Some people feel that the SOL tests are unfair to those who do not speak English as a native tongue. Some people feel that the SOLs are inappropriate for students with disabilities. Some people feel that children who move a lot are at an unfair disadvantage. The truth is the test scores of students who enrolled more than 20 days after the school year begins will not be calculated in their school's overall test results. For high school students the number of tests required to graduate are reduced for students arriving in the junior and senior year.
Some people feel that some children just don t test well especially in multiple choice tests.
The truth is the tests just one of many criteria to identify children s strengths and weaknesses and at the high school level the tests may be repeated as needed. Some people feel that the SOLs are stifling teachers' freedom to teach. The truth is the teachers are being held accountable to teach minimum core competencies. However, this in no way prevents the teacher from expanding and extending the curriculum as they see fit. Some people feel that our children are tested enough already and the SOL tests are causing stress for students, parents and teachers.