My DS's SOL scores - looking for some perspective

[Anonymous]

My DS (ADHD/LD/MERLD/anxiety) is in 5th grade and has had an IEP since the end of K. With the exception of math, his report cards have all reflected he's at grade level. But, he got a Fail/Basic in Math and English: Reading. He got a Pass/Proficient in Social Studies. How big a deal is this? Last year, we discontinued pull out services for reading (he loves reading) because he was at grade level, he gets pull out services for writing and math and over the summer was in math summer school for 3 weeks (provided by the county). I'd appreciate some advice and thoughts. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

OP, I wouldn't worry. They completely revamped the math SOL test two years ago, and the SOL reading test this past year. All school district saw double digit drops in the number of students passing. I think you can check in with your teachers and just get their sense of if he is on track, and if they think it's okay, he'll probably be fine.

[Anonymous]

I would request to have reading services retroduced. Grade Level is where they ALL kids to be, it is set at the 16th or 25th percentile depending on the test and what they are testing. So, if your DC has average or above average intelligence he should be reading above grade level.

[Anonymous]

I won't totally worry. It is just one test. But, I would ask the teachers if they feel it was a fluke or what they expected.

I would worry slightly about reading on the comprehension side. boys- no matter SN or not - on average struggle with the writing part and getting their racing thoughts on paper. Even boys who love to read can struggle with the answering/writing part of reading comprehension. It is more important in 5th and 6th grade (and later grades too!).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would request to have reading services retroduced. Grade Level is where they ALL kids to be, it is set at the 16th or 25th percentile depending on the test and what they are testing. So, if your DC has average or above average intelligence he should be reading above grade level.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I wouldn't worry. They completely revamped the math SOL test two years ago, and the SOL reading test this past year. All school district saw double digit drops in the number of students passing. I think you can check in with your teachers and just get their sense of if he is on track, and if they think it's okay, he'll probably be fine.

+1

My DS didn't do nearly as well on SOLs last year as in previous years, but I wasn't worried because his report card grades are fine. I always say that the SOLs is a test of the teacher. The report card is what is important.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the responses, everyone. I spoke with his teacher from last year and she doesn't feel the SOL was an accurate reflection of his reading level. He's got a new general ed and a new special ed teacher this year and I'll let them get to know him a little more before having a meeting. Thanks, again!

[Anonymous]

Sounds like you've got a good approach, OP. Glad you were able to speak with the teacher from last year, and I think you are also smart to give the general ed and special ed teacher a bit more time to get to know your kid.
Good luck!