Testing in Grade 4
Grade 4 student tests
In Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), grade 4 tests focus on content knowledge and skills. Required tests for fourth graders are listed in the table below, organized alphabetically by test name.
Assessment dates and delivery format for 2020-21 are subject to change due to shifts in school operations.
| Test Name | Requirement Source | Content Tested | Purpose of Test | Time Needed* | Schedule** | Delivery | Results Distribution |
| Horizon Divisionwide Formative Assessments | Division | Reading, Mathematics | To measure knowledge of grade level content standards prior to SOL tests | Approx. 1 hour per subject | Mar. 1 to Mar. 26 | In-Person (computer-based) | Available through student Horizon account and incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| iReady Universal Screener Assessment | Division | Reading, Mathematics | To identify gaps in foundational academic skills | Approx. 1 hour per subject |
Sept. 8 to Oct. 30 |
At-Home (online computer-adaptive) | Distributed to parents/guardians within 1 month |
| Naglieri Nonverbal Abilities Test (NNAT) |
State ONLY for students without a prior ability score |
Intelligence Quotient (IQ) | To identify potential Advanced Academic Program services. | Approx. 30 minutes total | Dec. 1 to Dec. 7 | In-Person (computer-based) | Distributed to parents/guardians within 1 month |
| Standards of Learning (SOL) Tests | State | Reading, Mathematics, Virginia Studies | To measure knowledge of grade level content standards for state and federal accountability | Approx. 2 hours per subject |
May 3 to June 7 |
In-Person (computer-based) | Distributed to parents/guardians by the following August |
| Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) | State
ONLY for students taught on an adapted curriculum |
Reading, Mathematics, Social Studies | To measure knowledge of aligned standards for state and federal accountability | Varies with evidence collected throughout the year | Oct. 1 to April 14 | At-Home (work samples) | Distributed to parents/guardians by the following August |
| WIDA ACCESS for ELLS |
State ONLY for English learners |
Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | To measure annual English language proficiency and progress in compliance with federal law | Approx. 5 hours total | Jan. 19 to Mar. 11 | In-Person (computer-based) | Distributed to parents/ guardians by the following August |
| WIDA Screener |
State ONLY for potential English learners |
Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | To determine eligibility for English learner services, in compliance with federal law | Approx. 2 hours total | Within 30 days of entry from outside Virginia | In-Person (computer-based) | Distributed to parents/ guardians within 1 month |
* The amount of time needed for testing varies by student. All times are estimates.
** Schedule dates represent the window of time during which tests may be given. Each school sets and communicates the specific date for each test.