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My problem with the sol test in Earth Science is that it is 50% geology. Earth Science is made of meteorology,oceanography,astronomy, and geology. Each part should be given 25%. The questions I have seen on sample tests do not address the most important issues in the course. As a fifteen year veteran of teaching Earth Science, changes must be made if this is to be an effective test.

Dear Mr. Cohen:

Thank you for sharing your comments on the SOL Earth Science test. As with all the SOL tests, the Earth Science test is developed according to the test blueprint (available on the Department of Education's web site). The SOL test blueprints were developed by the Content Review Committees composed of teachers and specialists with experience and expertise in the various content areas - in the case of your question, expertise and experience in Earth Science. The proportions of questions in various areas are based on the standards for Earth Science. There are four reporting categories in Earth Science. I've put the number of questions in parenthesis after the reporting categories:
Scientific Investigations (8); Geology (24); Meteorology, Oceanography, and Groundwater (10); Astronomy and Space Science (8). The number of items associated with each reporting category is related to the emphasis found in the standards themselves. The standards for Earth Science do not fall into the neat quarters that you indicated. You might want to review the standards themselves and see if your instruction is in line with them. The SOL test itself tracks those standards with emphasis as I noted.

You may want to talk with Jim Firebaugh, (804) 225-2651, if you have specific content questions.