1. Preparation for Fourth-Grade Students

2. What are SOLs? “Virginia supports teaching and learning through the statewide system of support and accountability for the commonwealth’s public schools and school divisions. “The commonwealth sets rigorous academic standards, known as the Standards of Learning (SOL), and measures achievement through annual SOL tests…. “The system provides schools, school divisions, and the Virginia Department of Education with critical data to inform the development and implementation of effective instructional strategies and best practices.” (Virginia Department of Education)

3. What is tested? English Reading comprehension of fiction and nonfiction text Word analysis Vocabulary Math Number & Number Sense Computation & Estimation Measurement & Geometry Probability & Statistics, Patterns, Functions, & Algebra http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing /sol/standards_docs/english/index.s html http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing /sol/standards_docs/mathematics/i ndex.shtml

4. What is tested? Social Studies Virginia Studies History Geography Economics Civics Science 4 th Grade Content will be tested in 5 th Grade Scientific Investigation Force, Motion, & Energy Electricity & Magnetism Life Processes Living Systems Earth/Space Systems Earth Patterns & Cycles Resources http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/ standards_docs/history_socialscience/in dex.shtml http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/sta ndards_docs/science/index.shtml

5. How are SOLs tested? Online testing is practiced at school using ePAT and Interactive Achievement. You may also use ePAT from Pearson. Download launcher then download tests. Can be used offline. This year’s tests will be more rigorous than the examples available for preview and practice on ePAT. http://www.pearsonaccess.com/cs/Satellite?c=Page&childpagename=Virginia% 2FvaPALPLayout&cid=1175826755281&pagename=vaPALPWrapper

6. When are the SOL tests? TestDate ReadingWednesday, May 14 at 9:00 a.m. Math Wednesday, May 28 at 9:00 a.m. (non calculator) Thursday, May 29 at 9:00 a.m. (calculator) Social StudiesWednesday, May 21 at 1:00 p.m.

7. How do I help my child prepare for the SOL tests? Save and review all study guides and interactive notebooks from science, social studies, and math. Read with your child and listen as he reads to you. Ask questions about what he has read. Practice automatic recall of all basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts. Measure length, volume, & weight. Discuss fraction topics while cooking/baking.

8. How do I help my child prepare for the SOL tests? Online resources WPES Internet Resources link: http://wpes.wpschools.net/ Jefferson Lab – Math and Science SOL released test questions http://education.jlab.org/solquiz/index.html http://education.jlab.org/solquiz/index.html SOLPass – Science and Social Studies games including grades K - 3 (Password: wpes) http://solpass.org/elementary.htmlhttp://solpass.org/elementary.html Rockingham County Schools Resources site http://www.rockingham.k12.va.us/resources/elementary/4math.ht m http://www.rockingham.k12.va.us/resources/elementary/4math.ht m STAR (Suffolk Teaching Activities and Resources): all subjects http://star.spsk12.net/ http://star.spsk12.net/ Collection of links to other sites: http://www.virginiasol.com/test_grade4.htm http://www.virginiasol.com/test_grade4.htm Flash Card Maker http://www.kitzkikz.com/flashcards/

9. Summary We will explain, model, guide, and practice all Virginia Standards of Learning with your child. We ask your cooperation with review and practice requirements. Your child’s success depends on his attitude as well as aptitude. We have Super Outstanding Learners!