Are you smarter than a Are you smarter than a 55thth grader grader

on Virginia History?on Virginia History?

1) 1) In 1619, people from Virginia’s counties voted for representatives to America’s first elected government. This government was called the ?

A. House of CommonsB. SenateC. CongressD. House of Burgesses

2) Richmond, the capital of Virginia, islocated on the ?

A. Potomac RiverB. James RiverC. Atlantic OceanD. Chesapeake Bay

History of the Virginia History of the Virginia SOL’sSOL’s

L. Jean OverstreetL. Jean OverstreetRoanoke County Public SchoolsRoanoke County Public Schools

EDUC 615 EDUC 615 Curriculum DevelopmentCurriculum Development

Radford UniversityRadford University

Goals/Objectives/Goals/Objectives/UnderstandingUnderstanding

To know what each governors’ contribution To know what each governors’ contribution to VA education was.to VA education was.

To be able to describe the commonwealth's To be able to describe the commonwealth's beliefs for student learning and achievement beliefs for student learning and achievement in grades K-12 in in grades K-12 in English, mathematics, English, mathematics, science, history and social sciencescience, history and social science, , technology, the fine arts, foreign language, technology, the fine arts, foreign language, health and physical education, and driver health and physical education, and driver education.education.

To believe that all students are be held To believe that all students are be held accountable to the SOLs in order to graduate.accountable to the SOLs in order to graduate.

The SOLs are in our curriculum because as The SOLs are in our curriculum because as teachers we are looked upon for our students teachers we are looked upon for our students to pass (even more now with NCLB!)to pass (even more now with NCLB!)

Timeline of Virginia GovernorsTimeline of Virginia Governors

1966-present1966-present

10 Governors10 Governors

Mills Godwin, Jr.Mills Godwin, Jr.1966-1970 & 1974-19781966-1970 & 1974-1978

First term, he served as a Democrat; Second term, First term, he served as a Democrat; Second term, he served as a Republicanhe served as a Republican

Established the Commission on Constitutional Reform Established the Commission on Constitutional Reform in 1969in 1969

As Governor again, he created the Governor’s As Governor again, he created the Governor’s cabinet and the cabinet and the VDOEVDOE became accountable to this became accountable to this new cabinet.new cabinet.

Article 8 of the amended 1971 VA Constitution Article 8 of the amended 1971 VA Constitution instituted the VA Standards of Quality (our basis for instituted the VA Standards of Quality (our basis for public education)!public education)!

Federally-speaking, free appropriate public education Federally-speaking, free appropriate public education for all handicapped children is passed (PL 94-142)for all handicapped children is passed (PL 94-142)

A.A. Linwood Holton, Jr (R)Linwood Holton, Jr (R)1970-19741970-1974

First Republican Governor in Virginia since First Republican Governor in Virginia since Reconstruction!Reconstruction!

Increased the employment of women/blacks in state Increased the employment of women/blacks in state governmentgovernment

Founded the Virginia’s Governor Schools Program in Founded the Virginia’s Governor Schools Program in 19731973

The The Governor's SchoolsGovernor's Schools are a collection of regional are a collection of regional magnet high schools and summer programs in the magnet high schools and summer programs in the Commonwealth intended for gifted students.Commonwealth intended for gifted students.

Virginia Governor’s Schools provide some of the Virginia Governor’s Schools provide some of the state’s most able students academically and state’s most able students academically and artistically challenging programs beyond those artistically challenging programs beyond those offered in their home schools – now around 40 sites in offered in their home schools – now around 40 sites in the statethe state

John Dalton (R)John Dalton (R)1978-19821978-1982

Appointed Dr. John Davis as Superintendent Appointed Dr. John Davis as Superintendent of Public Instruction– he lasted for 10 yrs in of Public Instruction– he lasted for 10 yrs in this positionthis position

Davis commanded VA’s original Standards of Davis commanded VA’s original Standards of Learning for the 4 core subject areas to be Learning for the 4 core subject areas to be written, and he later added art, music, health, written, and he later added art, music, health, & PE& PE

He persistently solicited the involvement from He persistently solicited the involvement from teachers, and school personnel to help teachers, and school personnel to help construct these standards.construct these standards.

