1. Division Director of Testing Regional Meeting Fall 2019
Test Administration Updates

2. PearsonAccessnext Updates

3. SRI File Requirements Updates for Fall 2019 (1 of 2)
The following tests are no longer available:
8408 VMAST Gr 8 Reading
EOC409 VMAST EOC Reading
The following characters are no longer allowed for the Session Name field: ( ) / \ & +

4. SRI File Requirements Updates for Fall 2019 (2 of 2)
Appendix A: References to marking a substitute test complete have been removed from the Recovery and Retest table.
Appendix B: Guidance regarding when to code EL Overall Proficiency Level “99” has been updated.

5. PearsonAccessnext Training Center Updates (2 of 2)
Additionally, Pearson removed the Elementary School Reading CAT Training Test.
An updated Elementary School Reading CAT Training Test that reflects the 2017 English SOLs will be added to the Training Center prior to spring 2020.
An will be sent to divisions when this Training Test becomes available.

6. Update to SDBQ Extract
The SOL number has been added to the SDBQ Extract.
The addition of the number will allow staff to aggregate data at the SOL level as well as item descriptor level for the purposes of data analysis.

7. Communication Results of State Assessments to Parents/Guardians
Superintendent’s Memo #282-17
Superintendent’s Memo was the result of feedback from the Peer Review process.
Schools must communicate individual student score reports to parents and guardians of each student in a timely fashion after the completion of the test administration.

8. Distribution of Student Score Reports to Parents/Guardians
Divisions and schools are encouraged to communicate the procedure for the distribution of student score reports to parents and guardians.
Divisions and schools are the “owners” of the student score reports and are the only entities that may provide the information to students.

9. TestNav 8 Updates

10. TestNav System Requirements
Please see the TestNav System Requirements for additional information. Recent updates include:

11. New Sign-in Screen in TestNav (1 of 2)
Students logging into online tests will see a new sign-in screen.

12. New Sign-in Screen in TestNav (2 of 2)
On the password box is an image of an eye.
Selecting this icon will turn on/off the ability to view a student’s password.
Examiners/Proctors assisting students who are having difficulties signing-in may have the student select the “eye” icon to display the password in order to verify the student is entering it correctly.

13. New Icon in TestNav
When the student’s test screen is zoomed (ctrl +) to a high level (or when the virtual width of the viewport is less than 480px), a wrench icon appears in the tool bar at the top of the screen.
When the wrench icon is selected, all the tools available for the test appear in a dropdown under it.

14. Text-to-Speech: Reading and History (1 of 4)
Beginning in spring 2020, the audio forms of Reading SOL assessments measuring the 2017 SOL and the audio forms of new History and Social Science assessments measuring the 2015 SOL will use a Text-to-Speech feature.

15. Text-to-Speech: Reading and History (2 of 4)
The new audio tool will be located to the right of the item.
Students click on the arrow to begin hearing the item.
Text will highlight as it is being read.
The Toggle Click-to-Hear tool allows students to select where the audio will begin.
The Settings Wheel allows students to adjust the audio settings.

16. Text-to-Speech: Reading and History (3 of 4)
Students may change the speed of the audio by selecting the minus to slow it down or the plus to speed it up.
The voice is set to Female and cannot be changed.
Students may change the volume of the audio by dragging the slider right or left to increase or decrease the volume.
The text-to-speech tool will automatically scroll as needed while reading.

17. Text-to-Speech: Reading and History (4 of 4)
Audio CD’s are not available for paper, braille, and large print reading and history tests assessing the new SOL.
Reminder: New mathematics tests were already read-aloud only.
The read-aloud accommodation will need to be utilized.

18. Testing Irregularities

19. Non-Writing Test Form Numbers
Form number is displayed in PearsonAccessnext on the Students in Sessions screen.
The Form column includes test name, form, and Audio or Read-Aloud icon.
Enter only the form number (in parenthesis) in TIWAS.

20. Accurate Form Numbers Form numbers for non-writing tests are 5 digits.
They contain the letter (R, M, H, S), followed by 4 numbers.
In the example shown, the form entered is M9027.

21. VDOE Response
The VDOE Response section provides directions for resolving the irregularity.
If a retest is necessary, the steps to complete this process will be included. Some steps may only be completed by the DDOT.

22. Move Students Between Sessions & Form Override
Prior to assigning an alternate form, most irregularity responses will instruct the DDOT to move the student’s test to a new session.
From Students in Sessions, select the student and then Move Students between Sessions and Form Override from Tasks.

