Changes to SOL & VGLA for 2014-2015 School Year

FROM PEATC: 

Status of the Virginia Grade Level Alternative Assessments for Students with Disabilities in 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 http://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintendents_memos/2014/202-14.shtml The purpose of this memorandum is to inform school division staff of changes to the Virginia Grade Level Alternative (VGLA) Assessments in 2014-2015 and in 2015-2016.  The 2014 Virginia General Assembly eliminated the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests in Grade 3 Science, Grade 3 History & Social Science, Grade 5 Writing, United States History to 1865 and United States History: 1865 to Present beginning in the 2014-2015 school year.  Based on the elimination of these SOL tests, the corresponding VGLA Assessments in these content areas also will no longer be available to students with disabilities beginning in 2014-2015.  For the 2014-2015 school year, only the following VGLA Assessments for eligible students with disabilities will be available: Grade 5 Science Grade 8 Science Grade 8 Writing Virginia Studies Civics & Economics. Due to the number of VGLA Assessments and the significant decrease in the statewide participation in the VGLA, beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, the VGLA Assessments will be eliminated as an assessment option for students with disabilities in all content areas.  Please note, however, that while VGLA Assessments are being eliminated for students with disabilities beginning in 2015-2016; at this time, the VGLA reading tests will continue to be available for eligible students with limited English proficiency. If you have questions, please contact the assessment staff at student_assessment@doe.virginia.gov or (804) 225-2102