1. 2014 English SOL Institutes Q & A October 2014

2. HB 930 2014 General Assembly legislation amended § 22.1-253.13:3.C of the Code of Virginia to eliminate five Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, which included Grade 5 Writing.§ 22.1-253.13:3.C Local Alternative Assessment Guidelines were approved at the Board Meeting on September 18, 2014. The Board will review the guidelines after the 2014-2015 school year and will likely revise them based on the experiences of the first year of implementation. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/boe/meetings/2014/ 09_sep/agenda.shtmlhttp://www.doe.virginia.gov/boe/meetings/2014/ 09_sep/agenda.shtml 2014 General Assembly legislation amended § 22.1-253.13:3.C of the Code of Virginia to eliminate five Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, which included Grade 5 Writing.§ 22.1-253.13:3.C Local Alternative Assessment Guidelines were approved at the Board Meeting on September 18, 2014. The Board will review the guidelines after the 2014-2015 school year and will likely revise them based on the experiences of the first year of implementation. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/boe/meetings/2014/ 09_sep/agenda.shtmlhttp://www.doe.virginia.gov/boe/meetings/2014/ 09_sep/agenda.shtml

3. October 2014 Board Approved Guidelines for Local Test Guidelines BOE recommends school divisions assess a sampling of SOL content for each subject and grade level for 2014- 2015. Comprehensive coverage may be required in subsequent years. Guidelines encourage divisions to document costs associated with local assessment creation and administration – including costs related to professional development. Scores from local assessments will not be reported to VDOE. VDOE staff will make site visits or desk reviews to determine how divisions are verifying that required SOL content is still being taught and types of alternative assessments being administered. BOE recommends school divisions assess a sampling of SOL content for each subject and grade level for 2014- 2015. Comprehensive coverage may be required in subsequent years. Guidelines encourage divisions to document costs associated with local assessment creation and administration – including costs related to professional development. Scores from local assessments will not be reported to VDOE. VDOE staff will make site visits or desk reviews to determine how divisions are verifying that required SOL content is still being taught and types of alternative assessments being administered.

4. October 2014 VATE Recommendations Virginia Association of Teachers of English (VATE) recommendations:Virginia Association of Teachers of English (VATE) recommendations: Minimum of two summative assessments included in the student writing portfolio: On-Demand Writing Sample A timed response to a given prompt that is completed in one session without collaboration or feedback Cross-Curricular Research Product A culminating product that is the result of the writing process, which includes planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing Virginia Association of Teachers of English (VATE) recommendations:Virginia Association of Teachers of English (VATE) recommendations: Minimum of two summative assessments included in the student writing portfolio: On-Demand Writing Sample A timed response to a given prompt that is completed in one session without collaboration or feedback Cross-Curricular Research Product A culminating product that is the result of the writing process, which includes planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing

5. State Accreditation 2014-20152014-2015 2013-2014

6. October 2014 State Accreditation 2014-2015 Reading

7. October 2014 State Accreditation 2014-2015 Writing

8. October 2014 SOL Reading Pass Rates 2013-2014 74% of students passed their grade level reading test 48 school divisions improved their overall reading scores 20 school divisions remained the same in reading EOC Reading had the highest pass rate 81 school divisions improved on EOC Reading 121 School divisions achieved pass rates of 80% or higher on EOC Reading All school divisions had pass rates of 70% or higher on EOC reading 74% of students passed their grade level reading test 48 school divisions improved their overall reading scores 20 school divisions remained the same in reading EOC Reading had the highest pass rate 81 school divisions improved on EOC Reading 121 School divisions achieved pass rates of 80% or higher on EOC Reading All school divisions had pass rates of 70% or higher on EOC reading

9. October 2014 SOL Reading Scores 2013-2014

10. October 2014 SOL Reading Scores 2013-2014

11. Using Statewide SOL Test Results to Guide Instruction Using Statewide SOL Test Results to Guide Instruction Assessment Reading PowerPoint Presentations

12. October 2014 EIRI Regional Workshops K-3 Classroom Teachers Reading Specialists DateRegionLocation Nov. 13, 2014 VII Cantrell Banquet Hall, UVA Wise, VA Nov. 19, 2014 VI/VIII Higher Education Center Roanoke, VA Feb. 19, 2015 IV/V Zehmer Hall, UVA Charlottesville, VA Mar. 18, 2015 I/II/III Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA Interested teachers should contact their PALS Division Representative as they are handling registration. Making the Most of PALS Reports and Resources Early Reading Instructional Strategies and Resources: Library of Virginia & VDOE