23. Move Students between Sessions (1 of 3)
Click on Create Session to create a new session.

24. Move Students between Sessions (2 of 3)
Enter the session name as directed in the irregularity.
Select the Form Group Type as noted in the irregularity directions.
Complete all required fields and click Create.

25. Move Students between Sessions (3 of 3)
Select the session that you just created.
Click Move to apply changes.

26. TIWAS User’s Guide and PPT
The User’s Guide for the Testing Irregularities Web Application System provides step-by-step instructions for using TIWAS to report the division’s testing irregularities.
The TIWAS Overview PowerPoint contains detailed information and step-by-step instructions for Adding, Searching, Editing, and Exporting Irregularities.

27. Substitute Tests

28. Substitute Tests (1 of 2)
Divisions that have students who take an approved substitute test for verified credit or Federal accountability will no longer mark the corresponding Standards of Learning content test complete and apply testing status 10 (substitute test) in PearsonAccessnext.

29. Substitute Tests (2 of 2)
Substitute test performance data are uploaded directly to VDOE via the SOL Substitute Test (SOL Sub Test) application in SSWS from November 1, 2019, to August 31, 2020, for substitute tests taken during Summer 2019, Fall 2019, and Spring 2020.
DDOTs will enter only the highest score earned by the student for the substitute test.
Refer to the SOL Substitute Test (SOL Sub Test) application for directions.

30. Substitute Tests & Federal Accountability (1 of 2)
The 2017 revision to the SOA (8VAC ) states, “Students shall not be required to take an end-of-course SOL test in an academic subject after they have earned the number of verified credits required for that academic content area for graduation, unless such test is necessary in order for the school to meet federal accountability requirements.”

31. Substitute Tests & Federal Accountability (2 of 2)
While in high school, each student must be assessed once in reading, once in mathematics*, and once in biology.
In order to meet the federal testing requirement, students must attempt the SOL assessment.
If the student fails the required test but still needs the verified credit in the content area to meet graduation requirements, then a substitute test may be submitted.
*Mathematics has specific waiver guidelines, refer to Superintendent’s Memo #299-18, October 19, 2018.

32. Updates to Various Documents, Forms, and Guidelines

33. Prohibited Scratch Paper
“Enhanced scratched paper” is prohibited.
Examples of enhanced scratch paper include but are not limited to:
paper with added raised lines (puffy lines)
paper with some lines darker than others

34. Health Management Devices
The Health Management Devices section has been updated to address hearing aids.
A Health Management Device Form must be completed for a student who does not have an IEP or 504 Plan and requires hearing aids that require a connection to an Internet-enabled device, such as a smart phone, during the administration of an SOL assessment.

35. Testing Accommodations for SWD (1 of 6)
Visual Aids—
Information has been added to the manuals stating that a student may use a graphic organizer to organize content in response to a test item or in response to the prompt for the short-paper component of the Writing SOL test.
The structure of the graphic organizer may not clue or guide the student in any manner.
Test security guidance has also been added.

36. Testing Accommodations for SWD (2 of 6)
Amplification Equipment—
Guidance has been added to the manuals for students using hearing aids that allow a connection to an Internet-enabled device, such as a smart phone, during the administration of an SOL assessment.
A Special Assessment Accommodation Request form must be submitted to VDOE.

37. Testing Accommodations for SWD (3 of 6)
Plain English Mathematics (2009 SOL) Test—
Guidance in the manuals has been updated stating that the Plain English Algebra I (2009 SOL) test is only available to students with disabilities who previously passed an algebra I class prior to Spring 2019 and need to retake the test for verified credit to meet graduation requirements.
The Plain English Grade 8 Mathematics (2009 SOL) test is only available to students with disabilities who are pursuing a Modified Standard Diploma.
Students must meet qualifying criteria.

38. Testing Accommodations for SWD (4 of 6)
The information box in Appendix B of the manuals Guidance for Creating an Online Audio Test Session has been renamed, Guidance for Online Audio Test Sessions.
Bullets were added to separate information.

39. Testing Accommodations for SWD (5 of 6)
The information box, Guidance for the 2019–2020 School Year Regarding Providing Desmos and/or Hand-Held Calculators for Mathematics (2016 SOL) Tests has also been added to Appendix B.
This box includes guidance for staff administering tests when providing students with disabilities access to the handheld calculator and/or the Desmos online calculator.

