The Standards of Learning is supportive of and direct response to No Child Left Behind Act, which was signed into law by then-President George W. Bush on January 8, 2002. They address student achievement in [http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/index.shtml four critical areas: (1) English, (2) mathematics, (3) science, and (4) history/social studies. Students are assessed in English and mathematics in grades 3-8 and upon completion of certain high school level courses. Science and history SOL are administered in grades 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 and at the end of completing high school courses in these respective subjects.