Virginia Social Studies Standards of Learning: A New Chapter for Education

The Virginia Department of Education has officially adopted the 2023 History and Social Science Standards of Learning (SOL), marking a significant shift in the state's approach to social studies education. Replacing the 2015 version, these updated standards aim to provide a more comprehensive, inclusive, and relevant learning experience for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The new standards reflect years of feedback from educators, community members, historians, and education experts. These changes are more than a refresh-they represent a bold, student-centered rethinking of what it means to teach history and social science in Virginia.

A Focus on Excellence, Rigor, and Civic Readiness

At the heart of the 2023 standards is a commitment to excellence, rigor, and civic readiness. This commitment is reflected in several key changes, including a greater emphasis on inquiry skills, a more inclusive curriculum, and a focus on connecting learning to real-world outcomes. According to supporters, these standards build upon previous iterations, refining and improving the framework for social studies education in Virginia.

Development and Political Context

The development of the new standards was not without its challenges. Under Gov. Ralph Northam’s administration, the Department of Education began its review in October 2020. Following a tense meeting this November, the Board of Education again delayed its review and asked the Department of Education to draft a third version. During the past six months, critics condemned what they described as a lack of transparency regarding who authored the changes. The process involved multiple drafts and revisions, reflecting a range of perspectives and priorities. Board member Andy Rotherham, an appointee of Gov. Glenn Youngkin, acknowledged the difficult path, stating, “The hard part actually starts now”. The political context surrounding the standards was also evident in discussions about terminology. President Daniel Gecker, an appointee of Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe, said the phrase “restoring excellence” suggests to Virginia’s teachers and department employees that they are not currently excellent.

Some board members defended the use of the term "restoring excellence." Board member Anne Holton, an appointee of Gov. McDonnell, noted the time and effort spent on the 2015 standards, suggesting that the new standards should build upon that foundation. Creasey said, “I really don’t think that the use of the word ‘restoring’ as it refers to excellence is derogatory, which I think perhaps people are interpreting it as being derogatory”. Hansen echoed this sentiment, stating, “I do think there’s some restoration of a lot of what we’re trying to accomplish here with the standards, so I don’t know why this is a ‘third rail’ type of word for people”.

Nancy Lucy, a member of Rally Virginia, a conservative group of women, voiced her support for the standards, stating, “Rally Virginia endorses the standards. Growing up in Colonial Williamsburg, I supported historical fundamentals. I support patriotism, and I support Gov”.

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Key Features of the 2023 Standards

The 2023 Virginia Social Studies Standards of Learning incorporate several key features designed to enhance student learning and engagement.

Integration of Skills

Every grade level begins with a clearly defined “Skills” section. These are no longer standalone expectations-they’re embedded into daily instruction. A significant change is the integration of skills into daily instruction, rather than treating them as separate components. This approach aims to ensure that students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills within the context of specific historical and social science content.

Inclusive and Relevant Content

The standards bring in more inclusive and relevant content. The new standards strive to present a more inclusive and representative view of history and social science. This includes incorporating the stories and contributions of diverse groups, such as women, minorities, and marginalized communities. By broadening the scope of the curriculum, the standards aim to help students develop a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the world around them. Changemakers like Barbara Johns and L.

Streamlined Sub-Standards

Scattered and redundant sub-standards have been streamlined. The update streamlines scattered and redundant sub-standards, leading to a more focused and coherent curriculum. This allows teachers to prioritize key concepts and skills, and to avoid overwhelming students with unnecessary details.

The 3E Readiness Framework

Every instructional guide integrates the 3E Readiness Framework-connecting learning to real-world outcomes in Enrollment (college), Enlistment (military), or Employment. The 3E Readiness Framework is integrated into every instructional guide, connecting learning to real-world outcomes in Enrollment (college), Enlistment (military), or Employment. This framework is designed to help students see the relevance of their studies to their future aspirations.

Specific Content Updates

The newest version includes changes from a November draft that will require sixth graders to describe the major features of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. Juniors will be required to evaluate and explain the Progressive Movement and how the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 caused harm to immigrants. The updated standards also address the lack of labor history content, ensuring that students learn about the contributions and struggles of workers throughout history.

Alignment and Implementation

At Progress Learning, they’ve already begun aligning their 3-12 content to Virginia’s 2023 standards. The Virginia Department of Education is expected to provide resources and support to help teachers implement the new standards effectively. This may include professional development opportunities, curriculum guides, and assessment tools.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

The implementation of the 2023 Virginia Social Studies Standards of Learning is likely to have a wide-ranging impact on students, teachers, and the broader educational community. By providing a more comprehensive, inclusive, and relevant curriculum, the standards have the potential to enhance student engagement, improve critical thinking skills, and promote civic readiness.

However, successful implementation will require careful planning, ongoing support for teachers, and a commitment to addressing any challenges that may arise. It will also be important to monitor the impact of the standards on student outcomes and to make adjustments as needed.

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