40. Testing Accommodations for SWD (6 of 6)
Dictation to a Scribe (Accommodation code 25) has been removed as an accommodation on the multiple-choice/TEI component of the Writing Assessment and Non-Writing assessments.
The list of tasks, that was included in Dictation to a Scribe, that a student may request the school official to perform, has been added to Examiner Records Responses (Accommodation code 18). 

41. Addition to: Examiner Records Responses
The student may ask the school official to perform tasks that may include:
writing on the student’s scratch paper;
using manipulatives;
completing each step of mathematical or scientific
calculations, with or without the use of a calculator; and
manipulating TestNav features/tools.

42. Testing Accommodations for ELs
ELs may be assessed with the Plain English Algebra I (2009 SOL) test if they meet all of the following:
passed an algebra I class prior to Spring 2019
need to retake the Plain English Algebra I (2009 SOL) test for verified credit to meet graduation requirements and are enrolled in grades 9–12
have an ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Overall Proficiency Level within the range of 1.0–3.5.

43. Appendix D: Testing Condition Adjustments Available to All Students (1 of 2)
Health Management Devices and Hearing Aids have been added to the adjustments to the conditions under which an SOL test may be administered.
The Health Management Device Form must be completed for each student with a documented health need requiring the use of a health management device (such as a continuous glucose monitor or seizure monitor).

44. Appendix D: Testing Condition Adjustments Available to All Students (2 of 2)
The Health Management Device Form must be completed for each student who requires hearing aids* that allow a connection to an Internet-enabled device, such as a smart phone, during the administration of an SOL assessment.
*These directions apply only to students who do not
have an IEP or 504 Plan and require hearing aids.
The Health Management Device Form does not need to be submitted for students with hearing aids that cannot be connected to an Internet-enabled device.

45. English Updates

46. Assessment Timeline
In , all written, taught, and assessed curricula reflect the 2017 English Standards of Learning.
Fall 2019 SOL assessments will measure 2010 English SOL.
Spring 2020 SOL assessments will measure 2017 English SOL.

47. Reading Blueprints
The Reading assessments measuring the 2017 English Standards of Learning will be administered for the first time in the spring 2020 test administration in Grades 3 through 8 and End-of-Course (EOC).
To support preparation for implementation of the 2017 English Standards of Learning, the new Reading test blueprints are available on the VDOE website.
See Superintendent’s Memo # for additional information.

48. Grades 6-8 Reading Tests Fall 2019 Reading Tests
Spring 2020 Reading Tests
2010 SOL assessed
2017 SOL assessed
Online audio tests pre-recorded
Online audio tests text-to-speech
Audio does not play the samples
Audio plays the samples
Use Version 1.0 answer documents
Use Version 2.0 answer documents
Braille forms use English Braille American Edition, EBAE
Braille forms use Unified English Braille, UEB
Paper tests have audio form available
Paper tests do not have audio form available; read-aloud required

49. Grades 6-8 Examiner’s Manual
Section 5.2: Grades 6, 7, and 8 Reading (2010 SOL) test directions for Fall 2019 block schedules
Section 5.3: Grades 6, 7, and 8 Reading (2017 SOL) test directions for Spring 2020 block and year-long schedules

50. EOC Reading Tests EOC Reading 2010 SOL Test EOC Reading 2017 SOL Test
2010 SOL assessed
2017 SOL assessed
Online audio tests pre-recorded
Online audio tests text-to-speech
Audio does not play the samples
Audio plays the samples
Use Version 1.0 answer docs (Fall 2019 only). Beginning Spring 2020 use Version 2.0 answer docs.
Use Version 2.0 answer documents
Braille forms use EBAE
Braille forms use UEB
Paper tests have audio form available
Paper tests do not have audio form available; read-aloud required

51. EOC Reading Examiner’s Manual
Section 5.2: EOC Reading (2010 SOL) test directions
for students on block schedules completing Grade 11 English SOLs during Fall 2019; and
for students who passed 11th grade English prior to Spring 2020 and need to meet graduation/federal testing requirements.
Section 5.3: EOC Reading (2017 SOL) test directions
for students completing Grade 11 English SOLs during Spring 2020 and after, who need to meet graduation/federal testing requirements.

52. Reading Practice Items
Reading practice items were updated to reflect new content.
See Superintendent’s Memo # for additional information.

