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Focusing on the New Mathematics SOL Assessments

Mathematics SOL Facts:
The new Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) were adopted by the Virginia Board of Education in 2009.
The new Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) were fully implemented in the 2011-12 school year.
The new Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) will be assessed for the first time in spring 2012.

 

News Release from the Virginia Department of Education:

February 22, 2012: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/news/news_releases/2012/feb22.shtml

"The mathematics tests most students will take this year are based exclusively on the 2009 Mathematics SOL and the more detailed 2009 Mathematics SOL Curriculum Framework, and assess the new content and increased rigor of the 2009 standards — including content that was previously taught and tested at different grade levels.

The new assessments also include new, technology-enhanced items that require students to demonstrate critical-thinking and problem-solving skills — as well as mathematics content knowledge. These innovative questions and problems make up between 10-15 percent of the items on the new tests. On the spring 2012 assessments in grades 3-5, the technology-enhanced items are field-test items that will not impact students’ scores."

"...schools and school divisions may see a temporary drop in pass rates as local curriculum and instructional strategies are adjusted to meet higher expectations for learning and achievement."

“Lower mathematics pass rates indicate Virginia is expecting more of students – not that students are learning less.” - Dr. Patricia Wright, VDOE Superintendent of Public Instruction

What has FCPS and VDOE done to support students and teachers?

Professional Development

The FCPS PreK-12 Mathematics Team developed resources and offered professional development to support teachers as they implemented the new standards. Including: 

• 2011 Summer Institute
• Countywide In-services
• eLearnIT Courses
• Electronic Newsletters
• After-School Specials (Elementary)
• Designated Monday Meetings (Elementary)

Student Remediation

Schools provide intervention time during the school day to support students’ mathematical development. Please contact your child's school to learn more about intervention programs.

Electronic Curriculum and Assessment Resource Tool (eCART)

eCART provides teachers with resources and formative assessments that support the new mathematics standards.

With the implementation of these strategies and tools in mathematics classrooms, FCPS continues to have high expectations for all of our students.

 

Parent Toolbox: Resources for Supporting Your Child

About the Test

What Parents & Students Should Know About the New Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning

Narrated Demonstration of New Technology-Enhanced Test Items

SOL Practice Items

SOL 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 for the mathematics, reading, science, and writing SOL tests.  Technology-Enhanced Items (TEI) require students to indicate their responses in ways other than a multiple-choice format. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/practice_items/index.shtml

Mathematics Vocabulary

Mathematics vocabulary word wall cards provide a display of mathematics content words and associated visual cues to assist in vocabulary development. The cards should be used as a reference for all students, particularly English learners and students with disabilities.  The vocabulary word wall cards are available for grades K-5 at this time.  The web link is listed below.

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/mathematics/resources/vocab_cards/index.shtml

Review Grade Level Content

Take an opportunity to talk to your child about the content they have learned this year.  For more information regarding the standards that were taught in each grade level/subject, please use the web link below.

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/mathematics/index.shtml

Most importantly, encourage your child to do his or her best.