SOLs

[Anonymous]

So the SOL scores are being released and we heard that these scores are pretty much a floor anyway. So pass advanced doesn't mean too much?

[Anonymous]

I teach in FCPS and to pass an SOL you basically need to get about 50% of the questions correct. Pass advanced is higher obviously, but I still don't think it is that high. The tests seem to be getting easier and easier each year, too (at least in World History 1).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So the SOL scores are being released and we heard that these scores are pretty much a floor anyway. So pass advanced doesn't mean too much?

I guess it depends on the score they get. A 600 in Math or Science is an accomplishment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I teach in FCPS and to pass an SOL you basically need to get about 50% of the questions correct. Pass advanced is higher obviously, but I still don't think it is that high. The tests seem to be getting easier and easier each year, too (at least in World History 1).

Same thing in elementary math.

[Anonymous]

Since teachers teach to the test, students should be scoring well. The only kids who are not are special ed and ESL/ELP students.

[Anonymous]

Are they being mailed out to parents? If so, when. We're new to FCPS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since teachers teach to the test, students should be scoring well. The only kids who are not are special ed and ESL/ELP students.

Actually, the ESOL students at our high school do really well overall on the SOL tests. However, they do not start taking SOL tests until they are in ESOL 3 (Intermediate level) and have a good command of academic vocabulary. The only exception to this is that some beginning level students take math SOLs. But they, too, do pretty well overall. I think this is a combination of good teaching as well as the tests really not being that difficult. We have students who struggle all year with the content in class, but then pass the SOL with ease. Personally, I know the teacher made tests we give in World 1 are much more difficult than the SOLs, so our students are well prepared.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Personally, I know the teacher made tests we give in World 1 are much more difficult than the SOLs, so our students are well prepared.

My DC said that the SOLs were much easier than the tests that the teacher gave in class.

[Anonymous]

Actually, to pass advanced on most of the Virginia State SOL tests you must get somewhere between 88% - 93% or higher on the test.

See http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/scoring/cut_scores.pdf

In some schools, the majority of the kids pass advanced. But, it also depends on the test, as some are easier than others. It measures your child's basic knowledge at that level.