Optimizing Student Success in Standardized Testing Programs

In the era of high-stakes testing, it is essential that each student required to take a standardized test does his/her best.  Not only must students participate in the initial round of tests, but at the high school level, those who are eligible must participate in the retake and expedited retake administrations.  Listed below are the expectations for students, parents, teachers and administrators, all of whom play a key role in a successful test administration and student success.

Practice SOL Tests

• Study materials and master concepts presented in the class.
• Practice and prepare for benchmark and SOL test administrations.
• Attend school regularly, and be on time on test administration days.
• Become familiar with and adhere to the SOL test administration schedule.
• Take testing opportunities seriously.
  

• Become familiar with graduation and SOL testing requirements.
• Become familiar with their child’s SOL test schedule.
• Ensure that their child has sufficient rest and nutrition prior to test days.
• Ensure that their child is present for all scheduled SOL test administrations.
• Encourage and challenge students to do their personal best
• Celebrate successes of students who do their best.
  

• Use curriculum maps, the VDOE subject curriculum framework and benchmark test analysis to ensure mastery of SOL curriculum and concepts by all students.
• Provide sufficient review of concepts prior to SOL test administration.
• Notify students and parents of SOL test schedule in order to avoid unnecessary absences from testing.
• Ensure all accommodations are provided as stated in the student’s IEP.
• Familiarize students with SOL test administration format.  (For online administrations, students need to be introduced to TestNav software and online testing tools.)
• Encourage and challenge students to do their personal best.
• Celebrate successes of students who do their best.
  

• Notify students, parents and teachers of SOL testing schedules in a timely fashion.
• Schedule each SOL test administration to capitalize on areas of strength and allows additional instructional time for areas of need.
• Expect 100% effort by all students; expect 100% support and encouragement by all teachers.
• Ensure that all students are present in testing sessions.  Administrative team members and guidance counselors should work collaboratively to retrieve missing students during test administrations. 
• Contact parents of students who are absent from SOL test administrations in order to schedule makeup test arrangements.
  

• Determine which students need to retake SOL tests.  Assign those students to remediation classes and require participation.  Staff with excellent teachers, provide appropriate materials and maintain an expectation for success. 
• Notify parents of opportunities to retake previously failed end-of-course tests.
• Provide parents with an opportunity to opt students out of retake or expedited retake test administrations.
• Post SOL retake/expedited retake test session lists at least one week prior to test administration.
• Provide students with a copy of their retake/expedited retake schedules.
• Ensure that students who were not opted out of retake/expedited retake opportunities are being tested.  Administrative team members and guidance counselors should work collaboratively to retrieve missing students during test administrations, including phone contact with parents.