Welcome SOL Fair Mount Vernon Woods March 19, 2015

What are Virginia SOLs The Standards of Learning (SOL) for Virginia Public Schools describe student learning and achievement expectations in grades K-12. O English O Mathematics O Science O History/Social Science O Technology O Fine arts O Foreign language O Health and Physical Education

SOL Testing O SOL assessments measure student achievement O SOL assessments are given every year beginning in 3 rd Grade. **Reading: 3 rd, 4 th, 5 th, 6 th **Mathematics: 3 rd, 4 th, 5 th, 6 th **Virginia History: 4 th Grade **Science: 5 th Grade

SOL Test Scores O VA SOL scores measure how well students have mastered grade-specific skills, and report achievement in each subject using the following three levels: 1. Advanced 2. Proficient 3. Fail

SOL Test Scores O The number of questions on each SOL range from O The passing scores for each test are on a reporting scale that ranges from 0 to 600. O A scaled score of 0 to 399 means a student Did Not Pass. O A scaled score of 400 to 499 means a student Passed a test and was classified as Proficient. O A scaled score of 500 to 600 means a student Passed a test and was classified as Advanced.

SOL Test Scores O Parents receive info about their child’s performance on SOL assessments. O Reports contain information about each test a student took, his or her scaled score and a level of performance.

Standards of Learning in Mathematics Grades 3 rd thru 6 th

Reporting CategoryNumber of Items Number and Number Sense 10 Computation and Estimation 10 Measurement and Geometry 11 Probability, Statistics, Patterns, Functions, and Algebra 9 Number of Operational Items 40 Number of Field-Test Items* 10 Total Number of Items on Test 50

Reporting CategoryNumber of Items Number and Number Sense 12 Computation and Estimation 13 Measurement and Geometry 13 Probability, Statistics, Patterns, Functions, and Algebra 12 Number of Operational Items 50 Number of Field-Test Items* 10 Total Number of Items on Test 60

Reporting CategoryNumber of Items Number and Number Sense 7 Computation and Estimation 13 Measurement and Geometry 12 Probability, Statistics, Patterns, Functions, and Algebra 18 Number of Operational Items 50 Number of Field-Test Items* 10 Total Number of Items on Test 60

Reporting CategoryNumber of Items Number and Number Sense 9 Computation and Estimation 8 Measurement and Geometry 11 Probability, Statistics, Patterns, Functions, and Algebra 17 Number of Operational Items 45 Number of Field-Test Items* 8 Total Number of Items on Test 53

Study Tips and Study Skills O Students with better study methods and strategies score higher on their exams. Everyone is different. Different methods work for different people. O It is best to review the material right after class when it's still fresh in your memory. O Don't try to do all your studying the night before the test. Instead space out your studying, review class materials at least several times a week, focusing on one topic at a time.

Study Tips and Study Skills O Have all of your study materials in front of you: notes, study guides and any other relevant material. O Find a comfortable and quiet place to study with good lighting and little distractions (try avoiding your own bed; it is very tempting to just lie down and take a nap).

Study Tips and Study Skills O Start out by studying the most important information. O Take notes and write down a summary of the important ideas as you read through your study material. O Take short breaks frequently. Your memory retains the information that you study at the beginning and the end better than what you study in the middle.

Study Tips and Study Skills O Space out your studying, you'll learn more by studying a little every day instead of waiting to cram at the last minute. By studying every day, the material will stay in your long-term memory but if you try to study at the last moment, the material will only reside in your short-term memory that you'll easily forget. O Make sure that you understand the material well, don't just read through the material and try to memorize everything. O If you choose to study in a group, only study with others who are serious about the test.

Study Tips and Study Skills O Test yourself or have someone test you on the material to find out what your weak and strong areas are. O Listening to relaxing music such as classical or jazz on a low volume can also help. O Don't study later than the time you usually go to sleep, you may fall asleep or be tempted to go to sleep, instead try studying in the afternoon or early evening. If you are a morning person try studying in the morning.

Science SOL What to expect....

What is the Science SOL? O The Science SOL is a comprehensive test of your child’s K-5 Science education – with particular focus on standards learned in 4 th grade and 5 th grade Science O The Science SOL consist of 50 questions O The test consists of TEI questions – your child will have to move the information on the screen.

Science Vocabulary O Importance of vocabulary O Your child will need to know, understand, and apply 300 Science vocabulary words and Science concepts that they learned in 4 th and 5 th grade. O Students are provided Science Study Guides with the vocabulary and need to review the words and concept daily.

Words, concepts and Scientists our students need to know. 4 th grade Science Vocabulary

Words, concepts and Scientists our students need to know. 5 th Grade Science Vocabulary & Concepts

How parents can help? O Use the vocabulary from the study guide to create flashcards with your student and quiz them. O Ask your child questions about what they learned today. O Ask them to explain the Science concepts they learn. O Make sure your child regularly attends Science afterschool. O Ask your child good Science questions.

Questions to ask to reinforce the Science concepts Ask your child questions like: O “What is that cloud in the sky called?” O Is this plant vascular or non-vascular? O What phase is the moon in? O Can you name the 4 terrestrial planets? O Can you name the 4 planets that are Gas Giants? O What is the largest planet in our Solar System? O Can you name the 8 planets orbiting the Sun?

Science SOL Websites and Activities Practice and prepare for the Science SOL by checking out the following websites: O Solteacher.com: O Solpass.org Password: sol

Let’s preview the test O VDOE 5 th Grade Science SOL ting/sol/practice_items/index.s html#science

QUESTIONS? O Please contact me if you have any questions about the Science SOL. O Ms. Robin Skulrak

SOL Presentation Reading

Standards of Learning in Social Studies

GRADE 4 Students study Virginians who have made significant contributions to the United States and its history. They learn about the state of Virginia from 1607 to the present. Students acquire an understanding of how different cultures, politics, geography, and economics influenced and contributed to the development and growth of Virginia. The grade four curriculum also includes a study of Fairfax County.

Internet Resources: MyOn – aligned with Language Arts SOLPASS Snippets of Learning (FCPS) VDOE Virginia Studies Resources Family Trips: Museums in the DC, MD, and VA area

Thank you for attending tonight and supporting your child’s education. We appreciate all you do!