Davis’ team traveled throughout the state to Davis’ team traveled throughout the state to gain backing for these standards while trying gain backing for these standards while trying to improve school programsto improve school programs

Charles “Chuck” Robb (D)Charles “Chuck” Robb (D)1982-19861982-1986

Concentrated his efforts on raising teacher Concentrated his efforts on raising teacher salaries – more competitive with other statessalaries – more competitive with other states

In response to a national trend to increase In response to a national trend to increase graduation standards, Virginia high school graduation standards, Virginia high school students who completed courses in math, students who completed courses in math, science, and foreign language earned science, and foreign language earned Advanced Advanced DiplomasDiplomas imprinted with the Governor’s Seal imprinted with the Governor’s Seal

With the release of With the release of A Nation At RiskA Nation At Risk report report (1983), Virginia already had its Standards of (1983), Virginia already had its Standards of Learning in place while the report called for Learning in place while the report called for sweeping reform in public education and sweeping reform in public education and teacher trainingteacher training

Gerald Baliles (D)Gerald Baliles (D)1986-19901986-1990

In response to national concern In response to national concern about the economy and to about the economy and to A Nation A Nation At RiskAt Risk, he appointed a commission, , he appointed a commission, which was chaired by Willard Lemonwhich was chaired by Willard Lemon

Commission was created to give an Commission was created to give an evaluative report on the condition of evaluative report on the condition of education in the Commonwealth education in the Commonwealth (10/28/86)(10/28/86)

Excellence in Education: A Plan Excellence in Education: A Plan for Virginia’s Futurefor Virginia’s Future

(10/28/86)(10/28/86)

Main highlights:Main highlights: Higher teacher standardsHigher teacher standards 5 yr plan to incorporate technology 5 yr plan to incorporate technology

into public schoolsinto public schools Middle school reformMiddle school reform Creation of Literacy Passport Test to Creation of Literacy Passport Test to

replace early 1980’s bare minimum replace early 1980’s bare minimum competency testscompetency tests

The Literacy Passport TestThe Literacy Passport Test Requirement for graduating from Requirement for graduating from

high school in Virginia was to take high school in Virginia was to take and pass a sixth grade test. and pass a sixth grade test.

The Literacy Passport Test (LPT) has The Literacy Passport Test (LPT) has three parts: math, reading, and three parts: math, reading, and writing. writing.

A student was not supposed to be A student was not supposed to be able to graduate from high school able to graduate from high school without passing this test. In other without passing this test. In other words, there was a consequence for words, there was a consequence for students – but none for the schools.students – but none for the schools.

L. Douglas Wilder (D)L. Douglas Wilder (D)1990-19941990-1994

Departed from the Standards of LearningDeparted from the Standards of Learning Willard Lemon and Dorothy McDiarmid in 1991 Willard Lemon and Dorothy McDiarmid in 1991

chaired Governor’s Commission on Educational chaired Governor’s Commission on Educational Opportunity for All VirginiansOpportunity for All Virginians

Dr. Joseph Spagnolo, the VA Superintendent of Dr. Joseph Spagnolo, the VA Superintendent of Public Instruction during this time, believed VA Public Instruction during this time, believed VA needed a “new curriculum document with a needed a “new curriculum document with a new name” – aka The Common Core of new name” – aka The Common Core of Learning (10 yr plan)Learning (10 yr plan)

Spagnolo attempted to provide a World Class Spagnolo attempted to provide a World Class education to prepare VA’s students for life in a education to prepare VA’s students for life in a global economyglobal economy

Summary ReportSummary Report, 1991, 1991

Summary ReportSummary Report There was discrepancy of There was discrepancy of

educational options across the educational options across the CommonwealthCommonwealth

27 recommendations were given to 27 recommendations were given to provide more opportunities for all provide more opportunities for all Virginia’s childrenVirginia’s children

Recommended that the Standards of Recommended that the Standards of Quality and the Standards of Quality and the Standards of Learning be redefinedLearning be redefined

Recommended to provide technical Recommended to provide technical assistance to schoolsassistance to schools

Expand early childhood programsExpand early childhood programs

Common Core of LearningCommon Core of Learning Educational experts supported itEducational experts supported it No legislative support because it was too No legislative support because it was too

costly to implement ($6.7 M for 1 yr)costly to implement ($6.7 M for 1 yr) Teachers and other school personnel did Teachers and other school personnel did

not have general inputnot have general input On September 16, 1993 Wilder ordered On September 16, 1993 Wilder ordered

the end to the Common Core of Learning the end to the Common Core of Learning Initiative – perceived to be Outcome Initiative – perceived to be Outcome Based Education for its individual Based Education for its individual performance assessment.performance assessment.

