A Student’s Guide to the VA SOLs THE SOL and YOU! A Student’s Guide to the VA SOLs

WHAT IS the SOL? SOL stands for “Standards of Learning” Created by the VA Department of Ed to evaluate student achievement, academic rigor, and identify areas in which improvement is needed across our state A standardized test that students take in subjects such as Reading, Math, Writing, Science, and Social Studies (certain grade levels) Elementary, Middle and High School students take SOLs

SOLs – Do they matter to me? YES!!!!!!!! Importance of Passing the SOL while in middle school Succeeding now on the SOL will help you succeed on high school SOLs All High School students are REQUIRED to PASS each SOL given in each of their high school core classes to be able to graduate SOL scores impact what classes / courses students can take at the middle school level and at the high school level. HS graduation and course selections both impact your FUTURE!

OK, so what do I need to do in order to PASS the SOL? Prepping for the SOL (and your future!) Come to school every day! Being absent only hurts your chances of academic success. Study each of your subjects at least 20 minutes per night. Really review your material. You can learn how to study by talking with your teachers, parents, and school counselor. Do you homework, review it, edit it, put your best effort into it! Turn it in on time. Ask questions in class. Participate in class activities and discussions. Attend after school study sessions / academic support sessions as offered Be an Organized Learner – know where your school materials are and be responsible for them, Be prepared for your classes. Eat healthy meals, exercise your body AND your mind, get plenty of rest.

DURING THE SOL...Test Taking Tips Use Positive Self Talk Take Deep Breaths if nervous Listen to the test proctor, and to all directions given Concentrate on your work, reading each question carefully and choosing the best answer Take your time Talk about other Test Taking Tips! What do YOU do that works for you? (share out session)

Test Taking & Academic Achievement School Counseling Activities 2016-2017 Three Ways: Guidance Lesson Test Taking Skills for SOLs and Academic Achievement was provided to all PKMS Students during scheduling activities (8th to 9th grade scheduling talks were held in Feb. and March 2017, 7th to 8th and 6th to 7th grade scheduling talks were held in April 2017). Led by Counselors: Gorham, DiMisa and Young. ELL Level 4 females in Grades 6, 7 and 8 attended a student success lesson on test taking and academic achievement on April 26, 2017, led by our Intern Tessa Davis and supervised by Mr. Gorham. ELL Level 3 and 4 8th grade students in Ms. Izzo’s classroom participated in a classroom counseling lesson on test taking and academic achievement skills in April 2017, led by Mr. Gorham.