Preparation for Third-Grade Students
Created by Mary C. Horton
West Point Elementary School
January 2013
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
,
, 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)
What is tested?
English
• Reading
comprehension of
fiction and nonfiction
text
• Word analysis
• Grammar
• Vocabulary
Link to English SOL Grade 3
Math
• Number & Number
Sense
• Computation &
Estimation
• Measurement
• Geometry
• Probability & Statistics
• Patterns, Functions, &
Algebra
Link to Math SOL Grade 3
What is tested?
Social Studies
Science
Cumulative (Grades K-3)
•History
Cumulative (Grades K-3)
• Scientific Investigation
• Force, Motion, &
Energy
• Matter
• Life Processes
• Living Systems
• Earth/Space Systems
• Earth Patterns & Cycles
• Resources
• 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
Link to History SOL Grade 3
Link to Science SOL Grade 3
How are SOLs tested?
• Online testing is practiced at school using
ePAT.
• You may also use ePAT from Pearson.
• Download launcher then download
tests. ePAT link
• Can be used offline.
• This year’s tests will be more rigorous
than the examples available for preview
and practice.
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
When are the SOL tests?
• Administered over a 2-week period in
May.
• Third-grade reading test taken in two
parts, each on a different day.
• There is usually at least one day
between tests.
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 webpage.
• Read with your child and listen as he reads to you.
• Ask questions about what he has read.
• 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.
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
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!