Even though it had the best intentions, Even though it had the best intentions, the Common Core may actually function the Common Core may actually function to weaken VA’s education standards.to weaken VA’s education standards.

George Allen (R) George Allen (R) 1994-19981994-1998

This is where it all began! Higher standards and greater This is where it all began! Higher standards and greater accountability!accountability!

1994 – created the Commission on Champion Schools to 1994 – created the Commission on Champion Schools to study elementary and secondary education in the study elementary and secondary education in the Commonwealth and launched the Standards of Learning Commonwealth and launched the Standards of Learning programprogram

The guiding vision was to ensure that all Virginia The guiding vision was to ensure that all Virginia students were taught the minimum skills and knowledge students were taught the minimum skills and knowledge they would need to be successful in an increasingly they would need to be successful in an increasingly competitive global economy, and to produce responsible competitive global economy, and to produce responsible citizens of Virginia and the United States who citizens of Virginia and the United States who understood their history and system of government.understood their history and system of government.

Dr. William Bosher, VA Superintendent of Public Dr. William Bosher, VA Superintendent of Public Instruction at the time, was the leader of the effort to Instruction at the time, was the leader of the effort to develop statewide grade-by-grade academic content develop statewide grade-by-grade academic content standards (minimum) in English, mathematics, science, standards (minimum) in English, mathematics, science, computer technology, history and social studies for K-computer technology, history and social studies for K-1212thth grades. grades.

Department of Education had been downsizedDepartment of Education had been downsized Outcome Based Education was “graveyard Outcome Based Education was “graveyard

dead”dead” Objected to federal involvement in educationObjected to federal involvement in education Platform of parental choice of schools, school Platform of parental choice of schools, school

prayer, and school reform based on solid prayer, and school reform based on solid academicsacademics

Critics questioned the loss of millions of dollars Critics questioned the loss of millions of dollars that might be used for needed technologythat might be used for needed technology

School personnel enlisted to help revise the School personnel enlisted to help revise the Standards of LearningStandards of Learning

New standards adopted by the Virginia Board of New standards adopted by the Virginia Board of Education in the June of 1995 Education in the June of 1995

Minimum learning content for English, Minimum learning content for English, mathematics, science, social studies, and mathematics, science, social studies, and computer technology for kindergarten through computer technology for kindergarten through twelfth gradetwelfth grade

ACCOUNTABILITYACCOUNTABILITY The Board then undertook a revision of the Standards of The Board then undertook a revision of the Standards of

Accreditation (SOA)Accreditation (SOA) Schools would be accredited based on whether or not Schools would be accredited based on whether or not

students were actually learning core knowledge and skills, students were actually learning core knowledge and skills, measured objectively.measured objectively.

Spring 1997 – statewide field test of these NEW standardsSpring 1997 – statewide field test of these NEW standards Spring 1998 – Tests would be given in grades 3, 5, 8 and Spring 1998 – Tests would be given in grades 3, 5, 8 and

high school in the core academic areas of the Standards high school in the core academic areas of the Standards of Learning.of Learning.

Scores would be made public so everyone would know Scores would be made public so everyone would know how their local school was fairing.how their local school was fairing.

Classroom teachers, curriculum specialists, and local Classroom teachers, curriculum specialists, and local educators helped develop revised standardseducators helped develop revised standards

Harcourt Brace was contracted to create tests to measure Harcourt Brace was contracted to create tests to measure students’ progress on revised standardsstudents’ progress on revised standards

The real “heart” of this reform is ACCOUNTABILITY in the The real “heart” of this reform is ACCOUNTABILITY in the form of measurable student achievement (adopted Sept form of measurable student achievement (adopted Sept 1997)1997)

James “Jim” Gilmore (R)James “Jim” Gilmore (R)1998-20021998-2002

Board of Education led by Kirk T. SchroderBoard of Education led by Kirk T. Schroder Under his supervision, the Board made many Under his supervision, the Board made many

revisions to the SOL program during the period revisions to the SOL program during the period of 1998-2000 – worked/listened to educators.of 1998-2000 – worked/listened to educators.

These revisions brought some common sense to These revisions brought some common sense to help make the SOL program more workable.help make the SOL program more workable.

Many educators who opposed the SOL’s at the Many educators who opposed the SOL’s at the beginning came to see that the Board was beginning came to see that the Board was concerned about raising student achievement concerned about raising student achievement and improving public education and they were and improving public education and they were not trying to undermine the public schools.not trying to undermine the public schools.

