RD172 - Annual Report on the Implementation of the Educational Technology Initiative


Executive Summary:
The 2007-08 school year marks the eighth year of implementation for Virginia’s Web-Based Standards of Learning (SOL) Technology Initiative. Its goal is to use Web-based systems to improve SOL instructional, remedial, and testing capabilities in high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools. The initiative has four objectives:

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

As detailed in previous annual reports, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), with assistance from the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA), implemented a formal project management structure at the outset to ensure successful project completion. The VDOE still employs that structure while guiding school divisions toward completion of the four objectives.

The Web-Based SOL Technology Initiative continues to be well received by Virginia’s school divisions due to the technical and financial resources provided and the benefits gained by administering SOL tests in an online environment. Through the successful implementation of the initiative, Virginia is recognized as a national leader in the area of online high stakes test administration.