SOLs

[Anonymous]

ES - take or don't take, it really doesn't matter unless you are thinking about Algebra 1 for next year (in 7th grade).

It is likely true that they will take anyone into Algebra 1 for 7th grade next year (prior years relied on Iowa test and 6th grade math SOL), but as a parent you should want a data point for your 6th grader's math. Gives you an idea of what and how much to supplement this summer.

MS - probably should take it in order to know what you will need to supplement in order to prepare for math next year.

HS - definitely take it so that you can graduate high school.

To the teacher above who is concerned that VDOE 'will not modify the test to adequately consider the circumstances and constraints of distance learning' - what are you smoking? The test is not going to change, but VDOE will likely just change (lower) the passing score.

Therefore if you are in HS this year will be the easiest year to pass the SOLs. Ok, last year was the easiest year. This year is the second easiest year.

Take the test, pass it this year and you are done for high school. Parents who misguidedly counsel high school students to skip the SOL this year are just setting up unneeded barriers to graduation for those students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:ES - take or don't take, it really doesn't matter unless you are thinking about Algebra 1 for next year (in 7th grade).

It is likely true that they will take anyone into Algebra 1 for 7th grade next year (prior years relied on Iowa test and 6th grade math SOL), but as a parent you should want a data point for your 6th grader's math. Gives you an idea of what and how much to supplement this summer.

MS - probably should take it in order to know what you will need to supplement in order to prepare for math next year.

HS - definitely take it so that you can graduate high school.

To the teacher above who is concerned that VDOE 'will not modify the test to adequately consider the circumstances and constraints of distance learning' - what are you smoking? The test is not going to change, but VDOE will likely just change (lower) the passing score.

Therefore if you are in HS this year will be the easiest year to pass the SOLs. Ok, last year was the easiest year. This year is the second easiest year.

Take the test, pass it this year and you are done for high school. Parents who misguidedly counsel high school students to skip the SOL this year are just setting up unneeded barriers to graduation for those students.

You’ll notice I didn’t SAY to opt out high school. That is exactly why I worry the tests won’t be modified . Kids can’t and shouldn’t opt out but that doesn’t mean the tests will be easier.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m having my child take them. He won’t pass and it will look terrible for the schools.

If you think that your child will not pass, you absolutely should have him/her take them. Don’t put any pressure on them obviously and let them know however they do is fine. Schools never share the scores with the students.

Do not allow the school to talk you into a “retake” to raise the score.

Why don’t you think your child will pass?

[Anonymous]

Can I opt out for a high schooler tho?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do schools and teachers get any benefit from the students getting good SOL scores?

Normally yes, it effects school accreditation at the state level I think?

This year is different.

We have two teachers in our household. Both ES teachers. Honestly, we don't really care if somebody doesn't take the SOL test. I don't know anyone who has ever really given it much thought. To be clear though, "opting-out" really isn't the option. It is considered a "refusal to test", but essentially it is the same thing.

[Anonymous]

See State Superintendent Memo 023-21, dated January 29

https://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintendents_memos/2021/index.shtml

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m having my child take them. He won’t pass and it will look terrible for the schools.

If you think that your child will not pass, you absolutely should have him/her take them. Don’t put any pressure on them obviously and let them know however they do is fine. Schools never share the scores with the students.

Do not allow the school to talk you into a “retake” to raise the score.

Why don’t you think your child will pass?

They substantially lowered the score a child needs to "pass" this year. Its all a joke.