53. Standard Setting Committees for Reading SOL Tests
Standard setting committees for Grades 3-8 and EOC Reading Standards of Learning tests based on the 2017 English Standards of Learning will be held December 4-6, 2019.
These committees are responsible for recommending cut scores that reflect students’ achievement status.

54. History & Social Science Updates

55. History and Social Science Updates (1 of 2)
In Spring 2020, these three tests will be based on the 2015 History and Social Science Standards of Learning:
Virginia Studies
Civics and Economics
Virginia and U.S. History
Superintendent’s Memo # provided guidance on the implementation of the new History and Social Science tests based on the 2015 History and Social Science Standards of Learning.

56. History and Social Science Updates (2 of 2)
In addition, the other history and social science SOL tests, will continue to be based on the 2008 History and Social Science Standards of Learning.
EOC World History to 1500 (World History I)
EOC World History from 1500 to the Present (World History II)
EOC World Geography tests
EOC VA & US History (for students successfully completing the course prior spring 2020 and retesting for verified credit)

57. History and Social Science Blueprints
To support preparation for implementation of the 2015 History and Social Science Standards of Learning, the new test blueprints are available on the VDOE website.
See Superintendent’s Memo # for additional information.

58. Content Specific History Tests
Fall 2019: Civics & Economics
(fall block schedules only)
Spring 2020: VA Studies,
Civics & Economics
2008 SOL assessed
2015 SOL assessed
Online audio tests pre-recorded
Online audio tests text-to-speech
Audio does not play the samples
Audio plays the samples
Use Version 1.0 answer document
Use Version 2.0 answer documents
Braille forms use EBAE
Braille forms use UEB
Paper tests have audio form available
Paper tests do not have audio form available; read-aloud required

59. CSH Examiner’s Manual
Section 5.2: Civics & Economics (2008 SOL) test directions for Fall 2019 block schedules
Section 5.3: Virginia Studies and Civics & Economics (2015 SOL) test directions for Spring 2020 block and year-long schedules.

60. WH I, WH II, and World Geography Tests
Fall 2019
Spring 2020 and thereafter
2008 SOL assessed
Use Section 5.2 directions
Online audio tests pre-recorded
Audio does not play the samples
Use Version 1.0 answer docs (Fall 2019 only)
Use Version 2.0 answer documents
Braille forms use EBAE
Paper tests have audio available

61. VA and US History Tests VA & US History 2008 SOL Test
2008 SOL assessed
2015 SOL assessed
Online audio tests pre-recorded
Online audio tests text-to-speech
Audio does not play the samples
Audio plays the samples
Use Version 1.0 answer docs (Fall 2019 only). Beginning Spring 2020 use Version 2.0 answer docs.
Use Version 2.0 answer document
Braille forms use EBAE
Braille forms use UEB
Paper tests have audio form available
Paper tests do not have audio form available; read-aloud required

62. EOC History/Social Science Examiner’s Manual
Section 5.2: EOC VA and US History (2008 SOL) test directions
for students on block schedules completing VA and US History Virginia curriculum during Fall 2019; and
for students who passed the VA and US History course prior to Spring 2020 and need the verified credit to meet graduation requirements.
Section 5.3: EOC VA and US History (2015 SOL) test directions
for students completing VA and US History SOLs during Spring 2020 and after, who need the verified credit to meet graduation requirements.

63. History and Social Science Practice Items
History and Social Science practice items were updated to reflect new content.
See Superintendent’s Memo # for additional information.

64. Science Updates

65. Science Updates (1 of 2)
During school divisions will begin to incorporate new standards into local curriculum.
During , both 2010 and 2018 Science Standards of Learning are included in the written and taught curricula.
Spring 2021 SOL assessments will measure 2010 Science SOL and include field test items measuring the 2018 English SOL.
In , all written, taught, and assessed curricula reflect the 2018 Science Standards of Learning.

66. Science Updates (2 of 2)
The 2018 Science Standards of Learning and Curriculum Framework have been adopted.
See Superintendent’s Memo # for more information.

67. Mathematics

68. Analysis of Statewide Results for Spring 2019

69. Analysis of Statewide Results for Spring 2019 Mathematics SOL Tests (1 of 3)
Data have been analyzed to determine specific content that may have challenged students.
Some of this content was introduced in the 2016 mathematics SOL, other content was included in both the 2009 and the 2016 SOL.  

