Standards of Learning

The Standards of Learning (SOL) for Virginia Public Schools describe student learning and achievement expectations in grades K-12 in English, mathematics, science, history/social science, technology, the fine arts, foreign language, health and physical education, and driver education. These standards represent a broad consensus of what parents, classroom teachers, school administrators, academics, and business and community leaders believe schools should teach and students should learn.

Annual assessments – including SOL tests, the Virginia Alternative Assessment Program (VAAP), Virginia Grade Level Alternative (VGLA) and Virginia Substitute Evaluation Program (VSEP) – provide information on individual student achievement including those with special needs.

Test results also provide critical data for schools, school divisions and the Virginia Department of Education to develop and implement effective instructional strategies, and information to determine school accreditation and federal accountability.