5TH GRADE SOL INFORMATION

NIGHTWhat do you need to know?

My child has taken SOLs before… If your child has already taken 3rd

and 4th grade SOL tests, then 5th grade SOL tests will not be very different.

We take Math, Science, Reading, and Writing SOL tests in 5th grade.

There are no Social Studies SOL tests for 5th grade.

My child is new to SOL testing!

Make sure to use all of the resources available to you.

SOLs are an online, multiple choice test. SOL tests are Virginia’s form of

accountability for the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act. VA is currently moving forward legislation to remove some tests (Science and Social Studies) and alter the other tests.

If your child fails an SOL test, it does NOT mean they fail 5th grade. It does help to determine placements in 6th grade.

So, what’s special in 5th grade?

The Writing SOL testTimeline2 Days of Testing

The Math TestCalculator and Non-Calculator Portion2 Days of Testing

The Reading TestOther than the increased reading level, it is the

same as the test students took in 4th grade. The Science Test

Includes 4th Grade Science SOLs

The Writing SOL Test

Students take the Multiple Choice SOL test first. This test focuses on grammar, spelling, punctuation, and organization of writing. It also features Technology Enhanced Items (TEI).

Students take the Short Paper SOL test two days later. They will be given a prompt to respond to in an essay.

Of all the SOL tests students take in elementary school, this test (the short paper) is typically the longest one.

Math and Science The Math Test is taken in two parts and students

will complete it over the course of two days. Much of our tests focuses on problem

solving/real-world strategies. Basically this means multi-step word problems.

The Science Test includes all material covered in 4th grade science. We review this in 5th grade.

Technology Enhanced Items (TEI) Technology enhanced items are more

than multiple choice. These can involve typing in the correct answer, selecting more than one correct answer, dragging and dropping items, selecting images, using Internet search results, etc.

What can I do to prepare my child?

Go to the VDOE website and practice the items that are available, especially the TEI.

Email your classroom teacher for additional ideas.

Should my child “cram” in May?Math & Science – Yes, definitely! Reading – No, because…

Middle School & SOL Scores Middle Schools use 5th Grade Reading and

Math SOL scores to help determine class placement for 6th grade English and Math courses.

Due to the increased rigor of the math and reading tests, middle schools are looking more into teacher recommendations than they have in the past.

What if…. If your child doesn’t pass an SOL

test, don’t stress yourself or your child out!While it may result in a

recommendation for summer school, it does NOT mean your child fails 5th grade.

Your child will still go to middle school, and will still take 6th grade level courses.Depending on the middle school, they

may be placed in a support class.

Questions???