8th grade daughter in algebra I wants to opt out of math SOL
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
| My 8th grade daughter wants to opt out of taking the math SOL this year. Her rationale is that it causes her too much stress and she has enough school stress on her plate. I don't completely disagree, but she also has anxiety, and I don't want her to get into a pattern of avoiding things because they are hard or make her anxious. Please offer some pros and cons of getting it out of the way or should I just respect here wish and let this one go. |
Anonymous
|
I believe the Algebra SOL is required if you want the class to count toward her "verified credits" for graduation.
https://www.doe.virginia.gov/parents-students/for-students/graduation/diploma-options/advanced-studies-diploma-graduation-requirements "To graduate with an Advanced Studies Diploma, a student must earn at least 26 standard credits and 5 verified credits. Standard credits are earned by successfully completing required and elective courses; verified credits are earned by successfully completing required courses and passing associated end-of-course SOL tests or other assessments approved by the state Board of Education. " |
Anonymous
|
PP is correct she needs it to graduate.
Also, if a kid has test anxiety you know what will help? Taking tests. |
Anonymous
Correction from same poster. If she wants this course to count toward graduating, she needs to take the SOL. It would be nuts to dump the year down the drain, but that's an option I guess. You would have to ask about other ways to get the 5 verified credits. |
Anonymous
|
Can she enroll in next level math class without SOL?
SOL is good lower-stakes practice for test taking, which will increase in high school. |
Anonymous
For an Advanced Studies Diploma, a student only needs one verified math credit. Thus, while you'd want to confirm with her school, it seems like she could take either the Algebra 1, Geometry, or Algebra 2 SOL to get that one credit. |
Anonymous
Yes, she can enroll, but she would still need to take the Algebra 1 SOL later or pass a substitute test in order to get the verified credit. The sub tests include PSAT, SAT math subtest and an IB test. Just take it now. Avoiding tests isn't going to make it any easier when the test have actual meaning. She only needs to pass the SOL. She doesn't need a high score b/c it will never matter. |
Anonymous
| She can get the verified credit by taking next year’s SOL, but at some point she’ll have to take an SOL and there is no reason to assume it’ll be easier next year. I would use this opportunity to teach her anxiety/stress management techniques. |
Anonymous
| She needs one math SOL at some point. I would have that conversation with her because she can skip the one SOL but she will need to take some time. Algebra 1 is probably the easiest of the math classes that she is going to take. |
Anonymous
| Don’t opt her out. Tell her it’s a low stakes test and nothing will happen if she doesn’t pass it. She can retake it or try a different year. It’s true, she can take geometry or algebra 2 instead but won’t she have the same anxiety? You don’t want her to think she can opt out of all high school SOLs. |