Preparation for Third-Grade Students
Created by Mary C. Horton
West Point Elementary School
Revised January 2014
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
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
Link to History SOL Grade 3
Science
Cumulative (Grades K-3)
• Scientific Investigation
• Force, Motion, &
Energy
• Matter
• Life Processes
• Living Systems
• Earth/Space Systems
• Earth Patterns & Cycles
• Resources
Link to Science SOL Grade 3
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.
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 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.
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.
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!