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After having given three SOL tests in chemistry, I would like to offer some opinions and questions as a classroom teacher. The idea of an SOL test is commendable given the fact that all chemistry teachers do not necessarily teach a good chemistry course. However, I have some disagreements with the administration of the SOL both generally and specifically.
In general, the purpose of the test is supposed to see if a student has mastered the Standards of Learning. It is very unfortunate that students must pass a certain number of tests in order to graduate. Rather than penalizing students, the SOL tests should be set up as a reward. Give scholarship money for college or another type of diploma. Some students are not up to the task of passing some of the SOL courses needed to graduate. Other students may not test well and cause them to not graduate. If the state is looking for more drop-outs, it may get them, especially in areas where drop-out rates are high already. This is one reason why colleges do not use the SAT as the only requirement for admission.
As for the chemistry test, why can the students use graphing calculators in their math SOL tests but not in their science SOL tests. There seems to be a lack of consistency here. Also, why are the rulers issued? None of the three SOL tests I have given has needed them.
I have a problem with some of the questions on the chemistry test. First of all, there is a question I have seen on two tests whereby the student needs to multiply two numbers in scientific notation. Why is a math question on a chemistry test? Ask that question on the algebra 1 test. Secondly, are you going to ask questions on nuclear and organic chemistry or not? After the first SOL test, we were told no nuclear or organic chemistry. On this third test, there was a half-life question and several questions about organic chemistry. Such organic questions included alkenes, the alkane series, hydrocarbons, and alcohols. Thirdly, on this last test, I noticed that there was no pH question. I would think that any test worth its weight in gold like the SOL should have a pH question. There was also a question about acids. It said something like "which of the following was not an acid?" I believe the answer was supposed to be CH3OH since the other answers began with H. CH3OH is methanol and I believe alcohols are classified as weak acids. Please check on that.
I have asked chemistry professors in my area of the state through the ACS to tell me what students need to do well in college chemistry. In thermodynamics, for instance, I have been told that a potential energy diagram is all that is necessary. I also include some history of chemistry and some practical chemistry in my course. I feel that the pressure of the SOL will not allow me to do this any longer. I must water down my course in order to prepare my students for the SOL, not for college or the real world. I feel saddened by this but I feel very pressured in this direction.
I urge you to reconsider the purpose of the SOL tests and the material that is asked on them. I like the idea behind the SOL test but not the way in which it has been implemented.
Thank you for your time and cooperation.

Mark Metcalfe
chemistry teacher
Fort Defiance High School
Augusta County