The SOL testing app
SOL season has finally hit and it has been a busy two weeks as teachers and students prepare for them. The reading SOL for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders was on Tuesday, May 20th. The next SOLs are scheduled for next week. On Tuesday May 27, 7th graders take the civics and economics SOL, 8th graders take the science SOL and 9th graders take the biology SOL. On Wednesday, May 28, grades 6 through 9 are taking the math SOL.
These next SOLs will be particularly hard for the 8th graders because they take so many during their last year of middle school. The 8th graders take four SOLs in addition to the geography PBAs, or project-based assessments. Their SOLs are in writing, reading, science, and math. However, the stress could also have a benefit. As Leigh, one of H-B’s resource teachers, pointed out, “The fact that the 8th grade has so many SOLs really condensed in a week or so might prepare students for future times in their education where they have a lot of high-stakes things at the same time.”
The 11th graders took their writing SOL a few weeks ago on Tuesday, May 6th. The writing SOL is crucial because you have to pass it to get the advanced diploma when you graduate. Josh, the 11th grade English teacher, said, “Throughout the year students are constantly writing and constantly thinking, the combination of thinking and expressing oneself equal success on the test.”
There has been a lot of stress on students these past few weeks, and teachers are trying to support them in any way they can. Kelsey, the 7th and 8th grade math teacher, said, “Right now sure, we are reviewing the content, but I’m really trying to boost the confidence and bring everything together.”
Good luck to all students who are taking SOLs soon!