# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Your browser does not support JavaScript! This site uses JavaScript but is fully functional without it.

News & Announcements

2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning Test Performance Analysis

Statewide results on Standards of Learning (SOL) mathematics tests, based on the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning and administered in spring 2019, have been analyzed to determine specific content for which overall student performance was weak or inconsistent. These presentations are available and are intended to provide educators with further insight into the mathematics concepts that challenged students statewide.

Online Calculator in Mathematics Standards of Learning Assessments

As announced in Superintendent's Memo 043-19 (Word) on February 15, 2019, the VDOE is extending the transition period to the Desmos Virginia Calculators through the 2020-2021 school year.

The Standards of Learning (SOL) for Virginia Public Schools establish minimum expectations for what students should know and be able to do at the end of each grade or course in English, mathematics, science, history/social science and other subjects.

SOL tests in reading, writing, mathematics, science and history/social science measure the success of students in meeting the Board of Education's expectations for learning and achievement. All items on SOL tests are reviewed by Virginia classroom teachers for accuracy and fairness and teachers also assist the state Board of Education in setting proficiency standards for the tests.

Innovation in Student Assessment

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is a national leader in the use of technology to develop and administer the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests. Virginia's school divisions have been administering online tests to students for over a decade. Innovations include a new test delivery system, a computer adaptive format for most mathematics and reading tests, and the use of various technology-enhanced items. Virginia has also added an online calculator from Desmos to improve the testing experience of students while taking online mathematics tests.

Online Test Delivery Software: TestNav

The SOL tests are completed by students in Virginia's public schools using the online testing application, TestNav™. This application allows SOL tests to be administered securely to students using a wide variety of devices including desktop computers, laptop computers, and tablets all with a minimum screen size of 9.5".

As resource to school divisions and families, the VDOE provides Practice Items in TestNav. The Practice Items serve as an introduction to online test navigation, online tools, item formatting, and overall functionality and appearance of SOL tests within TestNav.

Computer Adaptive Testing

A computer adaptive test (CAT) is an assessment that is customized for every student based on how the student responds to the test questions. Students who take online grades 3-8 mathematics and grades 3-8 reading tests will be administered a computer adaptive version of the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests.

Technology-Enhanced Items

Today's online SOL assessments challenge students to apply what they have learned in ways not possible with traditional multiple-choice tests. Reading, writing, mathematics, and science assessments include "technology enhanced" items that require students to demonstrate critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, much as they do in response to classroom assignments from teachers. Online history tests will contain field-test TEI (which do not count towards a student's score) during the spring 2017 test administration.

Beyond Multiple Choice: Teachers Discuss Virginia's New Mathematics Standards - Educators and VDOE on the 2009 standards and aligned assessments.

TIP: Finding your way around the site - Use the menu to the right to navigate to the sub-sections of this topic, find related topics and access VDOE office and staff contact information.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
VDOE :: Standards of Learning (SOL) and Testing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Testing and Accountability description goes here.