Instruction in Westmoreland County and other public schools in Virginia is guided by the Standards of Learning. The standards describe the commonwealth's expectations for student learning and achievement in grades K-12 in English, mathematics, science, history/social science, technology, the fine arts, foreign language, health and physical education and driver education. 

Westmoreland County and its public schools also provide specialized instruction and programs for gifted students, students with disabilities, and English language learners.

Virginia supports teaching and learning through statewide system of support and accountability for the commonwealth’s public schools and school divisions.

The commonwealth sets rigorous academic standards, known as the Standards of Learning (SOL), and measures achievement through annual SOL tests and alternative and alternate assessments. The system provides schools, school divisions and the Virginia Department of Education with critical data to inform the development and implementation of effective instructional strategies and best practices.

To respond to the critical need to raise students' achievement levels, Virginia initiated a sweeping reform of its K-12 grade education system. 

One major element of this reform promoting high academic standards is known as "The Standards of Learning," or "SOLs." The first administration of the tests took place in the Spring of 1998. 

For a clearer understanding of these instructional achievement standards and for assistance in interpreting the test results, please read our SOL Q&A. 

Also, you may view the Standards of Learning currently in effect for Virginia public schools

Adequate Yearly Progress, or AYP, is part of the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001. 

NCLB requires all public schools and school divisions to meet certain goals (called annual measurable objectives or AMOs) to determine if they are making “adequate progress” each year. 

In Virginia , these goals are determined by how students do on the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests in English/reading and mathematics, the number of students tested and student attendance or graduation rate.