Preparation for Third-Grade Students Created by Mary C. Horton West Point Elementary School

1. Preparation for Third-Grade Students Created by Mary C. Horton West Point Elementary School Revised January 2014

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 Math • Number & Number Sense • Computation & Estimation • Measurement • Geometry • Probability & Statistics • Patterns, Functions, & Algebra Link to English SOL Grade 3 Link to Math SOL Grade 3

4. What is tested? Social Studies Cumulative (Grades K-3) • History • Includes people and events studied in K, 1, and 2 also! • Geography • Includes places and terms studied in K, 1, and 2 also! • Economics • Civics Science Cumulative (Grades K-3) • Scientific Investigation • Force, Motion, & Energy • Matter • Life Processes • Living Systems • Earth/Space Systems • Earth Patterns & Cycles • Resources Link to History SOL Grade 3 Link to Science SOL Grade 3

5. How are SOLs tested? • Online testing is practiced at school using Interactive Achievement and ePAT. • You may also use ePAT from Pearson. • Download the launcher then download tests. ePAT link • ePAT can be used offline. • This year’s tests will be more rigorous than the examples available for preview and practice.

6. How are these tests more rigorous? • Higher-order thinking skills required • Multi-step problems • Analysis of tables, charts, pictures • Application of knowledge in new context • Confidence in technology use Link to Technology Enhanced Items

7. When are the 3rd grade SOL tests? • Administered over a 2-week period May 13 – 22 (tentative schedule) • Third-grade reading test is taken in two parts, on consecutive days. • Third-grade math test is taken in two parts, on consecutive days. • There is at least one day between other SOL tests.

8. How do I help my child prepare for the SOL tests? • Save and review all study guides from science and social studies. Science and Social Studies study guides will be added to class webpages. • To develop a love of reading, please read with your child and listen as he reads to you. • Improve stamina by increasing the volume of reading using chapter books and series books. • Ask questions about what he has read. • “Who, what, where, when, why, & how?” • “Show me where you found the information to answer this.” • “What is a question that can be answered in paragraph 3?” • Practice automatic recall of all basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts. • Measure length, volume, & weight. • Count coins and make change. • Practice telling time on analog clocks.

9. How do I help my child prepare for the SOL tests? LINKS TO ONLINE RESOURCES • WPES Internet Resources link • Jefferson Lab – Math and Science SOL released test questions • SOLPass – Science and Social Studies games including grades K - 3 (Password: wpes) • IXL Math – math skills practice (Password available) • Rockingham County Schools Resources site: all subjects • STAR (Suffolk Teaching Activities &Resources): all subjects • Collection of links to other sites: http://www.virginiasol.com/test_grade3.htm

10. 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!