Science Standards of Learning REview
The Science Standards of Learning (SOL) and Curriculum Framework are scheduled for review as required by the Virginia Standards of Quality.
- SOL Review Schedule for all subject areas (PDF)
- See Standards of Learning Documents for Science for the 2010 Science Standards of Learning and 2010 Science Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework
(Note: The original proposed timeline presented to the Board of Education in January 2016, was modified at its January meeting based on the Board of Education’s request for the Department to stagger school division’s having to implement both newly revised English and Science standards. The Superintendent of Public Instruction supported this change.)
Science and Standards Review Timeline
The 2017 Science Standards of Learning Standards Revision has been delayed. This delay will allow science leaders, organizations, higher education, businesses and other stakeholders to revisit the content and the structure of the Science standards and curriculum framework through the lens of new initiatives proposed in the pending Virginia Standards of Accreditation.
September 2017: STEM Stakeholder Review Team Meetings
The STEM Stakeholder Review Team meets to provide input on a definition of STEM Education and a STEM Vision statement for K-12 Education in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
October 2017: Science Steering Committee Meeting
The Department of Education science staff and science leaders meet to review the Science Standards of Learning and Science Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework.
- analyze statewide input on suggested standards revisions;
- review current state practices for science and STEM education;
- review the Virginia Profile of a Graduate and determine its impact on science education;
- review national and international documents and reports as necessary; and
- make recommendations for potential changes.
June 2018: First Review of Proposed Revised 2018 Science Standards of Learning
VDOE science team presents drafts of the proposed revised 2018 Science Standards of Learning to the Board of Education for first review.
July 6 – September 15, 2018: Public Comment Period and Public Hearings
Prior to finalizing proposed revisions to the 2018 Science Standards of Learning the VDOE solicits comments from teachers of science and other science educators, curriculum supervisors, school administrators, education organizations, scientists, workforce representatives, parents, and other members of the public.
Superintendent's Memo 172-18 announces the process for submitting public comment on the proposed science standards and the schedule for two (2) public hearings. The public comment period is active from July 6 – September 15, 2018. The two public hearings are held in September 2018 at locations around the state. Public comment is reviewed, and revisions are made as warranted.
Proposed 2018 Science Standards of Learning Documents:
October, 2018: BOE Adopted 2018 Science Standards of Learning
Approved by the Virginia Board of Education on October 18, 2018, the 2018 Science Standards of Learning-This is a Word document. are a critical communication with the citizens of the Commonwealth, parents, the business community, and higher education, in that these standards convey expectations and intended outcomes for K-12 education.
April, 2019: First Review of Proposed 2018 Science Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework
A Superintendent’s Memorandum announces the process for submitting public comment on the proposed 2018 Science Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework
April 26 – June 6, 2019: Public Comment Period on Proposed 2018 Science Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework
Public comment on the 2018 Science Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework is collected through the 2018 Science Standards Curriculum Framework survey and through interactive webinars.
June, 2019: BOE Adopted 2018 Science Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework
Approved by the Virginia Board of Education on June 20, 2019, the 2018 Science Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework-This is a Word document. provides educators instructional support in that it conveys expectations and intended outcomes for K-12 education.
Fall, 2019: Regional Professional Learning Opportunities. Deeper Learning: Using the 2018 Science Standards of Learning to Inform Instruction
The Office of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics presents the 2018 Science Standards of Learning and the 2018 Science Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework and support materials to teachers, administrators, and science leaders. These professional learning opportunities provide training that focus on deepening participants’ understanding of the Standards of Learning review and revision process, progression of the science standards, and the use of science skills and processes that provide Deeper Learning opportunities for students.
2019-2020 Ancillary Cross-Curricular Lessons and Continued Professional Development Provided to Divisions
Ancillary cross-curricular lessons and support professional development are provided to divisions to facilitate transition to the Revised 2018 Science Standards of Learning. Copies of lessons are posted on the VDOE website.
2019-2021 School Years - Crosswalk Years
- 2010 Science Standards of Learning and 2018 Science Standards of Learning are included in the written and taught curricula.
- 2020 and 2021 Standards of Learning assessments measure the 2010 Science Standards of Learning and include field test items measuring the 2018 Science Standards of Learning
2021-2022 School Year-2018 –Full Implementation Year
- Written and taught curricula reflect the 2018 Science Standards of Learning.
- Standards of Learning assessments measure the 2018 Science Standards of Learning