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However, in upper grades new social studies requirements will be at least as far reaching. Currently students study American history in fifth, seventh and eleventh grades. They have world history and geography in sixth and ninth grades.
Under the proposed new SOLs many of the fifth-grade requirements would be pushed down to fourth grade. Fifth graders would study world history. American history would be a two-year course divided in 1865 and taught in sixth and seventh grades. Eighth grade social studies would require a class in “the role of the citizen in the American political and economic systems.” The purpose of the course is to “foster patriotism, respect for the law, and a sense of civic duty.”
Students would study world history and geography again in ninth and tenth grades with the subject split between the grades at the middle of the 15th Century.
Currently no social studies courses are required in eighth or tenth grades.
In language arts, requirements are provided for oral presentation skills, reading and the study of literature and composition for all grades.
§eniors woqld be required to produce a research paper of approximately 2,500 words and give a 15 minute speech.
Seventh graders would be required to produce compositions using a computer word processor and spelling and grammar checkers.
Science requirements stress safety and hands-on investigations. Most standards begin by stating "The student will investigate and understand...”
In third grade, for example, one of ten standards states: “The student will investigate and understand the water cycle and its relationship to life on Earth. Key concepts include: The origin of energy that drives the water cycle, Processes involved in the water cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation) and Water supply and water conservation.”
Copies of these proposed Standards of Learning have been distributed to the schools and the public library.
Secretary Bosher said the hearings around the state are intended to “give citizens an opportunity to comment and make suggestions on the proposals. Following the public hearings the Board of Education will revise the proposals and will adopt final standards for distribution to all public schools in Virginia.”
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