Though the Online School is aligned with the Common Core Curriculum, teachers at Virginia Virtual Academy teach the Standards of Learning set by the Virginia Department of Education in class connect sessions. The Standards of Learning are what the SOL test assesses; therefore, the Standards of Learning serve as the "what" we want students to explore, learn, and master in third grade!
Third Grade Standards of Learning
The test blueprint provides teachers, students, and families with information about how the Third Grade Reading SOL Test is broken down into reporting categories, the standards of learning addressed, and the number of questions/test items.
Released Standards of Learning Tests provide teachers, students, and families with released test items from previous years' SOL tests. The Released SOL Tests serve as great sample tests demonstrating the rigor and length of the Third Grade Reading SOL Test.
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/practice_items/testnav8.shtml
Like the Released SOL tests above serve as a sample of the actual SOL test, the most accurate example, provided by the VDOE, is through Pearson's TestNav program, an online downloadable practice program, which shows not only released items but the functions of the online SOL test. TestNav can be downloaded on your desktop computer or the following site can be utilized: https://va8.testnav.com/client/index.html . Next, click the SOL Practice Items in the bottom right hand corner as students are not required to enter a username or password to access the program. Next, click on Math and Grade 3 Math. You will only use the Grade 3 Math-Audio version if your child qualifies for an audio testing accommodation as written in his or her IEP. Lastly, click Start and check "I agree to the Terms and Conditions." and click Continue. Click Start and the blue arrow to begin navigating through the functions of the Third Grade Reading SOL Practice Items. Use the documents and links below to assist in exploring, understanding, and learning the functions of the SOL test such as the Review tab Bookmark feature, Answer Eliminator, and how to select your answer. According to the VDOE Test Blueprint, the Third Grade Reading Test will be 33 questions and will be a Computer Adaptive Test (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. iReady 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).
VDOE Direct Links:
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/test_administration/cat/index.shtml#
Testing anxiety can be normal in third grade since it is a brand new experience for students! At Virginia Virtual Academy, we host a "Preview Testing" day in March, where third grade students visit the location of their SOL test site to complete some practice activities and meet the other third grade students, learning coaches, and families, who will also attend that testing site in May. Additionally, as we prepare students in class connect sessions for what to expect on the SOL test, we often review calming strategies that you can practice all year long at home before, during, and after assessments!