2024 SOL Testing Information

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The Virginia SOL assessments are given each spring to provide information on individual student achievement with the grade-level curriculum. Students at Oak Knoll have worked diligently throughout the year and are well prepared for the upcoming Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) tests.

Our 8th grade students will take an integrated reading/writing SOL on Thursday, April 18, 2024. This is a new test which replaced the 8th grade writing test this school year.

All other students will begin taking SOL tests on Thursday, May 1, 2024. All students at Oak Knoll Middle School will take a reading and math SOL test. 8th grade students will also take a science and civics SOL. The regular testing sessions are from 9:00 to 11:45 a.m. Students may have additional time if needed but must complete the test in one school day. Testing days at Oak Knoll Middle School are as follows:

• Wednesday, May 1: Reading SOL
• Tuesday, May 7: Civics SOL
• Wednesday, May 8: Science SOL
• Tuesday, May 14: Math SOLs

In addition, make-up tests and retakes will take place throughout testing from May 2 through May 24.

Middle school students enrolled in a course that requires a Standards of Learning (SOL) test shall be exempt from their final assessment if they earn a proficient score as defined by the Virginia Department of Education (400 or higher).

According to the Virginia Department of Education, students in grades 3–8 are eligible to take an expedited retake if the student is passing the course associated with the SOL assessment and failed the test by a narrow margin as defined as a scaled score of 375–399. The decision to retake or not to retake any or all of the SOL assessments will not impact your child's grade in the class or his/her promotion to the next grade level. A letter will be going home to parents regarding expedited retakes shortly.

Here are some tips that will help your child to do their best on the SOL tests:

• Charge Chromebooks the night before each test so students arrive at school with a fully charged Chromebook. Loaner computers are not available for students with uncharged Chromebooks.
• Help your child arrive at school on time and do not pick up your student before the end of the testing window.
• Please have your child keep wearable technology (Apple watches, Fitbits, Airpods, etc.) at home as they will not be allowed to wear them during the test.
• Student phones will be turned off and turned in to the teacher during testing if they are brought to school.