• Display a positive attitude about the SOL tests.

• Review your child's curriculum and/or the SOL Blueprints

• Talk to your child about what he or she is learning. Help your child learn.

• Make sure your child understands the value you place on his or her achievement.

• Encourage your child to stay relaxed and calm during the SOL tests.

• Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep and eats a good breakfast.

• Remind your child to bring his or her glasses to school on all of the testing days.

• Make sure your child is at school on time so that he or she won't feel rushed on the testing days.

• Encourage your child to try hard and do his or her best every day in school.

PREPARATION AND PRACTICE

• The key to doing well on SOL and other tests is being prepared to take the test coupled with practice in test format.

• Preparation means that you study and learn the district's curriculum, which includes the SOL items. Work hard in class. Do your homework. Do your best in School every day. Study regularly and learn the material well.

• Use strategies that help you learn information. (Remember, you don't have to have your teacher show you how to learn everything - there's much you can learn on your own.) Use flash cards. Make up memory games to help you remember words. Study with a friend or a study group. Make graphic organizers of information you are studying.

• Every time your teacher gives you a test in class, practice good test-taking techniques.

TIPS FOR TAKING THE SOL TESTS

• Relax! Your brain needs to be in a relaxed state to do its best work. Remind yourself that you CAN do a good job on the test.

• Listen carefully to all instructions.

• Ask questions when you do not understand the directions.

• Read all of the directions carefully.

• Do your best on sample test items.

• When the test begins, use your scratch paper to write down anything you think you might forget- formulas, multiplication tables, important dates.