Virginia SOL Testing

By: Aidan Berens

Learning Targets:

The student will know what SOL Testing is

The learner will be able to list benefits behind SOL testing
The learner will see how the SOL tests are improving over time

What is Virginia SOL Testing?

The Virginia SOL Tests focus on some key subjects such as reading, writing, science, mathematics, and history. Teachers school curriculums are based off of the criterias that are made in order to prepare the students to take these tests at the end of the year, and all information on these tests are reviewed by Virginia teachers for accuracy.

What are the Benefits of SOL testing?

Shows what students have learned and retained through the school year
Allows students to get feedback from their testing
Holds both teachers and students to a higher standard of educating and learning

What are some Negatives about the SOLS?

Some students who test poorly may feel overwhelmed and stressed leading up to and on testing day
The way the SOL tests are currently measured may hinder a students ability to move on in their education based off of one poor test score

My SOL Experience:

In the third grade I took my first ever SOL test, having been ok so far in testing I had no idea what I was really getting into however after taking the SOL's i lost a lot of self confidence when receving my scores, and at such a young age to have that self doubt about a large part of school for the next few years of my life. As time went on my testing confidence was built back up but I feel as though the tests should be held back toward middle school rather than the younger grades to better prepare children for them.

The SOL's are ever-changing!

In this video they go over how after the brief shutdown of SOL testing, they will be bringing it back with a focus on what the students need to learn rather than a strict guideline of the standard education topics usually featured on the SOL tests.

Sources:

STANDARDS OF LEARNING (SOL) & TESTING. (n.d.). Virginia Department of Education | VDOE. Retrieved February 14, 2022, from https://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/index.shtml

Virginia SOL testing will focus on instructional needs of students this spring, summer. (2021, April 22). [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIf8TjF9x-4&feature=youtu.be

Questions?