Standards of Learning
Emphasizing the Virginia Standards of Learning throughout the instructional process, Middlesex County provides its students with a sound instructional program and prepares learners for state-required SOL testing.
The 2014 General Assembly eliminated Standards of Learning assessments in Grade 3 History, Grade 3 Science, Grade 5 Writing, United States History to 1865, and United States History: 1865 to the Present. Additionally, the Assembly’s action required local school divisions to continue to teach the content and to measure student achievement with local alternative assessments, including authentic or performance assessments. School divisions must certify annually that they have provided instruction and administered an alternative assessment, consistent with Board of Education guidelines, to students in grades and subject areas that no longer have a corresponding SOL test.
Intervention plans are available for students who do not achieve a pass/proficient rating on SOL tests. Test accommodations may be provided for identified students with disabilities as documented in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan, as deemed appropriate. Students identified as English Language Learners are also eligible for test accommodations as described in their individual plans. Students and families are strongly encouraged to speak with the office staff at their school for information about fees, schedules, deadlines and related topics. More specific information may be found here: http://www.pen.k12.va.us/go/VDOE/ and www.pen.k12.va.us/2plus4/index.shtml
Parents of students in Title I schools have a right to know about state or division policies regarding student participation in any assessments mandated by ESSA, including any policy, procedure, or parental right to opt students out of such assessments. If you would like to receive information about this topic, please contact the Director of Special Education and Federal Programs, either by phone at 804-758-2277, or in writing at P.O. Box 205, Saluda, VA 23149
ACCESS (summative English language proficiency assessments) testing:
Students identified as an English Learner in grades PK-12 must participate in ACCESS testing. The ACCESS test assesses speaking, listening, reading and writing skills of ELL students.
College Entrance Examinations: Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) I: Reasoning Test, SAT II: Subject Test, and American College Test (ACT).
Most degree-granting colleges require an admission examination of some kind, as specified in their bulletins or catalogs. Most colleges and sponsors of financial aid programs ask students to take either the ACT or the College Entrance Examination Board Tests (CEEB). The fall dates of either program are recommended for seniors. The spring dates are recommended for juniors who plan to apply under an early decision plan or to military academies. Information regarding college entrance examinations are located in the high school guidance office.
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Test Battery (ASVAB):
This test is primarily for juniors and seniors. It measures aptitude in various vocational areas to provide assistance in determining possible life-long work-study goals. Results
provide an opportunity to view military service as a potential career option while examining alternative civilian options. The test’s scores are combined to form five aptitude job clusters. The job reference guide lists civilian job categories and military job specialties for which one of the five aptitudes is most relevant. Information regarding the ASVAB is located in high school guidance offices.