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PROGRAM OF STUDIES

The required instructional program for FCPS is defined in the Program of Studies, which contains: curriculum content and essential knowledge and skills for each grade level and course; approved instructional resources; assessment activities; and alignment with the Virginia Standards of Learning. The Program of Studies overview and other academic programs may be reviewed at any school and at this web site.

TESTING

• Under Virginia requirements, Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) tests are given in reading and mathematics to all students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and science tests are given to students in grades 3, 5, and 8. History SOL tests are administered in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. In high school, SOL tests in English, mathematics, science, and history are administered when students complete specific courses.

• The Virginia Alternate Assessment program (VAAP) was developed by the Virginia Department of Education for students with disabilities who are not participating in SOL tests. The VAAP is conducted for students who are in grades 3, 5, 8, and 11, as well as one year before the student’s exit from high school. Special education teachers begin collecting student data for this portfolio assessment at the beginning of the school year and continue through the spring.

• The Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) is administered to all students in grades 1 and 2. This Fairfax County-mandated assessment measures oral reading accuracy and reading comprehension.

For information on testing, call the Office of Student Testing at 703-208-7779.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Graduating students must earn a minimum of 22 credits, or 24 credits if pursuing the advanced studies diploma, in order to graduate from high school. Students graduating in 2006 will be required to earn 6 verified units of credit and 9 verified credits for an advanced studies diploma. A verified unit of credit is based on satisfactory completion of a specific course and a passing score on the end-of-course Standards of Learning test for that course. See the FCPS Standard Course Offerings for further details on credits required for graduation. FCPS Standard Course Offerings may be obtained in the counseling departments of each FCPS high school. Students eligible to receive special education services may also pursue modified standard diplomas or special diplomas. Contact the guidance department or special education department in an FCPS high school for information about these diplomas.

Adult high school completion programs are offered through the Office of Adult and Community Education. Call 703-207-4014 for information.

DISCLAIMER: This web page contains links to one or more web pages that are outside the FCPS network. FCPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages.