How is the new 10 percent SOL grade going to work?

[Anonymous]

I fear this is exactly the sort of nonsense that got Youngkin elected in the first place. I don’t understand what the bill sponsors were thinking-do not mess with northern Virginia parents when it comes to school. This absolutely will affect high school grades in a significant way. Will only push more wealthy kids to private schools and hurt the ones this bill is supposedly trying to help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’re still opting out, not putting my kids through this nonsense.

In high school you can’t opt out. Passing one SOL test per content area is a graduation requirement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We’re still opting out, not putting my kids through this nonsense.

In high school you can’t opt out. Passing one SOL test per content area is a graduation requirement.

So, is this only for those SOLs or will they make kids take them in more classes?

I will reserve judgment until I know more, but I could be ok with this. As it stands, teachers make the final, which counts for 10% at DS’s FCPS high school. Some have been insanely easy and others way harder than needed. Maybe consistency across the state will be good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If someone gets, for example 500 (pass advance) do they get 100 percent for their 10 percent grade? Or would it an 83 because 500/600 is 83%? How actually will this play out in the grade book?

It seems odd considering the scaled score. My kid got a 499 once but only missed 3 questions. I know they’re moving to a 100 scale, but will it really be any more transparent?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We’re still opting out, not putting my kids through this nonsense.

In high school you can’t opt out. Passing one SOL test per content area is a graduation requirement.

The question is will that continue, you need to pass the 5 SOLs for verified credits or are they going to expect students to take a SOL in every core subject each year. That is the big question.

[Anonymous]

I think they will probably kick it to the districts with the idea that they can give "credit" for taking the test in good faith.

I don't see how they can tie it numerically because the test is a CAT test and it would cost millions to scrap it, create a new single test and then have the kids take that.

If they don't, I see litigation because you can't use a CAT test to assess for a grade because the kids aren't all taking the same questions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think they will probably kick it to the districts with the idea that they can give "credit" for taking the test in good faith.

I don't see how they can tie it numerically because the test is a CAT test and it would cost millions to scrap it, create a new single test and then have the kids take that.

If they don't, I see litigation because you can't use a CAT test to assess for a grade because the kids aren't all taking the same questions.

People have said that the HS SOLs are not adaptive. DS is in 7th and took the algebra SOL, he said he didn't think it was adaptive. He didn't run across any material he had not seen before and he passed advanced, a 572 so he probably missed a few questions. The ES math SOL he would bring home the questions he missed that were clearly from higher grade levels.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think they will probably kick it to the districts with the idea that they can give "credit" for taking the test in good faith.

I don't see how they can tie it numerically because the test is a CAT test and it would cost millions to scrap it, create a new single test and then have the kids take that.

If they don't, I see litigation because you can't use a CAT test to assess for a grade because the kids aren't all taking the same questions.

People have said that the HS SOLs are not adaptive. DS is in 7th and took the algebra SOL, he said he didn't think it was adaptive. He didn't run across any material he had not seen before and he passed advanced, a 572 so he probably missed a few questions. The ES math SOL he would bring home the questions he missed that were clearly from higher grade levels.

HS SOLs are not adaptive. We have said this and for some reason, people are not believing us.

Also, up until a few years ago, all SOLs classes had an SOL. It’s only been a few years that students only had to pass one per content area in HS. Personally, bringing back a little rigor to VA isn’t a bad thing. Grade inflation and passing students on without any learning has run rampant. We need to bring back some sort of standards.

The SOLs at the high school level are not rigorous tests and the minimum level of competency. As it is, many schools have gotten rid of SOLs, midterms, finals and many other tests.

How many of you with high school students have them taking finals? I’m a high school teacher, we are told not to give finals. That’s how I’m on here right now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We’re still opting out, not putting my kids through this nonsense.

In high school you can’t opt out. Passing one SOL test per content area is a graduation requirement.

You don’t need the SOL specifically, you need verified credits. You can use other assessments like AP exams for those credits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I fear this is exactly the sort of nonsense that got Youngkin elected in the first place. I don’t understand what the bill sponsors were thinking-do not mess with northern Virginia parents when it comes to school. This absolutely will affect high school grades in a significant way. Will only push more wealthy kids to private schools and hurt the ones this bill is supposedly trying to help.

The bill sponsor is a Fairfax Democrat. This has nothing to do with Youngkin.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We’re still opting out, not putting my kids through this nonsense.

In high school you can’t opt out. Passing one SOL test per content area is a graduation requirement.

You don’t need the SOL specifically, you need verified credits. You can use other assessments like AP exams for those credits.

This. My kids did this and didn't take the SOLs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I fear this is exactly the sort of nonsense that got Youngkin elected in the first place. I don’t understand what the bill sponsors were thinking-do not mess with northern Virginia parents when it comes to school. This absolutely will affect high school grades in a significant way. Will only push more wealthy kids to private schools and hurt the ones this bill is supposedly trying to help.

The bill sponsor is a Fairfax Democrat. This has nothing to do with Youngkin.

I know Democrats sponsored the bill. I am questioning why they did this. I think it was a mistake, we don’t need govt officials messing with the grades our kids get. I feel like this will energize some northern Virginia parents against the democrats. I am personally annoyed about it because I will have a junior, one who often is in between grades so 10 percent is a lot at the end of the year. I hate that our kids are guinea pigs for some dumb ideas they come up with. I want them to focus on getting more money for our falling apart schools. Not messing with grades.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We’re still opting out, not putting my kids through this nonsense.

In high school you can’t opt out. Passing one SOL test per content area is a graduation requirement.

The question is will that continue, you need to pass the 5 SOLs for verified credits or are they going to expect students to take a SOL in every core subject each year. That is the big question.

Well regardless of if they require more in the future, they require 5 now. That’s the minimum, it won’t go down. So opting your kids out in elementary and middle is pointless. They don’t much matter then but they do at least give your kids practice with the kind of test they’ll take in high school that DOES count and that they can’t opt out of.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We’re still opting out, not putting my kids through this nonsense.

In high school you can’t opt out. Passing one SOL test per content area is a graduation requirement.

You don’t need the SOL specifically, you need verified credits. You can use other assessments like AP exams for those credits.

And what if your kid doesn’t take AP classes. There is STILL and always SOME assessment you have to take.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What a crazy idea. I know, like a PP said, my kids often have a strong A in a class but only pass proficient on the SOL. I think this is because the teachers don't teach to the SOL exactly so some questions are worded differently or approached differently than they see all year. I think the current system is fine - it shows that they have a basic understanding of the subject without the teachers having to "teach the test" all year and creating added stress of having it count as a formal grade. 10% is A LOT!

Teachers are teaching to the test. They have entire SOL prep sessions for the month before the SOL. that was when my kid had Lexia and ST Math homework in ES, the month before the SOL. In MS, he has an entire series of homework and in class assignment grades that are labeled SOL Prep 1-10. I would be concerned if my kid had an A in a class and passed proficient on the SOL.

I disagree. I'll use my older sons scores as an example. He has had strong As in every one of these classes and goes to one of the highest regarded FCPS high schools
Biology SOL 471
Geometry SOL 454
Algebra 1 SOL 447
Grade 8 Math SOL 469
Grade 8 Science SOL 496
Grade 8 Reading 484
And he got a 96 on the IATT (Iowa)

Clearly those a year of As in one of our top 10 Virginia high schools doesn't always translate to a pass advance on an SOL.

Why is your child taking Geometry SOL if he has already passed Algebra I? It's a waste of time...