13. October 2014 SOL Writing Pass Rates 2013-2014 75% of students passed their respective writing test 43 School divisions improved their scores in writing 13 School divisions remained the same in writing 37 School divisions improved on EOC Writing 87 School divisions had a pass rates of 80% or higher on EOC Writing 124 School divisions had pass rates of 70% or higher on EOC Writing 75% of students passed their respective writing test 43 School divisions improved their scores in writing 13 School divisions remained the same in writing 37 School divisions improved on EOC Writing 87 School divisions had a pass rates of 80% or higher on EOC Writing 124 School divisions had pass rates of 70% or higher on EOC Writing

14. October 2014 SOL Writing Scores 2013-2014

15. October 2014 SOL Writing Scores 2013-2014

16. Understand Scoring

17. Writing Prompts 11 new EOC prompts this year

18. Use of Automated Scoring for the SOL Writing Tests Currently two human readers score the SOL short papers Feasibility studies conducted summer 2013 Studies successful; scoring engine trained on all current SOL prompts Fall 2014 “automated scoring” to be used as the second reader for grade 8 writing and EOC writing. Should reduce turnaround time for delivery of scores

19. SOL Reading and Writing tests will be released in spring 2015. Please note the released EOC Reading will not have paired passages. Assessment News

20. Paired Passages tested in 6, 7, 8, & EOC

21. October 2014 Technology-Enhanced Items (TEI) Currently all grades (3- EOC) include TEI that do not specify number of correct answers.

22. Stand-Alone Directions READ EVERYTHING ON THE PAGE End-of-CourseGrade 3

23. Assessment Multiple Answers

24. AssessmentAssessment Not / Except Sentence Corrections

25. October 2014 Q & A READING Is there a list of affixes and root words for which SOL questions will be drawn? NO Check readwritethink.org for most common words. Are the reading SOL tests two to three grade levels above, and if so why? A variety of reading levels appear on the assessments. The reading passages will reflect the increased rigor of the tests. A variety of readability formulas are run on each passage. Teacher Content Review Committees review all reading passages for grade-level appropriateness. For additional information contact: student_assessment@doe.virginia.gov student_assessment@doe.virginia.gov Is there a list of affixes and root words for which SOL questions will be drawn? NO Check readwritethink.org for most common words. Are the reading SOL tests two to three grade levels above, and if so why? A variety of reading levels appear on the assessments. The reading passages will reflect the increased rigor of the tests. A variety of readability formulas are run on each passage. Teacher Content Review Committees review all reading passages for grade-level appropriateness. For additional information contact: student_assessment@doe.virginia.gov student_assessment@doe.virginia.gov

26. October 2014 Q & A READING When will paired passages be tested? 6-8 and EOC, however, there will be none on the released tests. Why is there no partial credit given on SOL tests? TestNav is not set up for partial credit at this time. How was the length of the SOL test determined? How many passages on each test? There is not a pre-determined # of passages per test. Tests are made according to the blueprints. The number of passages varies per grade level and test. We have started using more and shorter passages. When will paired passages be tested? 6-8 and EOC, however, there will be none on the released tests. Why is there no partial credit given on SOL tests? TestNav is not set up for partial credit at this time. How was the length of the SOL test determined? How many passages on each test? There is not a pre-determined # of passages per test. Tests are made according to the blueprints. The number of passages varies per grade level and test. We have started using more and shorter passages.

27. October 2014 Q & A READING Why can’t the Reading SOL be taken over 2 days for 4 th and 5 th graders? The Assessment Office is reviewing this option. See Contact Information on the last slide. Why is visualizing never mentioned in the SOL when we know that it is a key reading strategy that skilled readers use? Visualization is listed in grades 4 & 7. The CF states, “Students are expected to continue to apply knowledge, skills, and processes from Standards of Learning presented in previous grades as they build expertise in English. “ Why can’t the Reading SOL be taken over 2 days for 4 th and 5 th graders? The Assessment Office is reviewing this option. See Contact Information on the last slide. Why is visualizing never mentioned in the SOL when we know that it is a key reading strategy that skilled readers use? Visualization is listed in grades 4 & 7. The CF states, “Students are expected to continue to apply knowledge, skills, and processes from Standards of Learning presented in previous grades as they build expertise in English. “

