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Roundtable Discussions on the 2018 Science Standards of Learning
VDOE is hosting roundtable discussions to obtain feedback from educators, parents, and other stakeholders on the 2018 Science Standards of Learning. Feedback garnered from the roundtable discussions will inform the revision process for the 2025 Science Standards of Learning. Roundtable sessions will be available virtually and in-person at the times and dates indicated here. Feedback can be provided through the Comments on the 2018 Science Standards of Learning form or by emailing comments to vdoe.science@doe.virginia.gov. Comments must be received by May 31.
New Resource: Virginia Assessment Item Maps for Grades 3-8 Reading and Mathematics
This new resource, Virginia Assessment Item Maps, provides descriptions and examples of test items students were likely to answer correctly based on the vertical scaled score they achieved on their state assessment. A vertical scaled score allows comparisons between Virginia Growth Assessments and Standards of Learning (SOL) tests. Each item map provides examples and descriptions of actual SOL test questions at different score points within the vertical scaled score range for a specific grade and subject. This information, along with students’ test results, may be used to plan conversations with families, determine intervention strategies to strengthen understanding, or establish a plan to accelerate learning. The Grades 3-8 Reading and Mathematics Item Maps are now available online on the Growth Assessment webpage.
April 8 Solar Eclipse Safety
The next solar eclipse will occur on April 8, between 2 – 4:30 p.m., when students may still be in school, preparing to leave school, or traveling home. Although Virginia will not experience a total solar eclipse, it will experience a partial eclipse between about 80-90% totality, depending on the area of the state. If students or staff will be in school on April 8, districts should plan to educate students, parents, and staff about how to safely view the eclipse as damage to eyes is possible while viewing the eclipse. Regular sunglasses, swimming goggles, and most camera filters are NOT safe for looking directly at the sun. The sun can be viewed indirectly using a pinhole projector, which can be made from readily available materials. ISO 12312-2 certified solar-viewing glasses can also be used to protect the eyes. The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) has a variety of free resources about safety considerations for the eclipse.
VDOE Fine Arts Leadership Conference
Calling all division leaders of Fine Arts instruction! VDOE will host a leadership conference for division leaders of fine arts instruction or designated teacher leaders from each of Virginia’s 131 school divisions. The conference will be held on May 8, at Longwood University from 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Each school division is encouraged to send individuals who supervise Fine Arts instruction for students in K-12, including central office fine arts program leader(s) or a teacher leader for each fine arts discipline identified by the central office staff. Conference registration is offered at no cost to school division employees. Register for the conference by April 22.
New Resources Aligned to the 2023 Mathematics Standards of Learning
These resources are now available on the 2023 Mathematics Instructional Resources webpage. These resources include Understanding the Standards documents for Grades K-5 (released February 9), and Grades 6 through Algebra 2 (released February 29). The documents further define the content knowledge, skills, and understandings of the Mathematics SOL. They provide background information about mathematical concepts and delineate the minimum content that all students should learn. Understanding the Standards documents for upper-level secondary mathematics courses will be released at the end of March.
Free Olympics-themed Workshop for French Teachers
In light of the upcoming Olympics in France, French educators and teachers are invited to take part in an immersive in-person professional development workshop tour on “Sport et olympisme dans les médias” with Xavier GILLET. Online registration is now open for the free in-person workshop that will take place at the Embassy of France in Washington D.C. on April 18 from 9-4.
Toolkits from Virginia ABC Community Health and Engagement
Virginia ABC Community Health and Engagement offers free toolkits to aid prevention events and efforts on a variety of topics. The Being Outstanding Leaders Together Against Drugs and Alcohol (BOLT) program offers free online trainings and resources to increase the capacity of middle school prevention professionals as they work to reduce youth substance use among their students. BOLT materials support middle school prevention activities including in-classroom curriculum instruction and participation in substance use awareness weeks.
VDOE Literacy Updates
To assist divisions in the creating of their literacy plans, VDOE has created an updated instructional document intended to provide division level guidance and support. Required by the VLA and as a best practice, school divisions should have a well-articulated Division Literacy Plan that can be shared with stakeholders and assist in communicating implementation expectations across all schools. The plan is designed to improve early literacy outcomes for students in pre-kindergarten through grade eight by requiring school divisions to address how the local school board will align with evidence-based literacy instruction practices aligned with science-based reading research. All documents, including this update, instructions, and new DLP are on the VDOE website.
VIRGINIA COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS
Reading Specialist Programs
William & Mary offers a MAED program and a post-professional online certificate for teachers who would like to add a reading specialist endorsement. Both programs are fully online, offered in seven (7) week terms during fall and spring semesters and five (5) week terms over summers. New cohorts start in July! For questions, email Dr. Dense Johnson.
Educational Leadership Program Information Sessions
Virginia Tech’s Educational Leadership programs are designed to fit the needs of working professionals with fully on-line and hybrid courses that balance modern academic theory with a focus on practical application. Virginia educators may be eligible for a 25% tuition discount. Join the virtual information session April 2nd 5:00 PM Ed.D./Ph.D. and 6:00 PM MA.Ed./Ed.S. Contact Dr. Jodie Brinkmann for more information.
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