State forms committee to reform SOL tests
http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/article/20140711/NEWS/140719806/1076/School-notes:-State-forms-committee-to-reform-SOL-tests&template=fairfaxTimes
A new statewide committee established to help revamp Virginia’s standardized testing system will hold its first meeting next week.
The 37-member committee will convene for the first time in Richmond next Tuesday, July 15, to begin its task.
Reform of the state’s academic assessment system received widespread support in the General Assembly earlier this year. Legislation passed in March reduces the number of required SOL tests for elementary school students from 22 to 17 for the upcoming school year and requires school districts to requires districts to develop project-based assessments in place of the nixed exams.
The new law also called for establishment of the Standards of Learning Innovation Committee to guide the testing reform. The committee will recommend further changes to the General Assembly and state Board of Education, as well as provide direction for the new project-based assessments.
The committee includes school administrators, School Board members, teachers and parents from across the state, as well as members of the General Assembly.
No educators from the Fairfax County school system are on the committee, though former Fairfax County assistant superintendent Terri Breeden, who now works for Loudoun County schools, is one of the members. Fairfax County is represented by Del. Jim LeMunyon (R-Dist.67) and Del. Rob Krupicka (D-Dist. 45).