28. October 2014 Q & A READING To what extent is poetry part of SOL testing? Poetry is tested on EVERY SOL Reading Test. How can we “show student growth in reading”? Many measures are available including PALS, and other reading measures. The Office of Teacher Licensure will be posting examples of SMART goals with data sets. The Lesson Plans and question stems on the VDOE Web site are fantastic. What are your plans to increase them? New PPTs from this year’s testing are currently be written; they will be posted this semester. For Reading Only. To what extent is poetry part of SOL testing? Poetry is tested on EVERY SOL Reading Test. How can we “show student growth in reading”? Many measures are available including PALS, and other reading measures. The Office of Teacher Licensure will be posting examples of SMART goals with data sets. The Lesson Plans and question stems on the VDOE Web site are fantastic. What are your plans to increase them? New PPTs from this year’s testing are currently be written; they will be posted this semester. For Reading Only.

29. October 2014 Q & A READING The Lexile® and Quantile® Measures that have been provided by MetaMetrics and published on SOL score reports will be discontinued beginning in fall 2014. These measures will no longer appear on the SOL student score reports for the grades 3 through 8 reading and mathematics tests. The elimination of Lexile® and Quantile® Measures is for cost savings and will have no impact on the SOL test results reported for students. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintenden ts_memos/2014/282-14.shtmlhttp://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintenden ts_memos/2014/282-14.shtml The Lexile® and Quantile® Measures that have been provided by MetaMetrics and published on SOL score reports will be discontinued beginning in fall 2014. These measures will no longer appear on the SOL student score reports for the grades 3 through 8 reading and mathematics tests. The elimination of Lexile® and Quantile® Measures is for cost savings and will have no impact on the SOL test results reported for students. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintenden ts_memos/2014/282-14.shtmlhttp://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintenden ts_memos/2014/282-14.shtml

30. October 2014 Q & A READING When will the CAT be given in reading? As stated in Superintendent’s Memo No. 189-14, the Department’s initial plans were to implement CAT for grades 6, 7, and 8 mathematics in fall 2014 and grades 3, 4, and 5 mathematics in spring 2015. Due to funding constraints, however, only grade 6 mathematics will be administered in a CAT format beginning in fall 2014. Additional tests will be converted to the CAT format as funding becomes available.Superintendent’s Memo No. 189-14 http://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintenden ts_memos/2014/282-14.shtmlhttp://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintenden ts_memos/2014/282-14.shtml When will the CAT be given in reading? As stated in Superintendent’s Memo No. 189-14, the Department’s initial plans were to implement CAT for grades 6, 7, and 8 mathematics in fall 2014 and grades 3, 4, and 5 mathematics in spring 2015. Due to funding constraints, however, only grade 6 mathematics will be administered in a CAT format beginning in fall 2014. Additional tests will be converted to the CAT format as funding becomes available.Superintendent’s Memo No. 189-14 http://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintenden ts_memos/2014/282-14.shtmlhttp://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintenden ts_memos/2014/282-14.shtml

31. October 2014 Q & A WRITING Is it true the SOL writing tests are scored in 15 seconds? No When SOL Prompts ask for a specific format (letter, directly address principal, etc.) should the formatting reflect this? Prompts MUST BE multiparagraphed. Student won’t be scored down if not in letter format, but it is a good idea to write as the prompt asks. Different types of writing on SOL per grade level test?Different types of writing on SOL per grade level test? Grade 8 expository or persuasive EOC is persuasive Is it true the SOL writing tests are scored in 15 seconds? No When SOL Prompts ask for a specific format (letter, directly address principal, etc.) should the formatting reflect this? Prompts MUST BE multiparagraphed. Student won’t be scored down if not in letter format, but it is a good idea to write as the prompt asks. Different types of writing on SOL per grade level test?Different types of writing on SOL per grade level test? Grade 8 expository or persuasive EOC is persuasive

32. October 2014 Q & A WRITING If prompts were used last year, will they be repeated? Yes When will SOL test be released? Spring 2015 Is there a reason that all EOC writing prompts cannot be topics that are more relatable to teens more directly? Prompts are chosen by teachers who serve on assessment committees. Once field tested, all writing results are reviewed by the assessment content committees for approval for use in live testing. If prompts were used last year, will they be repeated? Yes When will SOL test be released? Spring 2015 Is there a reason that all EOC writing prompts cannot be topics that are more relatable to teens more directly? Prompts are chosen by teachers who serve on assessment committees. Once field tested, all writing results are reviewed by the assessment content committees for approval for use in live testing.

