SOL Testing Information

What SOL tests will my student take in 3rd grade?

• Reading Test: 33 questions (5 field-test items)

• Math: 32 questions (4 field-test items)

*Field-test items are being tried out with students for potential use on subsequent tests and will not be used to compute students’ scores on the test.

How do I prepare my student for the 3rd grade SOL tests?

• Attend class connect sessions

• Develop independent problem-solving skills

• Students MUST learn to solve problems independently

• Use and encourage excellent problem-solving strategies that focus on a growth mindset

• TAKE your time

• READ all answer choices

• SOLVE ALL MATH problems on paper

• PRACTICE “defending your answer”

  • Think about each answer choice – Why is it right? Why is it wrong?

• FIND the answer to questions in the reading passage – don’t depend on your memory

• PREDICT the answer – solve the problem or answer the question before looking at the answer choices

• LOCATE the answers to Literature or History questions in the passage/chapter before selecting your final answer

• KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT by reviewing and practicing with TestNav (SOL test program simulation): https://va8.testnav.com/client/index.html and TestNav Practice Test Information

3rd Grade Standards of Learning Resources

• Department of Education Website: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/index.shtml

• 3^rd Grade Math Standards of Learning: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/mathematics/index.shtml

• 3^rd Grade Reading/Language Arts Standards of Learning: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/english/index.shtml

• TestNav Practice Tests: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/practice_items/testnav8.shtml

Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT)

The state of Virginia utilizes Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) to customize the assessment for every student meaning how a student responds to a question determines the difficulty of the next item. Star360 benchmark assessments given at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year also serve to provide students with a hands-on learning experience with a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT).

• A Guide to Computer Adaptive Testing Video: http://www.vdoe.whro.org/testing/guide_to_computer_adaptive_testing/CAT-Virginia-2014-April7.swf

• Computer Adaptive Testing in Virginia Video: http://www.vdoe.whro.org/testing/CAT_in_VA/CAT_in_VA.swf

Technology Enhanced Items (TEI)

• There four types of technology-enhanced items:

1. Drag and drop

2. Hot spot

3. Complete a graph

4. Fill in the blank

• TEI Informational Video: http://vaassessments.com/v/VAteidemo/

SOL Test Scores

• Below 375: Fail

• 375-399: Fail; eligible for retake

• 400-499: Pass proficient

• 500-600: Pass advanced

***If you qualify for a retake, you will be notified within 24 hours; remedial sessions with your teachers will be scheduled. The pass rate for retakes is very high.

• Students must answer approximately 60% of the questions correctly in order to earn a passing score. A failing SOL score does not mean you fail 3^rd grade – Virginia does NOT have a “pass to promote” policy. However, it is an indicator that the student has not mastered the 3^rd grade standards. Each test is scored separately. 3^rd graders will receive two scores: one for Reading and one for Math. Formal score reports will be sent out at the beginning of July. Students’ numerical scores will be published on their end-of-year progress reports.

• SOL scores are only one part of the school's end-of-year academic review. In addition to SOL scores, our district partners take the following components of the students’ academic record into account: quarterly progress reports, overall progress, daily attendance, class connect attendance and participation, was the curriculum completed with fidelity (i.e., completing and mastering assessments before moving on to next lesson/unit), following the daily plan and being consistent, and teacher recommendation.