SOLs Covered: 7.NS.1 Powers of Ten & Scientific Notation; 7.NS.2 Compare & Order Rational Numbers
Math Topic: 14 Probability; 15 Data Cycle with Histograms; 16 SOL Review
Daily Agenda: April 3-10, 2026
Upcoming Assessments: Math 7 SOL Test (Tues. 5/5)
Welcome back to the final stretch! We got straight to work when we got back, so let's jump straight into this week's update. As previously mentioned, we started the week with the final summative, which was done collectively as a class with me projecting a copy of the test to the board and talking through the process for each with the kids. In addition to talking about the basic math component, I also talked about the types of "tricks" that many times appear on SOL tests. We also used that time to go over strategies to help make all testing easier, including some of the added tools that appear in the testing program (highlighters, drawing tools, eliminators, etc.). Because of the amount of detail that went into our discussions, the test carried over into Tuesday, but all students who were here both days for the whole test should have ended up with a 100 A+. Unfortunately, even though we went over every answer, not everyone earned the 100; missing one or two questions can be understood due to missing little details, but if you see anything lower than 89 B+ (16 out of 18), please have a conversation with your child about the importance of paying attention in class.
The rest of the week was spent on SOL review, which is what we'll be doing from here on out until the Math 7 SOL test is given on Tuesday, May 5th. The students will be getting two packets for each SOL strand (1 number sense; 2 computation and estimation; 3 measurement and geometry; 4 probability and statistics; 5 patterns, functions, and algebra), so they will have ten total by the end. I have all but one of the last packets prepared, so if you know in advance that your child will be out, please reach out as I can easily get them the packets in advance. The packets are being spread out and worked on multiple days; to keep track of what pages we're working on each day, you can follow along on the daily agendas or on this calendar document.
We'll essentially be working on reviewing one standard every day or two, moving onto the next as soon as one is completed. The paper packets will count as three different formative grades (16.02, 16.03, and 16.04). The students also currently have an on-going digital assignment that will count as a summative grade (16.01). They should be completing one part each day, but students are welcome to work ahead if they like as some have already asked. They should only submit once all parts are completed or they points will be lost if missing more than 3 of the days; on a related note, this assignment also presents the only chance at extra credit as there are 18 days but I'm only grading it out of 15. Three points might not sound like much, but since I grade on a point system, those three points can make a big difference.
I've added the SOL pages from the previous topics to separate modules as additional resources for the kids and I'm including extra notes with the independent work packets. Students are highly encouraged to put in some review time outside of school as well, especially those who have put themselves in danger of failing for the year as passing the SOL test will ensure that they pass my class for the year using the previously mentioned high school exam conversion chart. Finally, I created a Google Drawing that can help students calculate what grade they need this final marking period in order to get a passing grade (or whatever their desired grade might be) for the year. It was added to the SOL review module on Canvas and should work for all of their classes, not just math, as term weighting is standard for all middle school classes, the exception being those that come with high school credit as that comes with exam grades that need to be factored in. I'm happy to help any student with this, even with their other classes, as I want them to do well in all areas, not just my class.
That should cover everything, but please reach out if you have any questions. Just a reminder that I do not respond to emails outside of working hours in efforts to establish a more healthy work/life balance, but I will get back to you on Monday. I hope everyone has an amazing weekend!