33. October 2014 Q & A WRITING You mention that student choice is important, does that align with VDOE future plans to allow students choice in selecting prompts? All the Prompts must be field tested prior to live testing. Papers are then reviewed for how students responded and any probable bias. Research shows that students are actually more confused by choosing prompts. Is there a practice testing program or resource that is aligned to the SOL Writing test? We are unable to recommend resources as it could be seen as a state endorsement. You mention that student choice is important, does that align with VDOE future plans to allow students choice in selecting prompts? All the Prompts must be field tested prior to live testing. Papers are then reviewed for how students responded and any probable bias. Research shows that students are actually more confused by choosing prompts. Is there a practice testing program or resource that is aligned to the SOL Writing test? We are unable to recommend resources as it could be seen as a state endorsement.

34. October 2014 Q & A WRITING ?Will students be penalized for writing a 5 paragraph paper? No, however forcing a student into a specific # of paragraphs produces formulaic writing. THERE IS NOT A REQUIRED # OF PARAGRAPHS ON THE TEST. “The Daily Theme Eye” Atlantic Monthly in 1907 expounded on 5 paragraph paper as the “correct way to write a theme.” Forcing students into ANY formula takes away creativity and individuality. Most writing shows lack of thought and forced conclusions; this is especially true for 5x5. ?Will students be penalized for writing a 5 paragraph paper? No, however forcing a student into a specific # of paragraphs produces formulaic writing. THERE IS NOT A REQUIRED # OF PARAGRAPHS ON THE TEST. “The Daily Theme Eye” Atlantic Monthly in 1907 expounded on 5 paragraph paper as the “correct way to write a theme.” Forcing students into ANY formula takes away creativity and individuality. Most writing shows lack of thought and forced conclusions; this is especially true for 5x5.

35. October 2014 Q & A WRITING How do you teach students to add a counterclaim in persuasive papers?   Readwritethink.org Teach students the parts of an argument: Readwritethink.org   The claim (that typically answers the question: “What do I think?”)   The reasons (that typically answer the question: “Why do I think this?”)   The evidence (that typically answers the question: “How do I know this is the case?”)   The Counterclaim (what is my argument against the opposing point of view?)   Use Mentor Texts- Model How do you teach students to add a counterclaim in persuasive papers?   Readwritethink.org Teach students the parts of an argument: Readwritethink.org   The claim (that typically answers the question: “What do I think?”)   The reasons (that typically answer the question: “Why do I think this?”)   The evidence (that typically answers the question: “How do I know this is the case?”)   The Counterclaim (what is my argument against the opposing point of view?)   Use Mentor Texts- Model

36. October 2014 Q & A WRITING What is the WorkKeys Writing assessment? WorkKeys Business Writing is a substitute test for the EOC SOL Writing test. The current list of substitute tests approved by the Board of Education may be found at http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/substitute_t ests/index.shtml. At the time that these tests were approved as substitute tests, they were judged to measure content that incorporated or exceeded the Standards of Learning (SOL) in effect. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/substitute_t ests/index.shtml What is the WorkKeys Writing assessment? WorkKeys Business Writing is a substitute test for the EOC SOL Writing test. The current list of substitute tests approved by the Board of Education may be found at http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/substitute_t ests/index.shtml. At the time that these tests were approved as substitute tests, they were judged to measure content that incorporated or exceeded the Standards of Learning (SOL) in effect. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/substitute_t ests/index.shtml

37. October 2014 Q & A WRITING How is overall writing calculated? MC v. short paper 8 th = 24 points MC/TEI 24 points Short Paper EOC= 30 points MC/TEI 24 points Short Paper

38. October 2014 Q & A General When will the English Standards be updated next? By the Code of VA, Standards are reviewed and revised every 7 years. The next revision will take place in 2016 with drafts, public hearings, and public comment. There is a role for teachers on the committees to assist with the revision process. New English Standards of Learning should be approved by the BOE in January 2017. Curriculum Framework follows and will be written in 2017. When will the English Standards be updated next? By the Code of VA, Standards are reviewed and revised every 7 years. The next revision will take place in 2016 with drafts, public hearings, and public comment. There is a role for teachers on the committees to assist with the revision process. New English Standards of Learning should be approved by the BOE in January 2017. Curriculum Framework follows and will be written in 2017.

