Bill > SB855

This bill aims to reform the Standards of Learning (SOL) assessment methods in Virginia's public schools, making significant changes to how students are tested and evaluated. The bill introduces a through-year growth assessment system for reading and mathematics in grades three through eight, which will include beginning-of-year, mid-year, and end-of-year assessments. It requires all assessments, including Standards of Learning and local alternative assessments, to be scored on a 100-point scale and mandates that the Board of Education develop new guidelines for local alternative assessments. The bill distinguishes between mandatory local alternative assessments (required when no SOL assessment is available) and permissive local alternative assessments (optional assessments in lieu of certain SOL tests). It also aims to maximize instructional time by limiting assessment frequency, requires more comprehensive assessment items that test critical thinking and application of knowledge, and mandates that assessment scores account for at least 10% of a student's final course grade. Additionally, the bill requires the Board of Education to provide individualized student score reports within 45 days of assessment windows closing and to make assessment results publicly available. The implementation of these comprehensive assessment reforms is planned to be fully in place by the 2030-2031 school year, with the Department of Education developing a detailed implementation plan and conducting pilot programs to ensure effectiveness.

Budget and Finance, Education, Health and Social Services

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB855