VACo spoke in support of SB 1138 (Favola) that would allow local school boards that have applied to be designated as a School Division of Innovation to apply to replace certain standardized tests (SOLs) with performance based assessments. VACo’s legislative position supports changes to educational programs and standards that rely less on standardized testing and more on critical thinking skills such as performance-based assessment. Having greater flexibility to administer performance-based assessments that allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency while creating a tangible product is an important part of the Virginia Department of Education’s Profile of Virginia Graduate.
The bill failed to report in the Senate Education and Health Committee’s Public Education Subcommittee on a narrow 3-2 vote.
VACo Contact: Jeremy Bennett