39. October 2014 Q & A General When will MORE reading and math resources be added to the VDOE Website to help teachers prepare students for the test? We cannot speak for math, but the following resources are coming this year: English SOL Institutes presentations – 6 Institutes Text-dependent Questions with paired passages- secondary resources featuring Poe Assessment PPTs (2013-2014) Using Statewide SOL Test Results to Guide Instruction RELEASED SOL TESTS IN SPRING 2015 When will MORE reading and math resources be added to the VDOE Website to help teachers prepare students for the test? We cannot speak for math, but the following resources are coming this year: English SOL Institutes presentations – 6 Institutes Text-dependent Questions with paired passages- secondary resources featuring Poe Assessment PPTs (2013-2014) Using Statewide SOL Test Results to Guide Instruction RELEASED SOL TESTS IN SPRING 2015

40. October 2014 Q & A General What are some resources for teaching media literacy? Frank Baker’s Media Literacy Clearing House Center for Media Literacy NCTE Readwritethink.org Incorporate media literacy into regular classroom instruction- not as a separate “unit” What are some resources for teaching media literacy? Frank Baker’s Media Literacy Clearing House Center for Media Literacy NCTE Readwritethink.org Incorporate media literacy into regular classroom instruction- not as a separate “unit”

41. October 2014 Q & A General Will VDOE consider sending booklets of readings for reading SOL, so that students are able to mark in the books? (the MC questions would still appear online) Online testing required by the Appropriations Act in the General Assembly. Printing reading passages would be an extra cost $$$$ Student_Assessment@doe.virginia.gov Will VDOE consider sending booklets of readings for reading SOL, so that students are able to mark in the books? (the MC questions would still appear online) Online testing required by the Appropriations Act in the General Assembly. Printing reading passages would be an extra cost $$$$ Student_Assessment@doe.virginia.gov

42. October 2014 Q & A General SOL Tests contain TEI questions. When will VDOE release technology software so that teachers can create their own questions for student practice? (When will VDOE make TEI Practice accessible to schools?) Some possibilities to create TEI include: Eduwidgets-Eduwidgets- drag and drop, hot spots, fill-in- the-blank, text boxesEduwidgets iPad app- Move and Match ( see next slides)iPad app- Move and Match ( see next slides) SOL Tests contain TEI questions. When will VDOE release technology software so that teachers can create their own questions for student practice? (When will VDOE make TEI Practice accessible to schools?) Some possibilities to create TEI include: Eduwidgets-Eduwidgets- drag and drop, hot spots, fill-in- the-blank, text boxesEduwidgets iPad app- Move and Match ( see next slides)iPad app- Move and Match ( see next slides)

43. Move and Match iPad App Choose Make to create and share projectsChoose Make to create and share projects Choose Use for students to interact with an existing project without changing that projectChoose Use for students to interact with an existing project without changing that project Send a working Move and Match project to other iPads with Move and MatchSend a working Move and Match project to other iPads with Move and Match Send an image of a project by email – JPG or PNG or PDFSend an image of a project by email – JPG or PNG or PDF Save your projects by emailing them or store them in the AppSave your projects by emailing them or store them in the App Store your projects in your Dropbox or Google DriveStore your projects in your Dropbox or Google Drive Choose background pictures for gap fill activitiesChoose background pictures for gap fill activities No advertisementsNo advertisements

44. Creating TEI Microsoft Word MS Word Created Item Released Practice Item

45. October 2014 Assessment Updates Assessment Content Committee applications now open. Deadline to apply February 13, 2015Assessment Content Committee Updated Process and Nomination Form for Additional Substitute Tests for Verified Credit for Standards of Learning (SOL) TestsUpdated Process and Nomination Form for Additional Substitute Tests for Verified Credit for Standards of Learning (SOL) Tests Previously, the fall and spring SOL writing test administrations have been managed as two separate test administrations in the assessment management system. Beginning in 2014-2015, the fall and spring writing tests will instead be managed as one test administration. School and division staff will experience differences when managing the combined test administration; however, the changes will be transparent to students and will have no impact on SOL writing test dates. Individual student score reports will be available to schools within the Web-based assessment management system after the fall writing test is administered. School divisions may print reports from this system if they choose. In addition, school divisions will have the option to receive no-cost, printed copies of fall and spring writing score reports after the spring writing tests have been reported. Assessment Content Committee applications now open. Deadline to apply February 13, 2015Assessment Content Committee Updated Process and Nomination Form for Additional Substitute Tests for Verified Credit for Standards of Learning (SOL) TestsUpdated Process and Nomination Form for Additional Substitute Tests for Verified Credit for Standards of Learning (SOL) Tests Previously, the fall and spring SOL writing test administrations have been managed as two separate test administrations in the assessment management system. Beginning in 2014-2015, the fall and spring writing tests will instead be managed as one test administration. School and division staff will experience differences when managing the combined test administration; however, the changes will be transparent to students and will have no impact on SOL writing test dates. Individual student score reports will be available to schools within the Web-based assessment management system after the fall writing test is administered. School divisions may print reports from this system if they choose. In addition, school divisions will have the option to receive no-cost, printed copies of fall and spring writing score reports after the spring writing tests have been reported.

