Meeting Summary

Virginia Board of Education
March 19, 2008

Recommended Cut Scores for the Revised Grade 8 Standards of Learning Science Test
The Board adopted cut scores for the 8th grade SOL science test that represent the achievement levels of pass/proficient and pass/advanced. The science SOL was adopted by the Board in 2003 but due to significant revisions to the SOL for 6th grade, a new cumulative test for 8th grade had to be developed. This new tests will be given for the first time in the spring of 2008.

Timeline for the Review and Approval of Revised Mathematics Standards of Learning
The Board granted approval for the Department of Education to move forward with the review process for the Mathematics Standards of Learning. A schedule for reviewing the Standards of Learning was adopted by the Board in 2000. According to that schedule, the Mathematics Standards of Learning is to be reviewed in 2008-09. In its review process, the review committee will consider relevant national and international reports. The timeline for presenting the proposed revised SOL to the Board is January 2009, with final review scheduled for May 2009. A revised curriculum framework would follow by February 2010.

Standards for the Governor’s Career and Technical Education Exemplary Standards Awards Program
In compliance with Virginia’s $500,000 grant from the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices to improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, the Board approved standards for the Governor’s Career and Technical Education Exemplary Standards Awards Program. The Governor’s Career and Technical Education Exemplary Standards Awards Program is based on twelve standards, each with accompanying indicators or benchmarks. The standards are grouped into three areas: Program Excellence, Educational Significance, and Evidence of Effectiveness and Success.

Rescinding Current English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards of Learning and Approval of World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) ELP Standards
The Board approved rescinding the current English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards of Learning, to be replaced by the adoption of the WIDA ELP standards for the 2008-2009 school year. The WIDA ELP standards support the English language development of English Language Learners (ELLs). The goal of the standards is to provide the foundation to enable ELLs to achieve academically in all content areas. There are five WIDA ELP standards that are represented in the following grade clusters: Pre-K-K; 1-2; 3-5; 6-8; and 9-12. Additionally, each standard encompasses six levels of English language proficiency as well as four language domains. The levels of English language proficiency are: entering, beginning, developing, expanding, bridging, and reaching. The four language domains are: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Finally, the standards contain both formative and summative model performance indicators. Training will be provided to school divisions on implementation of the standards.

Virginia’s Five Year State Plan for Fiscal Years 2008-2013 for the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006
The Board approved Virginia’s proposed state plan for the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006. For 2008-2013 all components of the secondary portion of the plan have been completed with the exception of one performance standard (2S1) which the USED is still discussing. The Virginia Community College System is utilizing USED technical assistance for their performance standards and will complete those based on recommendations from the technical assistance. For the first time, Perkins IV requires sanctions for not meeting performance standards at both the state and local level. Negotiations for the level of performance between the state and OVAE will continue to be negotiated under this law. However, Perkins IV has added a negotiation process for performance standard levels between the state and each local division served. These negotiations must insure that the state levels required by OVAE are met. The earliest sanctions at the state level would be during the 2008-2009 year although this is still being discussed. Sanctions at the state level can include reduction of state administration funds. Historically, Virginia has met 100 percent of its performance standards. At this point, the sanctions for local divisions do not take effect until 2009-2010. Sanctions at the local level have not been determined, but templates and procedures for Local Improvement Plans are in place from Perkins III and may be continued under Perkins IV.

Report on the Status of 2008 General Assembly Actions
The Board received a report summarizing General Assembly actions, including legislation affecting 1) teacher licensure; 2) No Child Left Behind; 3) career and technical education; 4) nutrition/physical activity; 5) home schooling; 6) special education: and 7) textbook purchasing. Reported GA budget actions included 1) changes in funding for SOQ re-benchmarking; 2) funding for a 2% teacher salary increase in FY10; 3) additional funding for the Virginia Preschool Initiative; 4) changes to Lottery funding; and 5) funding increases/decreases to various programs.

Additional Reports
The Board received a report on a Grant Awarded for the Development of New Alternative Assessments for Students with Disabilities Pursuing Modified Achievement Standards