SOL Elementary and Middle School Assessment - Parent Notification
Understand the SOL tests that students in grades 3-8 will take this spring
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Full Text of Letter (Grades 3-8)
The following provides content from the division's SOL notification of testing and retest permission form for families of students in grades 3-8. Links to printable PDF translations are also included below.
NOTIFICATION OF TESTING AND RETEST PERMISSION FORM
SOL Non-Writing Assessments, Grades 3-8
Dear Parents and Guardians:
State assessments measure the extent to which students have learned the content and skills reflected in state standards. The format for state assessments vary by grade level and content area. These include:
- Standards of Learning (SOL) standardized tests in reading, mathematics, and science; More information can be found on the SOL assessments webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/sol-assessments);
- Local alternative assessments (LAAs) including performance-based assessments (PBAs) completed as part of classroom instruction throughout the school year for science, writing, and social studies; More information can be found on the LAA and PBA webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/45043) .
Both SOL tests and LAAs provide information about student achievement, and student results are shared with families. Reporting methods and timing vary based on the assessment format for the grade level and content area, as noted in the table below.
| Grade | Content Areas Tested |
|---|---|
| 3 | Reading1, Mathematics1, Science2, Social Studies2 |
| 4 | Reading1, Mathematics1, Social Studies2 |
| 5 | Reading1, Mathematics1, Science1, Writing2 |
| 6 | Reading1, Mathematics1, Social Studies2 |
| 7 | Reading1, Mathematics1, Social Studies2 |
| 8 | Reading1, Mathematics1, Science1, Social Studies2, Writing2 |
1 Standardized SOL test; score report letters posted in the Student Information System (SIS) ParentVUE in summer
2 LAA format; performance shared as part of ongoing feedback and incorporated into quarterly progress reports
Students in our school will be taking the SOL tests between __________________ and _________________. Closer to these testing dates, we will share additional information about the schedule for your student’s tests. Please notify your student’s teacher if you become aware of an unavoidable conflict that could result in missing a SOL test day. If you have questions about state assessments, contact your student’s teacher or the school test coordinator.
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Parent Permission to Retest Form
The Virginia Board of Education allows elementary and middle school students who fail Standards of Learning (SOL) tests by a narrow margin to retake the test before the end of the school year. Retesting is available when a student fails their first attempt with a score of 375-399 (where 400 is passing).
Parent permission is required for any retests in grades 3-8. If you believe that your student would benefit from a second opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills on the SOL test, please complete this permission form and return it to the school. A decision not to allow retesting will not impact your student’s course grade or academic record.
Return this permission form to your student’s teacher or the school test coordinator no later than ____________________. A form must be returned for each student.
Student’s Name _____________ Date __________
Parent’s/Guardian’s Name (Printed) __________________
Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature ___________________
_____ No, do not retest my student if their SOL score is between 375 and 399. I understand that this decision will not impact my student’s course grade or academic record.
_____ Yes, provide my student with the opportunity to retake SOL tests if their initial score is between 375 and 399.