COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P. O. BOX 2120
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO. NO. 21
February 11, 2000

INFORMATIONAL

TO: Division Superintendents
FROM: JoLynne DeMary
Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT: Changes in Division Testing Windows Resulting from Inclement Weather Calendar Adjustments 


The Department of Education has received a number of inquiries about the manner in 
which inclement weather will impact a school division's SOL testing window.  The 
January 7 notification of testing windows contained a notation that school divisions 
could contact the Division of Assessment and Reporting individually regarding 
adjustments for inclement weather. 

School divisions making changes in their spring calendars should submit this 
information to the Division of Assessment and Reporting accompanied by a request for
that division to consider the calendar changes in calculating a new testing window 
for the school division.  The Division of Assessment and Reporting will then adjust 
school division testing windows based on the manner in which the school division 
calendar has been adjusted.  For example, adding days to a school year would 
automatically move a school division's testing window further into the school year.

We appreciate your patience as these adjustments are made.  It is possible that 
further inclement weather will occur in the next weeks.  Submitting changes at this 
time might not be advisable.  The SOL English: Writing statewide test dates 
(March 6-7 for the multiple choice and March 8 for direct writing) will not be 
changed unless there is inclement weather on these specific days.  

Questions regarding SOL testing window changes should be directed to the Division of
Assessment and Reporting at (804) 225-2102.  

JLD/CMH/jc