Virginia math SOLs - new standards?

[Anonymous]

This is true. However, there are numerous OTHER problems with the Math SOLs this year.

-Minimum passing scores were raised just above the existing levels, which affects a huge number of kids on the right side of the curve
-Less than 30 days warning from the State BOE about the passing scores
-The "technology-enhanced" SOLs involve drop-down tools that are especially hard for small children to master
-The question formats have been heavily revised (not necessarily a bad thing), and apart from a small number of sample questions that the State BOE supplied without model answers, there were no informational releases to local schools AT ALL

Anonymous wrote:The technology enhanced questions on the test were "Field Test" questions. Students were made aware of the changes they would be seeing on the test and were given multiple opportunities to practice on EPat and use the online tools.

[Anonymous]

To follow up on the differences this year, the TEI (technology enhance instruments) were FIELD test items this year. Those questions did NOT count towards the score. Half of FCPS elementary schools took math as paper or pencil. A student did NOT have a choice, unless it was in their IEP that they needed flexible schedule over multiple days. Few need that. Online has been around for years, the secondary has been online and other counties in Virginia have had elementary online for years.

Another reason the math scores for schools will be lower beside the new standards is there is no longer the option of a VGLA portfolio for certain special Ed and ESL students. Students who could pass on a portfolio of their work completed by their teacher now have to take the multiple choice math test, and frankly there are some that will always have difficulty with that. Oh, I know I'm not talking about any students whose parents post here (sarcasm here) since everyone here is way above average ( sarcasm again) but in the real world, looking at school's passing rates, it is going to impact it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To follow up on the differences this year, the TEI (technology enhance instruments) were FIELD test items this year. Those questions did NOT count towards the score.

This is the case for grades 3-5 math SOLs. Not the case for others, including 5th grade students in advanced math who took the 6th grade math SOL.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To follow up on the differences this year, the TEI (technology enhance instruments) were FIELD test items this year. Those questions did NOT count towards the score.

This is the case for grades 3-5 math SOLs. Not the case for others, including 5th grade students in advanced math who took the 6th grade math SOL.

Maybe, had not heard this. I do find it hard to believe because 6th gr math, no matter what grade takes it, was also a paper/ pencil test for students in schools that did math paper/pencil, just like the 7 th grade math test was paper/pencil in those schools. It really does not matter (gasp!) as next year they are part of the test and I really do believe many people do not give our students/children enough credit for being able to manipulate them. Students, yes, even 3rd grade can do it. After all, aren't all the children of those who post here way above average? Don't you think they are capable of it? And yes, this is sarcasm again.

[Anonymous]

I am a special ed teacher and paper/pencil would work much better for them. Pearson shill, will they be able to take the test using paper/pencil next year?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a special ed teacher and paper/pencil would work much better for them. Pearson shill, will they be able to take the test using paper/pencil next year?

who's Pearson?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a special ed teacher and paper/pencil would work much better for them. Pearson shill, will they be able to take the test using paper/pencil next year?

Pearson is the company that does the tests. We should all have stock in it. As for paper/pencil next year, it is my understanding only if the child must have flexible schedule that is defined as taking over multiple days, and that has to be described in detail on the PLOP page (spec Ed teachers and parents know what I mean). Obviously I don't know your population but don't automatically dismiss online testing for them. It is one question at a time on the screen. I heard of one sped child who really paid closer attention as he was hooked on using the manipulatives. they will have the chance through ecart to try online. I really think the students over all are much more ready for this than the adults.