What are the Standards of Learning and SOL tests?
To improve the academic performance of students attending Virginia public
schools the State set high, clear and measurable academic standards.
Criterion-referenced tests – administered in grades 3, 4, 5, 8, and in high
school – measure the achievement of individual students against objectives
for knowledge and skills defined by the standards. The Standards of
Learning also ensure accountability by tying school accreditation to student
achievement. Virginia’s Standards of Learning were adopted to ensure that
Virginia’s children, during the course of their K-12 education, acquire the
skills and knowledge necessary for lives as productive and thoughtful
citizens.
Why are these tests important?
• The students who enter the ninth grade are required to earn 22
standard units of credit and six verified credits for a Standard Diploma,
and 24 standard units of credit and nine verified credits for an Advanced
Studies Diploma. To earn a standard unit of credit a student must complete
140-hours of instruction and pass the course. A verified unit of credit is
earned by passing a course and its related Standards of Learning test or
approved substitute test.
• The State has advised school districts to use the K-8 SOL tests as
one factor in determining retention or promotion.
• The SOL tests provide information on the progress of students and
schools toward achievement levels on the Standards of Learning. This
information is used to improve instruction and assure educational quality.
• The accreditation of the school your child attends will be
determined by student performance
What are the SOL tests like?
• Students write in the test booklet
• The tests have no time limits. Students may take all the time they
need to complete the tests.
• Students may use scrape paper, highlighters and on some parts of the
math tests calculators are required.
• Most of the test items are in multiple choice, or fill in the blank
form. Some tests require essay answers; or the completion of a demonstrated
task.
My child has good grades on the report card; has been promoted to the next
grade, why should I be concerned about my child passing these tests in
Elementary school?
1. If a child begins a pattern of failing the tests in the lower grades
he/she may find it difficult to pass the tests at the secondary level.
2. The State Board of Education has recommended that SOL tests performance
be considered as one factor in retention and full evaluation decisions.
3. Your 5th graders arts, P.E., or music choices for Middle School may be
affected.
During SOL Test Week:
1. Make sure your child gets a good night sleep.
2. Provide a healthy breakfast—not too much sugar.
3. Be sure your child has a good supply of pencils and a working yellow
highlighter.
4. Encourage your child to stay positive and relaxed during the SOL tests.
if your child is the type that gets nervous about testing, give him/her
ideas of ways to stay calm. The school counselor can help you with that.
5. Be on time for school.
6. Help your child keep the test in perspective. It’s one indication of
student achievement—not the measure by how we determine whether or not your
child is worthy
7. If your child wears glasses remind him/her to use them.
Multiple Choice Test Skills
1. Attempt to think of the correct answer without looking at the choices.
2. Look at the choices, cross out the ones that are definitely wrong
3. Select the best answer of the ones that are left.
Fill-In the Blank Test Skills
1. Read the directions carefully.
2. Read the question carefully and think of the answer. Make sure the
sentence makes sense when you fill in the answer you have chosen.
3. Answer the question. If you are not sure circle the question and come
back to the question later.
4. Go back to questions you skipped. Look for key words to trigger your
memory for the right answer.
5. When you finish, read over you instructions and your answers again.
Essay Questions
1. Organize your answer.
2. Write your answer.
3. Edit your answer.
Helping Your Child Achieve
1. Require regular attendance in school
2. Read aloud to your child, beginning at an early age.
3. Encourage good study habits.
4. Be familiar with the curriculum associated with your child’s classes and
grades.
5. Talk to your child about what he or she is learning in specific subjects.
6. Expect homework of some kind to be done every night.
7. Set aside a specific time for homework.
8. See that your child brings home and reviews class notes and other work
done in school that day.
9. Help your child balance study time with recreational time.
10. Think of activities your child can do at home that relate to information
being taught in school.
11. Help your child apply his or her school learning to real-life situations
in the news or life.
12. Emphasize the importance of high academic achievement.
13. Be supportive and encouraging.
For more information see:
www.pen.K12.va.us/VDOE/Instruction/sol.html
