sets. The additional items have been added to the end of the previously posted practice items. The practice item guides for each practice item set have been updated to reflect the inclusion of the additional practice items. The use of the guides is strongly encouraged, as their use will help ensure that students are familiar with the item types, the online tools, the navigation through the test and the Section Review screen within TestNav. In addition, an audio version of each reading practice item set is now available. - Cut Scores Adopted for Grades 3-8 New Reading Tests
On March 28, the Virginia Board of Education adopted cut scores for grades 3-8 new Reading tests that measure the 2010 SOL. See Superintendent's Memo #077-13. - Updated SOL Practice Items Available
Additional practice items have been added to the grades 3-8 mathematics, grades 3-8 reading and the grades 3, 5 and 8 science practice item sets. While the number of additional items varies by grade level and content area, the additional items have been added to the end of the previously posted practice items. In addition, the practice item guides for each practice item set have been updated to reflect the inclusion of the additional practice items. The use of the guides is strongly encouraged, as their use will help ensure that students are familiar with the item types, the online tools, the navigation through the test and the Section Review screen within TestNav. - SOL Test Security
Test examiners and proctors must follow all guidelines when monitoring SOL tests. Individuals are explicitly prohibited from reviewing, taking notes, copying, printing, photographing, or divulging the content of SOL test items to anyone. See Superintendent's Memo #064-13. The Test Security Guidelines and Test Security Agreement are available online in Appendix A of the Spring 2013 Writing Test Implementation Manual or the Spring 2013 Non-Writing Test Implementation Manual. - Understand Scoring Application
Understand Scoring provides educators with information about the SOL writing assessments, including the rubrics and anchor papers that illustrate each score point on the composing/written expression and usage/mechanics domains used to score the Short Paper Components of the writing tests. The application is intended to assist teachers in preparing students for the SOL writing tests. - Demos of Reading, Writing & Science Technology-Enhanced Items Available
Narrated demonstrations of the new technology-enhanced Reading, Writing & Science SOL test items are now available. They are similar to the previously posted Mathematics demonstration. All the demonstrations, as well as other resources are also available on the SOL Practice Items page.
- Strategies for Minimizing Testing Times & Improving Performance on the Mathematics SOL Tests: Division Interviews
Read about Strategies for Minimizing Testing Times and Improving Performance on the Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) Tests: A Summary of Interviews with School Division Staff. - Analysis of Statewide Results on the Spring 2012 Mathematics SOL Tests
Statewide results for the spring 2012 SOL Mathematics tests have been analyzed to determine specific content that may have challenged students. To support preparation of students for the EOC SOL Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II tests, PowerPoint presentations have been developed to provide examples of SOL content identified by this analysis.
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