1. Preparation for Fifth-Grade Students Created by Mary C. Horton West Point Elementary School February 2012

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 Grammar Vocabulary Writing 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 United States to 1865 History Geography Economics Civics Science Cumulative (Grades 4-5) Scientific Investigation Force, Motion, & Energy Matter 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. 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. http://www.pearsonaccess.com/cs/Satellite?c=Page&childpagename=Virginia% 2FvaPALPLayout&cid=1175826755281&pagename=vaPALPWrapper

6. When are the SOL tests? TestDate Writing Direct PromptThursday, March 27 at 9:00 a.m. Writing Multiple Choice Wednesday, March 26 at 9:00 a.m. ReadingTuesday, May 13 at 9:00 a.m. Social StudiesFriday, May 30 at 9:00 a.m. MathThursday, May 22 at 9:00 a.m. ScienceWednesday, May 28 at 1:00 p.m.

7. How do I help my child prepare for the SOL tests? Save and review all study guides from science and social studies. Review Interactive Notebook Materials. 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. Practice Fractions while cooking or baking.

8. How do I help my child prepare for the SOL tests? Online resources WPES Internet Resources link: http://wpes.wpschools.net/domain/134 http://wpes.wpschools.net/domain/134 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 - 5 (Password: wpes) http://solpass.org/elementary.htmlhttp://solpass.org/elementary.html Rockingham County Schools Resources site http://www.rockingham.k12.va.us/resources/elementary/5math.ht m http://www.rockingham.k12.va.us/resources/elementary/5math.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_grade5.htm http://www.virginiasol.com/test_grade5.htm www.solteacher.com 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!