SOLs Covered: 7.PFA.1-4 Patterns, Functions, & Algebra Strand
Math Topic: 16 SOL Review
Daily Agenda: May 4-8, 2026
Upcoming Assessments: Math 7 SOL Retake (Tues. 5/19); Last day to turn in math work (Fri. 5/22)
Good afternoon! I'm not feeling the greatest, so let's jump right into this week's math happenings. As promised, we spent Monday completing our final bit of SOL review, focusing more on the sample TestNAV problems. This is the application they actually test in, so we also discussed how to use the tools, went over reminders of some extra tips and tricks with the Desmos calculator, and discussed which resources/materials they should be provided by the examiner as they would not be testing with me to ensure they knew what materials they could request if they were not given out at the start of testing.
I went around to each of their examiners the morning of testing to ensure they also knew of the extra materials I requested for my students. For example, students are allowed to use up to two additional writing implements (normally highlighters) in addition to their pencil, but as this isn't normally provided by default, I "made" (a.k.a. presented an evidence-based argument as to why it was necessary and showed them in the guidelines that it is permitted) the school buy them and add them to the testing bucket for all my kids. There are also two additional types of grid paper I request for my students that we work on all year. Even if they decide not to use them, I want the kids to have anything that might help them perform at their best.
For all students who took the test on the original day (Tues. 5/5), I've posted their scores on ParentVUE/StudentVUE (for viewing purposes only, not a grade) along with a note of whether it's considered a passing or failing score and if it it qualifies for a retake. I'll be working on remediation for those who do qualify and then they'll retake on May 19th (reading is May 15th for those wondering). I'll start making any grade adjustments to show growth (kind of like extra credit, so no grades will decrease) following retakes.
The rest of this week has just been spent on making up missing work and redoing those they'd previously lost points on for this quarter. Some students have worked really hard to get back on track, for which I'm truly grateful, but there are others still in the danger zone, some just for the term but others also for the year. I've reminded them that they have until Friday, May 22nd to turn in all work. Please help me by encouraging the kids to do so as soon as possible.
Next week, we'll start some of my usual end-of-year activities, so there will still be work and grades, but it usually only helps their grades. The only way a grade would drop at this point is if they just straight up do not do the work. Again, please help me by encouraging the kids to complete all their work.
That should cover everything, but as always, 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!