Virginia is considering eliminating its standardized history and social studies examination for third-graders so schools can focus their resources on reading and literacy.

The state Board of Education plans to decide next month on whether to cut the third-grade social studies Standards of Learning test, starting in the upcoming school year. At its meeting Thursday, the board heard forceful opposition from numerous speakers who argued that doing so would remove the incentive for schools to make sure that those subjects would be taught in early elementary school.

Taking that into consideration, the board also voted to request that the Department of Education develop a timetable for incorporating social studies content into its reading assessments.