Mark Warner (D)Mark Warner (D)2002-20062002-2006

Students in the Class of 2004 are required to pass a Students in the Class of 2004 are required to pass a minimum of 6 HS SOL’s to receive their diploma – minimum of 6 HS SOL’s to receive their diploma – Project Graduation!Project Graduation!

Education was a cornerstone throughout his term.Education was a cornerstone throughout his term. Supported teachers being accountable for teaching and Supported teachers being accountable for teaching and

students for learning, but believes teachers should not students for learning, but believes teachers should not be accountable for things they cannot control.be accountable for things they cannot control.

Standards should be tools to improve education not Standards should be tools to improve education not clubs to punish schools.clubs to punish schools.

Developed PASS Partnership for Achieving Successful Developed PASS Partnership for Achieving Successful Schools in July 2002. 90% of the schools in poorer Schools in July 2002. 90% of the schools in poorer urban areas have shown marked improvement on their urban areas have shown marked improvement on their SOLs.SOLs.

Supported high school reform that has offered new Supported high school reform that has offered new opportunities for learning for juniors and seniors by opportunities for learning for juniors and seniors by acquiring college credits.acquiring college credits.

Tim Kaine (D)Tim Kaine (D)2006-20102006-2010

Education is key.Education is key. While running for governor, he took the While running for governor, he took the

time to go into schools to see what was time to go into schools to see what was happening.happening.

Wants to raise teacher salaries to the Wants to raise teacher salaries to the national average.national average.

Supports the basic goal of the SOLs, but Supports the basic goal of the SOLs, but doesn’t want our children’s education to doesn’t want our children’s education to be merely a series of tests.be merely a series of tests.

The SOL’s The SOL’s Students have made gains on all tests given since Students have made gains on all tests given since

testing began in Spring 1998.testing began in Spring 1998. Some of the most remarkable gains have been in Some of the most remarkable gains have been in

mathematics. Some critics claim that these gains are mathematics. Some critics claim that these gains are merely a reflection to “teaching to the test.”merely a reflection to “teaching to the test.”

These tests give the gauge of our students’ learning These tests give the gauge of our students’ learning the minimum skills and knowledge that is required in the minimum skills and knowledge that is required in all VA classrooms.all VA classrooms.

Local school divisions had three years to implement Local school divisions had three years to implement the new standards into their local curricula before the new standards into their local curricula before testing began.testing began.

They had until the graduating class of 2004 -- 1They had until the graduating class of 2004 -- 1stst class that had to pass their SOL tests to graduate.class that had to pass their SOL tests to graduate.

Schools were given until 2007 before they could Schools were given until 2007 before they could actually lose accreditation due to poor SOL scores – actually lose accreditation due to poor SOL scores – must get 70% passing.must get 70% passing.

Students seeking Advanced Studies Students seeking Advanced Studies Diplomas must pass 2 English, 2 math, 2 Diplomas must pass 2 English, 2 math, 2 history, 2 science, and 1 of your choice – 9 history, 2 science, and 1 of your choice – 9 totaltotal

Standard Diploma students only need 6 Standard Diploma students only need 6 SOL’s total – 2 English, 1 in math, history, SOL’s total – 2 English, 1 in math, history, science, & choicescience, & choice

High School SOL’sHigh School SOL’s: :

English 9, English 10, English 11, English 9, English 10, English 11, World World Geography, World History, U.S. Geography, World History, U.S. History, History, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Earth Earth Science, Biology I, & Chemistry Science, Biology I, & Chemistry

Children with DisabilitiesChildren with Disabilities The Modified Standard Diploma as a challenging

alternative for students with disabilities. Students must earn 20 credits by successfully completing required courses and electives and pass tests in reading and mathematics.

The Modified Standard Diploma requires three credits in mathematics while the pre-SOL Standard Diploma required only two. The pre-SOL Standard Diploma also required students to pass the grade 6-level Literacy Passport Test while students must pass grade-8 SOL tests in reading and mathematics to earn a Modified Standard Diploma.

Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams decide whether a Modified Standard Diploma is an appropriate goal for a student with disabilities. The decision must include the written consent of the parent or guardian. A disabled student may decide at anytime before graduation to seek a standard or advanced diploma instead, and students seeking a Modified Standard Diploma may not be excluded from courses and tests needed to earn a standard or advanced diploma. A Special Diploma is awarded to students with disabilities who meet the objectives of their IEP.

