Virginia Standards of Learning

Philip Stiles

Learning Targets:

Students will be able to identify and explain benefits of standardized expectations in the classroom.
Students will be able to describe Virginia' Standards of Learning Policy

What are the Standards of Learning?

Virginia's Standards of Learning "establish minimum expectations for what students should know and be able to do at the end of each grade or course in English, mathematics, science, history/social science and other subjects" (Standards of learning (SOL) & testing). Aside from detailing information which students are required to learn. At the conclusion of each grade or course, these standards are assessed through Standards of Learning (SOL) tests.

Benefits:

While the Standard's of Learning were developed for the academic achievement of students, the SOL's provide benefits for teachers as well. Benefits include:

Clear expectations of academic achievement from students.
A standardized curriculum allowing for collaboration between teachers/students.
Universal benchmarks for assessing student growth
Resources such as prepared assessments, lesson-plans, and classwork provided by the Virginia Department of Education to aid teachers in crafting their day-to-day lessons.

Example Scenario: Benefits of Standards of Learning

Mrs. Jackson and Mr. Johnson both teach 8th grade science in the Virginia Public School system. Mrs. Jackson runs a teacher-led class and is a gifted lecturer. On the other hand, Mr. Johnson runs a student-led class and excels as creating interesting group activities for students. Due to the Virginia Standards of Learning, both teachers cover the same core curriculum, allowing for collaboration between the teachers and their classes. Perhaps one day the teachers switch classes, or help each other with their lessons in order to engage students or expose them to a different teaching/learning style.

What did you learn?

Virginia's Standards of Learning were developed to_____?

a. Force educators to teach a streamlined curriculum.

b. Set minimum expectations for student achievement.

c. Allow teachers more freedom inside the classrooms.

d. Provide a network of resources for schools and teachers.

Mr. Andrews was just hired as a new teacher in Virginia, but he's a little fuzzy on what he's supposed to be teaching under the Virginia Standards of Learning. Where could he go for help?

a. Ask an experienced teacher for help.

b. Just look it up on the internet like everybody else. Duh.

c. Access the resources provided by the VA Dep. of Education.

References:

Duke, D. L. (2003). Replicable Strategies and Approaches. In Educational leadership in an age of accountability the Virginia Experience. essay, State University of New York Press.

Glavin, C. (2014, February 6). Standards of learning. Standards of Learning | K12 Academics. Retrieved February 14, 2022, from https://www.k12academics.com/education-united-states/education-virginia/standards-learning

Standards of learning (SOL) & testing. VDOE :: Standards of Learning (SOL) and Testing. (n.d.). Retrieved February 14, 2022, from https://doe.virginia.gov/testing/index.shtml#

Multiple Choice Answers:

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