1. Middle School Content Academy SOL Prep April 27 & April 28, 2016 Fairfield Middle School & Hungary Creek Middle School

2. Setting the SOL Stage – Clear Expectations!  Why is the SOL test important to you and/or your students?  Exam Exemption? Impacts overall grade for the course!  Remediation?  Important to the school?  Important to you?  Know your test! Inform your students!  Look at the blueprint.blueprint  How many strands? How many questions in each strand?  What is the cut score? Advanced cut score?cut score  Math 6 = 56% (28/50), advanced 90% (45/50) CAT6!!!  Math 7 = 62% (31/50), advanced 90% (45/50) CAT7!!!  Math 8 = 62% (31/50), advanced 92% (46/50) CAT8!!!  How many questions should you get correct in order to pass?  It cannot be determined!

3. Computer Adaptive Testing Resources  Computer Adaptive Tests (CAT) are assessments customized for each student. How a student responds to a question determines the difficulty of the next item. A correct response leads to a more difficult item, while an incorrect response results in the selection of a less difficult item for the student. Computer Adaptive Tests (CAT)  Middle School Mathematics CAT Training Test – USE INTERNET EXPLORER! Middle School Mathematics CAT Training Test  The CAT training test is comprised of previously released grade 6 mathematics test questions. This training test is recommended for use with grades 6, 7, and 8 mathematics students so that they can practice navigating through a computer adaptive test prior to the actual test taking experience.  Because of the limited number of grade 6 mathematics released items, the CAT training test has fewer questions than an actual SOL test. Therefore, the training test will not have the same degree of customization for different levels of achievement as the actual CAT will provide.  The training test will not be scored.  The “stop sign” screen within this training test simulates the screen between Section 1 and Section 2 of the actual grades 6 through 8 mathematics SOL tests.

4. CAT Resources  Comparison of a Computer Adaptive Test and a Traditional Test (PDF) Comparison of a Computer Adaptive Test and a Traditional Test  Frequently Asked Questions about Computer Adaptive Testing (PDF) Frequently Asked Questions about Computer Adaptive Testing

5. Testing Implementation Manual Test Implementation ManualTest Implementation Manual (TIM) The TIM can assist in answering many questions regarding SOL Testing. I would strongly suggest that mathematics leaders review the “Important Reminders for Spring 2016” section at the beginning of the document. Topics that may be of interest in the “Reminders” section:  Grades 3, 6, 7, and 8 Mathematics Computer Adaptive Tests (CAT) Including Plain English  Expedited Retake Testing  Retesters Other topics of interest:  Allowable Test Manipulatives for Grades 6–8 Tests (numbered page 20, page 40/150 of the PDF)  Allowable Test Manipulatives for End-of-Course SOL Tests (numbered page 21, page 41/150 of the PDF)  Grade 8 and EOC Mathematics Tests and Corresponding Formula Sheets (numbered page 22, page 42/150 of the PDF)  State-Approved Calculators (numbered page 23, page 43/150 of the PDF)

6. Examiners Manuals Examiner’s Manuals contain the information, guidance, procedures, and responsibilities that the Test Examiners and Proctors are required to follow in order to administer the SOL tests. These manuals also contain the testing directions for online format tests. Non-Writing Examiner's Manuals 2015-2016  Grades 6, 7 & 8 (PDF) Grades 6, 7 & 8  End-of-Course Mathematics (PDF) End-of-Course Mathematics

7. Giving the SOL Simulation  Why are we giving a simulation?  How are you giving it? Parts or one sitting?  Simulate the testing environment.  Clean Formula Sheet  Clean Grid and Scratch Paper  No Phones (collect them)  Pencil and 1 other color (highlighter, pencil, or pen)

8. Planning for Review and Remediation  Examine the data…determine the needs!  What will give you the biggest bang for the buck?  Know your “bubble babies”!  What topics need whole group remediation?  Review by SOL objective and/or strand  What topics need small group remediation?  How are you addressing this need?  Find time for remediation! Use backwards design to determine the schedule.  Plan should be based on the amount of time allotted  During school? After school? Weekends?  Expedited Retakes!!! How does this impact your testing schedule?  Where can you consolidate material? Teach vs. Cover?

