RD93 - Annual Report on the Statewide Web-based Standards of Learning Technology Initiative (2004)


Executive Summary:
Virginia's Web-based Standards of learning (SOL) Technology Initiative is beginning its fifth year of implementation. The goal of the initiative is to have school divisions use Web-based systems to improve the SOL instructional, remedial, and resting capabilities of schools beginning with high schools and continuing into middle schools and t hen elementary schools. Four objectives of the initiative are as follows:

1. Provide student access to computers at a ratio of one computer for every five students;
2. Create Internet-ready local area network capability in every school;
3. Assure adequate high-speed, high-bandwidth capability for instructional, remedial, and testing needs; and
4. Establish a statewide Web-based SOL test delivery system.

As detailed in previous annual reports, the Virginia Department of Education (DOE), with assistance from the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA), formerly the Department of Technology Planning (DTP), implemented a formal project management structure at the outset of the initiative to insure successful project completion. The DOE utilizes that structure and continues to guide school divisions toward completing the four objectives.