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SOL Online Testing Information tutorials about the online testing process for parents
Loudoun students take nationally standardized Stanford 10 tests in the fall at specific grade levels and Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs) in May. PSAT's are administered to all 9th graders, as well as SAT's by choice at the high schools (Preliminary Scholastic Achievement Test and Scholastic Achievement Test-visit www.collegeboard.com for practice and info.)
In June of 1995, the Virginia Board of Education adopted the SOLs in four content areas: English, Mathematics, History, and Science. Several school divisions as well as thousands of Virginia’s parents, teachers, principals, school board members, and community leaders contributed to the original drafts of the new standards. They have undergone revision several times before being adopted by the Board of Education. The testing program was then developed.
The Standards of Accreditation (SOA) require that students be tested with the SOL assessments in grades 3, 5, and 8. Additionally, high school students who are taking selected courses for which SOL assessments have been developed must take the End-of-Course SOL tests associated with those courses.
Beginning with the Class of 2004, students must earn verified credit to qualify for a standard or advanced studies diploma. A student earns verified credit by passing the SOL test associated with that course. To earn a standard diploma, students must earn 6 verified credits; to earn an advanced studies diploma a student must earn 9 verified credits.
A school’s performance on the SOL tests will be a component in the accreditation of schools, with the requirement that 70% of eligible students in a school pass the SOL tests in each of the core areas (except Science and History at grade 3 where it is 50%) for full accreditation.
Adequate Yearly Progress
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 requires states to set annual objectives for achievement in reading and mathematics. Schools, school divisions, and states that meet or exceed these goals are deemed to have met the federal law's definition of Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Harmony made AYP for 2004-2005.
Please read the following information before reviewing the data:
Reminder: Test scores in and of themselves do not give a full picture of the academic progress of a school. We encourage you to visit the school. Please contact the office for an appointment.
Understanding Adequate Yearly Progress (from the VA Dept. Of Educ.)
Several factors play a role in determining whether a school or school division in Virginia makes adequate yearly progress (AYP):
· At least 95 percent of the students in the grades tested must take statewide tests in Reading/Language Arts and mathematics;
· At least 95 percent of the students in the following groups in the grades tested must take statewide tests in Reading/Language Arts and mathematics: black, white, Hispanic, students with disabilities, economically disadvantaged students, and limited English proficient students;
· The percentage of students who pass tests in each subject and the percentage of students in each of the above groups who pass in each subject area must meet or exceed the state's annual goals for AYP;
· A school, school division, state, or group of students within a school, school division, or state also is considered to have made adequate yearly progress if it meets the requirements for participation and the number of students who fail tests in Reading/Language Arts and/or mathematics declines by 10 percent or more. This is known as "Safe Harbor" provision of the law.
· In order to make AYP, a school or school division also must show improvement in attendance or specific areas. High schools that make AYP through safe harbor must show improvement or achieve a pass rate of a specified percentage (varies by subject area- see School Report Cards).
· See Virginia School Report Cards
Helpful Links for Parents
Online SOL Practice Links are found on Harmony's SOL Practice page for students to take practice tests.
Resources for Instruction:
Other helpful links: