What is the Virginia SOL Test?

posted by Karen Quinn, The Testing Mom - March 8th, 2015

If you live in Virginia, you’ve no doubt heard of the Virginia SOL test. This is the state achievement test given to kids in Virginia, and covers English, math, science, and social studies. SOL tests for English and math are given at the end of every grade from 3rd through 8th grade; SOL exams for science and history are given in grades 3, 5, and 8. Tests for all subjects are given at the end of many high school classes.

Virginia SOL test stands for Standards of Learning, and was developed in response to No Child Left Behind, or NCLB, after that law was passed back in 2002.

Virginia has opted not to join the emerging Common Core State Standards, which aspire to impose a single set of standards across as many states as possible. Virginia has joined other states including Texas, Indiana, Nebraska, and Oklahoma in sticking with its existing state tests. For that reason, the Virginia SOL test is likely to be around for some time to come.

The Virginia Department of Education has more information on the Virginia SOL test as well as released questions from previous exams.  This is a great resource for parents who are looking to see what the format and content of the Virginia SOL test looks like.

If your child is getting ready to take the test, the best way to make sure they’re prepared is to go over the material they’ve been learning in school. As is the case in most other states, teachers in Virginia aim to tailor their curriculum to the Virginia SOL test so that students are prepared for the exam at the end of the year. The test, in turn, is designed to ensure that students have the knowledge they need to do well in school and be prepared when they enter subsequent grades and, ultimately, college.

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