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Colonial Heights board approves local alternative assessment option for World History I
Summary
The Colonial Heights School Board approved a locally administered, performance‑based alternative to the statewide SOL test for World History I aimed at helping students who repeatedly struggle with the SOL graduation requirement.
The Colonial Heights School Board on May 27 approved a locally administered, performance‑based alternative assessment for World History I that will let students earn the required verified credit through writing tasks instead of only the Standards of Learning (SOL) multiple‑choice test.
The measure, recommended by high school staff and explained to the board by school administrators, replaces the single‑test pathway for World History I with a yearlong, performance‑based sequence of three written tasks graded by a panel of teachers using a state rubric. The board voted to approve the local alternative assessment during the board's May 27 meeting.
School staff and administrators said the change is intended for students who “struggle year after year” with the SOL exam, including students with disabilities and English learners. Under the plan, students will complete three essays tied to historical texts during the course. Teacher panels will evaluate student work against state rubrics; students may retake individual tasks. Students who are unsuccessful on the local performance tasks will still have the option to attempt an SOL administration in a later course (for example, U.S. History) to meet the verified credit requirement.
Board members asked whether the state would continue to support the performance‑based pathway. School leaders said the state established a process in February 2021 to permit locally verified credits in history and social science and that state guidance and recent practice in other divisions indicate the model is being encouraged. The presenters said the performance model aligns with current state emphasis on written analysis to demonstrate content knowledge.
Superintendent and high school staff said teachers and administrators will draft the local plan over the summer, select the specific tasks and rubrics, and train scoring panels before implementation next school year. The board approved the proposal by roll call vote.