70. Analysis of Statewide Results for Spring 2019 Mathematics SOL Tests (2 of 3)
Presentations that provide examples of SOL content identified by this analysis will soon be posted on the Virginia Department of Education website for the following tests:
Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II

71. Analysis of Statewide Results for Spring 2019 Mathematics SOL Tests (3 of 3)
Each presentation will contain:
Concrete examples of the content for which student performance was inconsistent. 
The examples included are not SOL test items and are not meant to mimic SOL test questions.  
Examples are intended to further clarify the skills and knowledge of the standards and to provide mathematics educators with insight into the concepts that challenged students statewide.
Presentations for Grades 3-8 Mathematics will be posted by December 2019.

72. Desmos Calculators

73. Desmos Virginia Calculators (1 of 3)
Beginning with the Fall 2019 SOL Test Administration, the Desmos Virginia Scientific Calculator and the Desmos Virginia Graphing Calculator have been updated to include some additional features.
No update was made to the Desmos Virginia Four- Function Calculator.

74. Desmos Virginia Calculators (2 of 3)
Desmos Virginia Graphing Calculator now has:
fraction to decimal conversion
statistical features including normal distribution
Desmos Virginia Scientific Calculator now has:
accessibility improvements
For additional information regarding these updates, view the Desmos Virginia Information document.

75. Desmos Virginia Calculators (3 of 3)
Desmos Virginia Calculators are free to use.
Beginning in fall 2019, they will be available from app stores which will allow students to access a specific Desmos Virginia Calculator without having an Internet connection.
More information regarding the Desmos Virginia Calculators app will be forthcoming.

76. Desmos Calculator Information
Desmos and hand-held calculator information has been provided in an information box titled: Guidance for the 2019–2020 School Year Regarding Providing a Hand-Held Calculator and/or Desmos Calculator for Mathematics (2016 SOL) Tests.
This information is in all Non-Writing Test Implementation Manuals and in the Grades 6-8 and EOC Mathematics Examiner’s Manuals.
See Testing Memo 1388 from April 12, 2019 for additional information.

77. Providing Calculators—Online Tests
For online Grades 4-8 and EOC Mathematics (2016 SOL) tests, the Desmos Virginia calculator is provided within TestNav for the sections of the mathematics assessments in which a calculator is permitted.
School Divisions are permitted to continue to provide a hand-held calculator from the list of Approved Calculators for the Virginia Standards of Learning Assessments, in addition to the Desmos calculator provided within TestNav.

78. Providing Calculators—Paper Tests
For paper Grades 4-8 and EOC Mathematics (2016 SOL) tests administered to students with a documented need for a paper test, School Divisions may:
provide a hand-held calculator, from the list of Approved Calculators for the Virginia Standards of Learning Assessments.
and/or
provide access to the Desmos Virginia calculator for the sections of the mathematics assessments in which a calculator is permitted.
See the conditions on the following slide for additional information.

79. Conditions for Providing Desmos for Paper Mathematics (2016 SOL) Tests
Access to the Desmos Virginia calculator must only be provided using the appropriate Desmos Virginia Calculator Training Center Test.
A proctor must observe the test session to verify the student has not exited or closed the Training Center test to access other applications or the Internet.
Upon completion of the test, the proctor must sign a written statement indicating that the test was administered under the above conditions.

80. Desmos Calculators in the Training Center (1 of 2)
Three different Desmos Virginia calculators are available in the PearsonAccessnext Training Center.
Each Training Center test provides students secure access to a specific Desmos Virginia calculator when logged in using a Training Center test ticket.
No other mathematics content is presented in these tests, and students are not able to use other applications while logged into the Training Center.

81. Desmos Calculators in the Training Center (2 of 2)
The three different Training Center Tests are:

82. Guidance for Providing Calculators—SWD
For students with disabilities eligible to use State approved calculators on sections of the online or paper Grades 3–7 Mathematics SOL assessments in which a calculator is not allowed, the IEP/504 Plan must specify whether:
to provide a hand-held calculator, from the list of State-Approved Calculators for the Virginia Standards of Learning Assessments
and/or
to provide access to the Desmos Virginia calculator during their mathematics test.

83. Communication

84. Information to Provide when Calling
Division Name/Number and/or School Name/Number
Is the student actively testing?
Student(s) First and Last Name
State Testing Identifier (STI)
Name of Test
Test Form
Name of Session
Status of Test
Error Message/Error Message Number

85. Additional Information to Provide When Calling Pearson with TestNav Issues
Type of Device (Desktop, Laptop, Tablet)
Log files