A controversial issue among teachers and students these days, is the use of SOLs. The SOLs have taken freedom from teachers, put an enormous pressure on teachers and students, and have made learning very difficult. Although the SOLs are intended to ensure that students are educated, the fact remains that these tests have created the opposite effect.

The limit of freedom that is placed on teachers by the SOLs has created a negative effect. Freedom in the classroom is almost a necessity for teachers. It is almost like a fireman going to put out a fire without a water hose. In order to be affective at his or her job, the fireman needs to use the hose to put out the fire. The same is true for teachers. They use creative teaching methods to convey a message, which would normally not be allowed by SOLs. Doing hands on...