The Virginia Department of Eduation (VDOE) has just completed its review of the science SOLs, and my inbox has been flooded with panicked emails from teachers, asking what all the new SOLs entail and how to prepare.
Especially after the doozy of a year Virginia teachers had in the 2024-2025 school year (with new math SOLs AND new ELA SOLs) followed by new social studies SOLs the next school year, it is no wonder teachers are stressed about having to implement even more new SOLs.
However, the good news for upper elementary teachers is that the science SOLs did not change! Instead, the VDOE has provided more supplemental resources and new Science Instructional Guides (SIGs) that will better inform science instruction.
Make sure to sign up for my free Virginia teacher newsletter. I will send updates as we learn more about the updates to the science SOLs.
Why Change the Science SOLs?
You may be wondering, why change the science SOLs? Especially after all the major changes that were recently made to the math, ELA, and social studies SOLs, it may be tempting to think the VDOE is only changing the SOLs to make teachers’ lives more difficult. But, this is not the case!
The VDOE is required to periodically update the SOLs. By law, the VDOE must review and revise its standards every seven years. According to this timeframe, the science SOLs were due for an update.
What Are the Major Changes to the 2025 Science SOLs?
A few months ago, the VDOE announced that for grades Kindergarten through sixth, “The 2018 Science Standards of Learning […] will remain unchanged in content and practices.” (VDOE Newsletter, September 2024)
So, are there any changes to the science SOLs for upper elementary? Slightly… but there are no changes to the standards themselves.
The changes take the form of new supplementary information. The VDOE just released new Science Instructional Guides (SIGs) for upper elementary as part of the science SOL review. These guides provide more background information and clarity on exactly what students are expected to know and how students should engage with science in the classroom.
I have created a free guide for elementary Virginia teachers with everything you need to know about the new SIGs, including:
- the answers to your most-asked questions about the science SOLs and SIGs
- a breakdown of what is in the SIGs and how to use them to guide your science instruction
- how the SIGs will change your science instruction, starting with the 2026-2027 school year
- what parts of SIGs will be tested on the science SOL test at the end of the year
You can grab your free Virginia Teacher’s Guide to the 2025 Science Instructional Guides HERE.
Confusion About Virginia Science SOLs
Before moving forward, I want to clear up something I think we all have been confused about– are we still supposed to use the 2018 science SOLs or are there new 2025 science SOLs?
When you go the VDOE website, you will see 2018 and 2025 science SOLs. Because there were no changes made to the elementary SOLs, we are still using the 2018 standards. New SOLs were created for high school, and those are the 2025 standards.
More Information about the Science SOLs
If you could use a refresher on the 2018 science SOLs (which we are continuing to use), download my Virginia Teacher’s Science Guide. This FREE guide provides a detailed breakdown of EVERY science SOL.
I like to keep this guide in a binder. When it is time to teach a specific SOL, I can quickly flip to the page(s) for that SOL to know exactly what needs to be incorporated into those science lessons.
Timeline for Implementation
The new SIGs will be fully implemented at the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
The Curriculum Framework will no longer be used after the 2025-2026 school year. It will be removed from the VDOE website after the 2026 SOL testing has finished in Virginia.
Science SOL Testing
Information from the SIGs will be used on the 2027 science SOL tests. My free guide about the new SIGs breaks down exactly what parts of the SIGs will be used as the foundation for SOL test development.
In a May 2026 training hosted by the VDOE, their science representatives said that they will release sample test items in Fall 2026. They said to watch the VDOE website for the release of these test items.
Where to Find SOL-Aligned Science Resources
One of the most challenging parts of being a teacher in Virginia is finding quality teaching resources aligned to the SOLs. My store is packed with high-quality, SOL-aligned science resources that have been used by thousands of teachers across Virginia.
Some of the SOL-aligned science resources in my store include:
Conclusion
It is normal to feel nervous anytime you hear a set of SOLs are up for review. But, with the 2025 science SOLs, upper elementary teachers can breathe a sigh of relief. The science SOLs have not changed! However, new supporting documents have been released that give teachers more clarity on what students are expected to know.
P.S.- Don’t forget to download the Virginia Teacher’s Guide to the 2025 Science Instructional Guides to learn more about how to use the SIGs and how they will change your science instruction this school year.
Have you heard of the Virginia Teacher Club®? The Virginia Teacher Club® is a one-of-a-kind program for upper elementary teachers in Virginia. Members receive instant access to a curriculum library of SOL-aligned math, science, social studies, and ELA resources. There are lesson plans, games, assessments, passages, digital activities, and more for EVERY SOL. By using the Virginia Teacher Club®, our members save hours of planning time every month and have access to high-quality, SOL-aligned resources that students love.
CLICK HERE to join the waitlist and be the first to know when the Virginia Teacher Club® reopens for new members.