9. Making Review Fun and Purposeful!  Make review time meaningful for you and students.  Provide students with printed copies of aligned review materials.  Create a packet  Use simulation tests from previous years  Have students track their own data - Chart student progress and growth  Work out problems prior to assigning them to students.  Identify 2-3 different ways of working the problems  Content, test-taking strategies, calculator strategies  Establish a process for checking practice problems.  TestNav and other online practice.

10. Sample Review Activities

11. Questioning Techniques  Explanation of answers is important. Do this regularly for multiple choice!  How did you get your answer? Is it because of content or test-taking skills?  Why are incorrect answers eliminated?  Make sure all students believe they can find the right answer!  Incorporate as many word problems as possible.  Error analysis on assessments – Why is work incorrect?

12. Brainstorm Incentives  Class competitions? Teacher competitions?  What do you want to emphasize?  Participation? Growth? Effort? Organization? Group goals?  How do you want to reward students?  Treats  Celebrations  Certificates  Points  Grades  Raffle tickets

13. SOL Resources! What is out there? We now begin your journey through the vast amounts of SOL resources…  VDOE Materials  Henrico Materials  Miscellaneous/Odds & Ends

14. VDOE SOL Testing Preparation Resources  Released Tests – LOOK IN INTERACTIVE ACHIEVEMENT!  Released mathematics SOL tests from the Spring 2013 SOL Test Administration were posted in spring 2014. Released mathematics SOL tests  Released EOC mathematics SOL item sets from the Spring 2014 SOL Test Administration (Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II) were released in March 2015.

15. VDOE SOL Testing Preparation Resources  SOL Practice Items  Practice items provide examples of the new content and increased rigor represented by the revised Standards of Learning (SOL) and illustrate the new Technology-Enhanced Item types. Practice items

16. VDOE SOL Testing Preparation Resources  Online Mathematics Tools Practice Looking for a way for your students to practice with TestNav online tools? Mathematics Tools Practice allows students to practice using the online tools such as the ruler, protractor, or compass available within TestNav. Mathematics Tools Practice  Grades 3-8 Tools Practice Grades 3-8 Tools Practice  End-of-Course Tools Practice End-of-Course Tools Practice Remember – Use Internet Explorer and not Chrome!

17. VDOE SOL Testing Preparation Resources  Student Performance Analysis  Performance analysis presentations contain concrete examples of the content for which student performance was weak or inconsistent in past SOL test administrations. Performance analysis presentations  Listen to the PPT presentations!  Available for 2012, 2013, and 2014.

18. VDOE SOL Testing Preparation Resources  Scratch paper must be of a single color and blank (must not contain any words, numbers, symbols, labels, or graphics). Acceptable scratch paper includes plain paper (no lines), lined paper, grid/graph paper, sticky notes, and note cards.  For online testing, the use of patty paper, dry-erase markers, and transparencies is not permitted. Students may not trace images directly from the computer monitor. Students may not hold anything up to the computer monitor.  Grid paper samples (PDF) – grid paper must be unmarked (no words, numbers, symbols, labels or graphics) and contain squares of equal size. This sample contains half inch, quarter inch, and centimeter grid paper, as well as a page with eighth inch individual grids. Grid paper samples  No Axes!

