SOL Information NightMadison’s Trust Elementary
Thursday, March 30, 2017
While you wait…1) Please download the
‘Quizizz’ app to your phone or tablet!
OR
1) Go to the Quizizzwebsite:
https://quizizz.com/
2) Code: 165918
What Are the SOL tests?
• ‘SOL’ stands for Standards of Learning.
• These standards are the basic knowledge that Virginia school children are taught, and are expected to master, as they progress from kindergarten through twelfth grade.
• The tests are used to measure students’ mastery in each subject area tested.
• Tests administered:
• Third grade: Reading and Math
• Fourth grade: Math, Reading, and Virginia History.
• Fifth grade: Math, Reading, and Science
When are the SOL tests?
• All grades will have the SOL tests in the
month of May. All classes have one
SOL per week.
• Testing schedule will be announced in
grade level meetings.
Why are SOL tests important?
• They are state mandated tests.
• To be a Fully Accredited school:
• Elementary and middle schools are Fully Accredited if
students achieve all of the following pass rates:
• English – 75 percent or higher
• Mathematics – 70 percent or higher
• Science – 70 percent or higher
• History – 70 percent or higher
What material do the tests cover?
• The SOL tests are cumulative.
• The only content exception is 4th Grade’s Virginia History test.
• ** Please see the Virginia Department of Education website given below for more information about the SOL tests. **
http://www.doe.virginia.gov
What has changed about the SOL
tests?
• ALL administered on the computer
• In an attempt to increase the rigor of the SOL tests, the VDOE has
incorporated Technology Enhanced Items (TEIs) into all SOL tests.
• TEI questions may ask your student to:
• Type in an answer
• Create a graph
• Complete a table or graphic organizer
• Choose multiple answers
• Sort concepts with drag and drop
What has changed about the SOL
tests? (continued)
• Computer Adaptive Test (CAT)
• Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) is part of the Virginia Department of Education’s
continuing efforts to improve the testing experience for students.
• A CAT is an assessment that is customized for every student.
• How a student responds to a question determines the difficulty of the
next item. A correct response leads to a more difficult item, while an
incorrect response results in the selection of a less difficult item for the
student.
• Students can’t go back to previous answers (except questions
pertaining to the same reading passage).
Part 2:
Grade Level Meetings
• 3rd Grade = Gym
• 4th Grade = Library
• 5th Grade = Cafeteria
Thank you for joining us!
Examples of TEI test questions as seen
on previous 5th grade reading SOL tests
Examples of TEI test questions as seen
on previous 5th grade reading SOL tests
How is my student preparing in
the classroom?
• Practice on the computer (Power Test, Practice SOL
Tests, and Other online resources)
• Small group activities
• Test Questions
• Morning Workbooks
• Review Games
• Test Strategies
How can I help prepare my
student at home?
• Make sure your student is going on the computer to do assigned
work on iReady
• Visit any of the pages found on the MTE webpage.
• Review work and tests/quizzes throughout the year.
• Having conversations at home about the tests
• Minimize stressful feelings with a lot of practice, patience,
concentration, and positive encouragement.
Ways to review at home
• All of our favorite websites are listed on
the 5th grade MTE website:
• Fast Fact Contests
• Flashcards
• Interactive Notebooks
Ways to review at home
• Cram
• Flashcards
• Interactive Notebooks
• Visit MTE webpage to explore Student
Resources
On test day
• Good night’s sleep the previous night
• Healthy breakfast – pancakes will be provided at school!
• Stay positive!!
• Wear like you are traveling – comfortable and in layers
• Encourage your students to try their absolute best!
• Bring several books for after the test is complete
During the test
These are skills we are regularly teaching your child and encourage you to reinforce at home.
• Read all of the directions.
• Pick out important words or directions in the questions using the highlighter tool on the test.
• Read all answer choices. Twice.
• Cross out answers you know don’t belong (“Slash the trash!”)
• Ask yourself, “Does my choice best answer this question?”
• Use ‘scratch’ paper and do a “brain dump” of all important formulas and ideas that you think may help you on the test.
• Double check your work.
• Make sure the correct answer is selected on the screen before moving onto the next question.
Frequent Questions
• What is the testing environment like for my student?
(Duration, after test complete, etc.)
• What happens if my student doesn’t pass an SOL
test?
• If my student misses an SOL, are they allowed to
make it up? Can my student take the SOLs early?
• When will we receive our student’s scores?
Unanswered Questions?
• Any questions not answered tonight may be directed
to your classroom teacher via email
Thank you for coming tonight!