Jack Barchock SOL Reflection 3rd grade History vs.

5th grade Science The first assessment that I took was the 3rd grade history test, which was given in 2012. Since, I am not a native of Virginia, I was a little uneasy about how the SOL was going to be structured, because in Delaware we have the DSTP (Delaware State Testing Program). I thought the test was going to focus more on Virginia history, but since it was a 3rd grade SOL, they might not have included the history of Virginia until fifth grade. The total raw score that I obtained was a 38/40, and my total scaled score was a 563. Since, I scored over a 500 I passed this SOL advanced, but I expected this, because I like history and it was a 3rd grade SOL. The area that I need to focus my attention on will be the history of Virginia, which is something that is going to be different for me, because I am from the North and I am not up to date on my history of this state. The other area that I did not get correct was in the civic area which is knowledge that most students are unaware of, because its information that is passed over in daily life. The second assessment was 5th grade science that was administered in 2009. Science was my least favorite subject when I was younger. I just could not visually see cell walls, and cell membranes, but I know I need to refine my hate for love, because I do not want students to go through the same trouble with science. Out of the forty questions on the science SOL, I received a 30/40. The scaled score was a 420. I was a bit upset with getting 10 wrong answers, but I know science is my least favorite subject, so I knew I was not going to get an advanced score. The places that I missed questions; scientific investigation, earth/space systems and cycles, force, motion, energy, and matter, and life process and living system. The two areas that counted for 60% of my wrong answers were in scientific investigation, and force, motion, energy and matter.

I know that if I could miss answers, then my students could miss the same answers, if I do not prepare them accordingly. Having to take both these SOL makes me understand the importance in preparing the students to take the test. I know the test is not the most important goal a teacher should have in mind, but it has to be pretty high. I want my classroom to be fun and engaging, but I know I have to make sure my students are prepared for taking the test. The place that I need to improve in the most is science, so I am going to focus my attention on making science fun for the students.