No Child Left Behind Act of No Child Left Behind Act of 20012001 Signed by George W. Bush in 2002Signed by George W. Bush in 2002

Many argue that local government had failed students, Many argue that local government had failed students, necessitating federal intervention to remedy issues like necessitating federal intervention to remedy issues like teachers teaching outside their areas of expertise, and teachers teaching outside their areas of expertise, and complacency in the face of continually failing schools complacency in the face of continually failing schools

Set 5 Performance Goals for statesSet 5 Performance Goals for states::a)a) All students will reach high standards, at a All students will reach high standards, at a

minimum attaining proficiency or better in minimum attaining proficiency or better in reading/language arts and mathematics by 2013-2014.reading/language arts and mathematics by 2013-2014.

b)b) All limited English proficient students will become All limited English proficient students will become proficient in English and reach high academic proficient in English and reach high academic standards, at a minimum attaining proficiency or better standards, at a minimum attaining proficiency or better in reading/language arts and mathematics.in reading/language arts and mathematics.

c)c) All students will be taught by highly qualified All students will be taught by highly qualified teachers by 2005-2006.teachers by 2005-2006.

d)d) All students will learn in schools that are safe and All students will learn in schools that are safe and drug free.drug free.

e)e) All students will graduate from high school.All students will graduate from high school.

ConclusionConclusion The literacy passport tests from the 1980s The literacy passport tests from the 1980s

have now been replaced with SOLs(1997-on). have now been replaced with SOLs(1997-on). Students are accountable in that they must Students are accountable in that they must

pass a minimum of 6 SOLs.pass a minimum of 6 SOLs. Teachers are accountable to make sure their Teachers are accountable to make sure their

students minimally make at least 70% students minimally make at least 70% passing. passing.

Schools are now doing more to get their Schools are now doing more to get their scores up – tutoring, remediation, Algebra I all scores up – tutoring, remediation, Algebra I all year long instead of 1 semester if on block for year long instead of 1 semester if on block for struggling students, etc.struggling students, etc.

Seems like the last 4 governors have put a Seems like the last 4 governors have put a priority on EDUCATION!!priority on EDUCATION!!

Works CitedWorks Cited Christie, Mark. (2004). Virginia’s Education Reform Works-Christie, Mark. (2004). Virginia’s Education Reform Works-

II. II. The Virginia Newsletter. The Virginia Newsletter. 80 (1).80 (1).

Milne, Phyllis. (2002). Virginia’s Standards of Learning Milne, Phyllis. (2002). Virginia’s Standards of Learning 1969-1969-2001. 2001. Virginia Educational LeadershipVirginia Educational Leadership. . 11, 30-37. , 30-37.

Virginia Department of Education. (2008). Virginia Department of Education. (2008). www.pen.k12.va.uswww.pen.k12.va.us

Virginia Governors. (2008). Virginia Governors. (2008). http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Governors_ofen.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Governors_of Virginia Virginia

Warner, Mark D. (10/18/04). Governor Warner Announces Warner, Mark D. (10/18/04). Governor Warner Announces Final Graduation Rate for Class of 2004 and Results Final Graduation Rate for Class of 2004 and Results

of of Project Graduation. Project Graduation. www.governor.virginia.govwww.governor.virginia.gov

Warner, Mark D. (10/17/05). Governor Warner Warner, Mark D. (10/17/05). Governor Warner Announces Announces Graduation Rate for Class of 2005. Graduation Rate for Class of 2005. www.governor.virginia.govwww.governor.virginia.gov

Test your assessment of this topic!Test your assessment of this topic!1) With which graduating 1) With which graduating

class class did students have to did students have to

pass pass the SOL?the SOL?A) 2003A) 2003B) 2004B) 2004C) 2005C) 2005

2) There is no SOL 2) There is no SOL difference for the # of difference for the # of tests to be passed for a tests to be passed for a high school Standard or high school Standard or an Advanced Diploma in an Advanced Diploma in VirginiaVirginia

A)A) TrueTrueB)B) FalseFalseC)C) Can’t be determinedCan’t be determined

3) Which VA governor is 3) Which VA governor is given credit for increasing given credit for increasing standards and standards and accountability with the accountability with the SOL’s?SOL’s?

A)A) Mills GodwinMills GodwinB)B) Mark WarnerMark WarnerC)C) Gerald Baliles Gerald Baliles D)D) George AllenGeorge Allen

4)4) In what year did VA In what year did VA students take the 1students take the 1stst field field SOL test?SOL test?

A)A) 19951995B)B) 19991999C)C) 19971997D)D) 20012001