In September 2016, the Virginia Board of Education (VBOE) approved recommended revisions to the Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL). These recommendations stemmed from the work of a group of teachers and mathematics leaders from around the Commonwealth with feedback provided by many teachers, administrators, and parents. The VBOE approved these changes and K-12 teachers across the state began fully implementing the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning this school year.
The 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning for kindergarten places emphasis on developing the concept of number by counting; combining, sorting, and comparing sets of objects; recognizing, describing, and creating simple repeating patterns; and recognizing shapes and sizes of figures and objects. Students will investigate measurement through direct comparisons, collect data, and create graphs.
The concept of fractions is introduced through sharing experiences. Problem solving is integrated throughout the content strands. The development of problem-solving skills is a major goal of the mathematics program at every grade level. The development of skills and problem-solving strategies must be integrated early and continuously into each student’s mathematics education.
In 2018, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation that requires all kindergarten students be assessed using the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) by the end of the 2019-2020 school-year, and annually thereafter (HB5002, Item 128, H.).
As part of VKRP, students’ mathematics skills and understandings are assessed through the use of the Early Mathematics Assessment System (EMAS). The EMAS aligns closely with the expectations of the Kindergarten SOL by addressing the areas of numeracy, computation, patterning, and geometry. The student data provides teachers with greater insight into students’ understandings of early mathematics concepts and their progress towards the Standards of Learning. The VKRP resources allow teachers to strengthen their own knowledge of the skills and concepts that are key in developing early mathematics understanding. Located within the VKRP data reports, there is a link to resources that, when implemented in the classroom, can support further student development. While the individual resources may vary slightly in format, most provide the following:
- an overview of the mathematics skill or concept, including its importance, and how it develops
- lingo associated with that concept and definitions for those terms
- strategies to support the development of the skill or concept
- suggestions for integrating the skill or concept throughout the day (through routines, transitions, meals, outdoor time, centers, etc.)
- common errors (with suggestions for remediating the errors)
- links to sample additional activities that support development of that skill or concept
Where can you find these great resources? You can access these resources from the Classroom Overview report (as shown below). The reports “check” resources based on your students’ scores (sample below – “Recommended Resources” box). During an assessment window you can easily access the resources by just clicking on the domain/subdomain name on the list.
You can also access VKRP resources directly from the View Resources section on your VKRP landing page “My Resources” button (see above). Information regarding the VKRP Resources can be found beginning on page 32 of the VKRP Teacher Manual.
Sample Connections between VKRP Recommended Resources and the Mathematics SOL
The Recommended Resources provided within the VKRP links to great instructional strategies and activities closely aligned to the skills and knowledge being assessed. For instance, in SOL K.6 students are expected to model and solve single-step story and picture problems with sums to 10 and differences within 10, using concrete objects. The VKRP Resource titled “Computation – Adding and Subtracting” (link) provides information for developing early problem-solving in Pre-K through Grade 1.
The VDOE Mathematics Team encourages you to take a look at the VKRP Recommended Resources as these can become great instructional tools for furthering students’ early mathematics understanding.
Debbie Delozier
Mathematics Specialist
Virginia Department of Education
Office of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
More questions? VKRP provides support via the online chat feature when you are in the system, via email vkrp@virginia.edu, and via toll free 866-301-8278 ext. 1