46. October 2014 Assessment Updates Assessment Content Committee applications now open. Deadline to apply February 13, 2015Assessment Content Committee Updated Process and Nomination Form for Additional Substitute Tests for Verified Credit for Standards of Learning (SOL) TestsUpdated Process and Nomination Form for Additional Substitute Tests for Verified Credit for Standards of Learning (SOL) Tests SOL tests to be released in spring 2015: Grade 3 ReadingGrade 3 Reading Grade 4 ReadingGrade 4 Reading Grade 5 ReadingGrade 5 Reading Grade 6 ReadingGrade 6 Reading Grade 7 ReadingGrade 7 Reading Grade 8 Reading (Item Set)Grade 8 Reading (Item Set) End-of-Course ReadingEnd-of-Course Reading Grade 8 Writing (Item Set)Grade 8 Writing (Item Set) End-of-Course WritingEnd-of-Course Writing Assessment Content Committee applications now open. Deadline to apply February 13, 2015Assessment Content Committee Updated Process and Nomination Form for Additional Substitute Tests for Verified Credit for Standards of Learning (SOL) TestsUpdated Process and Nomination Form for Additional Substitute Tests for Verified Credit for Standards of Learning (SOL) Tests SOL tests to be released in spring 2015: Grade 3 ReadingGrade 3 Reading Grade 4 ReadingGrade 4 Reading Grade 5 ReadingGrade 5 Reading Grade 6 ReadingGrade 6 Reading Grade 7 ReadingGrade 7 Reading Grade 8 Reading (Item Set)Grade 8 Reading (Item Set) End-of-Course ReadingEnd-of-Course Reading Grade 8 Writing (Item Set)Grade 8 Writing (Item Set) End-of-Course WritingEnd-of-Course Writing

47. October 2014 Assessment Updates In previous test administrations, term graduates who completed their SOL writing test but did not pass the test would automatically have their short paper component rescored if a higher short paper score could result in an overall passing test score. Beginning in fall 2014, the automatic rescore of eligible term graduate tests is discontinued. Rather, school divisions will apply the same procedure used with all other non-term graduate SOL writing tests to determine whether requesting a rescore for a student’s writing test is appropriate. It is important to note that automatic rescores for eligible term graduates were implemented when the writing test was administered only in a paper/pencil format. With the improved turnaround time for term graduate writing results and the need to reduce program costs, the term graduate rescore will no longer occur automatically. The same policy will be implemented for Virginia Substitute Evaluation Program (VSEP) assessments submitted for term graduate students. In previous test administrations, term graduates who completed their SOL writing test but did not pass the test would automatically have their short paper component rescored if a higher short paper score could result in an overall passing test score. Beginning in fall 2014, the automatic rescore of eligible term graduate tests is discontinued. Rather, school divisions will apply the same procedure used with all other non-term graduate SOL writing tests to determine whether requesting a rescore for a student’s writing test is appropriate. It is important to note that automatic rescores for eligible term graduates were implemented when the writing test was administered only in a paper/pencil format. With the improved turnaround time for term graduate writing results and the need to reduce program costs, the term graduate rescore will no longer occur automatically. The same policy will be implemented for Virginia Substitute Evaluation Program (VSEP) assessments submitted for term graduate students.

48. October 2014 Teacher Direct Teacher Direct Teacher Direct Teacher Direct

49. October 2014DisclaimerDisclaimer Reference within this presentation to any specific commercial or non- commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer or otherwise does not constitute or imply an endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the Virginia Department of Education.Reference within this presentation to any specific commercial or non- commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer or otherwise does not constitute or imply an endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the Virginia Department of Education.

50. Contact Information Virginia Department of Education Tracy Fair Robertson English Coordinator Tracy.Robertson@doe.virginia.gov 804-371-7585 Thomas Santangelo Elementary English/Reading Specialist Thomas.Santangelo@doe.virginia.gov 804-225-3203 Assessment Office Student_assessment@doe.virginia.gov 804-225-2102