Getting Ready for The SOLs

Preparing for Virginia’s Standards of Learning (SOL) tests can feel overwhelming, but a few powerful (and free) tools can make a big difference. The Virginia Department of Education offers a comprehensive set of SOL practice items across subjects and grade levels to help students, parents, and teachers prepare for the state assessments. These items mirror the types of questions found on actual online tests, including technology-enhanced items (TEIs), and provide a chance to practice using TestNav, the state’s testing platform. While not full exams, they offer a focused look at key standards and tools. Students can access these resources via web browser or the TestNav app, and paper-based PDFs are also available for those requiring offline access. In addition, guided practice documents, writing rubrics, checklists, and scoring tools support educators in teaching content and assessment strategy aligned with current SOL standards in reading, math, science, social studies, and writing.

Desmos is a user-friendly online calculator that not only handles sophisticated math but also lets students plot graphs visually—perfect for algebra and geometry prep. For official practice, the Virginia Department of Education provides a treasure trove of SOL practice items across all subjects. Together, these tools give Virginia students an edge—combining hands-on problem solving with real test familiarity.

References

Virginia Department of Education. Standards of Learning (SOL) Practice Items. Virginia DOE, https://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching-learning-assessment/student-assessment/sol-practice-items-all-subjects. Accessed April 3, 2025.