19. VDOE SOL Testing Preparation Resources  2009 SOL – Ancillary Test Materials for assessments based on the 2009 Mathematics Standards of Learning  Ancillary Materials Ancillary Materials  Grade 6 Formula Sheet (PDF) Grade 6 Formula Sheet  Grade 7 Formula Sheet (PDF) Grade 7 Formula Sheet  Grade 8 Formula Sheet (PDF) Grade 8 Formula Sheet  EOC Algebra I Formula Sheet (PDF) EOC Algebra I Formula Sheet  EOC Geometry Formula Sheet (PDF) EOC Geometry Formula Sheet  EOC Algebra II Formula Sheet (PDF) EOC Algebra II Formula Sheet  Table of Standard Normal Probabilities (z-table) (PDF) Table of Standard Normal Probabilities (z-table)

20. Calculators  VDOE Approved Calculators VDOE Approved Calculators  CASIO FX-260 School  TI-30Xa Solar School Edition

21. Additional Resources  Henrico Website - Self-Assessments: Practice SOL questions in ExamView format Henrico Website  Henrico Math SOL Resources – compilation of SOL review materials from different counties Henrico Math SOL Resources  Course 1, Course 2, Course 3 Course 1, Course 2, Course 3  Content academies – Review of Performance Analysis Content academies – Review of Performance Analysis  ExamView test banks ExamView test banks  Interactive Achievement Probes and Simulations  Create SOL Packet using old versions of SOL Simulation (see 2014 Regional simulation)  Math Coach Books  Jefferson Lab – You can personalize it! Jefferson Lab  Houghton Mifflin Test Prep Packets Houghton Mifflin Test Prep Packets  Online Practice  TTM  TestNav  AllenTeachers – TEI site AllenTeachers  Miscellaneous websites – IXL, Study Island

22. Review Strategies  Sample: Chesterfield SOL mini quizzes (on Math SOL Resources Page)  SOL tracker – charting student progress SOL tracker  Students track their own progress, strengths and weaknesses

23. Review Strategies  Sample Student Recording Chart  http://www.glencoe.com/sites/common_assets/workbooks/math/AlgebraCAV A/a1vasol2.pdf http://www.glencoe.com/sites/common_assets/workbooks/math/AlgebraCAV A/a1vasol2.pdf

24. Preparing for the SOL test  http://blog1.glencoe.com/virginia/what%E2%80%99s-your-sol-strategy/ http://blog1.glencoe.com/virginia/what%E2%80%99s-your-sol-strategy/  Pre-game Prep: 1. Go to bed early the night before the test. You’ll think more clearly after a good night’s rest. 2. Eat something healthy the morning of the test. You don’t want your stomach to growl while you’re trying to concentrate. 3. Relax. Most people get nervous when taking a test. That’s a natural reaction. Be confident in your preparations and do your best.

25. Preparing for the SOL test  How can you do well on multiple-choice questions? 1. Read the directions carefully to figure out which answer the test requires—the best answer or the right answer. This is especially important when answer choices include “all of the above” or “none of the above.” 2. Watch for negative words in the questions, such as not, except, unless, never, and so forth. If the question contains a negative, the correct answer choice is the one that does not fit. 3. Don’t make assumptions about what the question might be; read the whole question. There’s a big difference between the questions “Do you like chocolate ice cream?” and “Do you like only chocolate ice cream?” 4. Cover the options and try to answer the question in your head before reading the answer choices. 5. Look for key words, or clues, in the question to support your answer. 6. Read every answer choice. Sometimes you’ll read the first answer and think it is definitely right. Be careful! Read the other answer choices before marking your answer. You might find an even better answer choice than the first one you liked. 7. Cross out answer choices that are obviously wrong. Then use the process of elimination to choose an answer from those that remain. 8. When you have finished each question, reread it to make sure your answer is reasonable.

26. Preparing for the SOL test  What about questions with graphics? 1. Many questions on the SOLs have graphs, charts, maps, time lines, or political cartoons that you need to use to find the answer. 2. Read the title, labels, and keys. They each give important information for understanding the graphic. 3. Look closely at all the details. You can find a ton of information in the graph, chart, or map if you look at the specifics as well as the big picture.

27. Preparing for the SOL test  Crunch Time? 1. Remember to pace yourself. If you work too quickly, you‘ll be more likely to make mistakes. Instead, read each question and all the answer choices carefully. 2. If you get stuck, mark the question for review, skip it, and answer the next question. When you come to the last question, you can go back and reread those questions you did not understand. Not any more!!