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Public Comment on the Proposed Revised Fine Arts Standards of Learning
The Virginia Board of Education will hold two public hearings to solicit comments on the proposed revised Fine Arts Standards of Learning. The Standards include Dance Arts, Music, Theatre Arts, and Visual Arts Standards of Learning. Public comment regarding the proposed revised Standards of Learning may be offered through public hearings or through VDOE email accounts for each discipline. See Superintendent’s Memo 019-20 for the public hearing dates and additional information.
National School Counseling Week-February 3-7
VDOE would like to recognize professional school counselors during the week of February 3-7, as we celebrate National School Counseling Week. As vital members of the team, school counselors are agents of equity for students across the Commonwealth. The American School Counseling Association, as well as the Virginia School Counseling Association have resources for those looking to celebrate and acknowledge the work school counselors do on behalf of students.
Black History Month Resources
As our nation observes Black History Month, VDOE is pleased to provide school divisions with Black History Month resources that honor African Americans and celebrate their achievements and contributions to America. Local school divisions are encouraged to seek and develop instructional and community programming that highlights Black history not only during February, but also throughout the entire year. See Superintendent’s Memo 020-20 for resources and information.
Paris Museums Online Images
Images and artwork are great resources to generate discussion in the classroom. Paris Musées, a collection of 14 museums in Paris, have recently made high-resolution digital copies of over 100,000 artworks freely available to the public on their collections website.
Nominations for the 2020 Range Finding Committee for Grade 5 Writing Local Alternative Performance Assessments-Due February 14
The Office of Humanities and the Office of Student Assessment are collaborating to accept nominations for this important Committee. The meeting will be held in Charlottesville, April 21-22. Committee members will recommend exemplars which demonstrate student performance at each score point of the rubric used to score student work. These exemplars will be used by teachers when scoring performance assessments based on the 2017 English Standards of Learning. All nominees who wish to serve on this committee must complete an online application found on the SOL Assessment Committee web page. The application requires a professional reference and division approval. See Superintendent’s Memo 017-20 for more information.
Nominations for the 2020 Standards of Learning Item and Test Review Committees-Due March 6
The Office of Student Assessment is seeking nominations for the 2020 Standards of Learning Item and Test Review Committees. Approximately 15 members are needed for each of the committees and school divisions may nominate one or more representatives for each committee. The committee meetings will be held this summer in Richmond. All individuals who wish to serve on these committees, including those who have previously served, must submit an online application found on the SOL Assessment Committee web page. The application requires a professional reference and division approval. See Superintendent’s Memo 016-20 for dates and additional information.
Random Acts of Kindness
February 16-23 is Random Acts of Kindness week! Check out some sample lessons on kindness and mindfulness as well as a daily kindness challenge calendar
Girls Go CyberStart
The VITA 2020 Girls Go CyberStart program aims to support and inspire high school girls across Virginia to explore careers in cybersecurity and computer science. The program is completely free and open to girls in grades nine through 12. Students can participate at both home and school, or wherever an Internet connection is available. Participants do not need knowledge or experience in IT or cybersecurity to participate. Registration for Girls Go CyberStart is now open until Jan. 31, with online gaming commencing on Feb. 10.
New VDOE Mathematical Resources
Additional VDOE rich mathematical tasks, templates, anchor papers, and scoring rationales have been added to the VDOE website!! Teachers are highly encouraged to utilize these resources as they implement the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning and develop deeper learning in their classrooms.
Engaging English Learners
Getting ELs talking about your content is critical for their overall language development as well as their literacy development. Check out this interactive database from the University of Oklahoma to search and filter strategies.
Virginia LinguaFolio Online Webinar Series
VDOE is pleased to continue working alongside the Center for Applied Second Language Studies to support LinguaFolio Online Users in Virginia. The second of four support webinars will take place on February 13 with the topic of Approaches to familiarizing your students with LFO. Sign up to join the free Zoom Webinar.
Virginia Reads One Book
VDOE is pleased to announce Virginia Reads One Book 2020. Elementary students and families in participating schools and divisions across the Commonwealth can participate in a statewide family reading event in March 2020. For more information on book pricing or to sign up contact Cathy Plageman, Program Coordinator, Virginia Reads One Book or by telephone at (804) 334-5872. Schools and divisions have until January 31st to purchase and order books.
Spotlight on Literacy: Rigorous Reading
Educators often wonder when it might be appropriate to use leveled readers or when it is important to keep the texts rigorous and at grade-level. This article shares insights into this balance and provides some key ingredients for impactful reading instruction.
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