VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Virginia Beach School Board met the evening of January 5th. COVID-19 issues were at the forefront, and there was discussion of a phased return of students.
The Virginia Beach City Public Schools system has announced that it will hold its Standards of Learning (SOL) testing in the classrooms starting as soon as Wednesday, January 6.
The district sent an e-mail to parents on January 4, reminding them of the testing and letting them know how to arrange bus transportation for their child.
The SOL testing will be for students in middle and high school. Parents can choose to have their children opt out; however, circumstances are different with high school students taking a course for credit. Parents are encouraged to check with their individual schools with any concerns.
A school representative told News 3 that during the board meeting on the evening of January 5, there would be a presentation given regarding how SOLs will be administered in person.
Parent Richie Bohr is confused and said he does not want his daughter, who is in high school, to take the test until there is face-to-face learning.
“They want us to come in and take a test in the same environment they won’t let us learn in? To me, that’s weird,” said Bohr. “I say she can take the test in person when she learns in school.”
A survey regarding SOL tests was e-mailed to parents shortly before winter break. It stated: "Students in grades 6-12 will be offered an opportunity to participate in January standards of learning (SOL) tests associated with classes in which they are currently enrolled."
It also requested that parents respond to the questionnaire by December 20 and stated that if a parent didn’t receive the survey, to contact their child’s school.
At the January 5 meeting, there was discussion of bringing students back in phases: Option 1 elementary students returning January 19 and Option 1 students in grade 7 and above on February 8.
The school board will meet again next Tuesday, January 12.
