Testing in Grade 12
Grade 12 student tests
In Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), grade 12 tests apply content knowledge and skills to prepare students for college and career. Required tests for twelfth graders are listed in the table below, organized alphabetically by test name.
| Test Name | Requirement Source | Content Tested | Purpose of Test | Time Needed* | Schedule** | Results Distribution |
| Division Benchmarking Assessment - Mathematics | Division | Mathematics | To measure development of content standard knowledge and skills | Approx. 45 minutes |
Nov. 8 to Dec. 15 Feb. 12 to Mar. 22 |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Division Benchmarking Assessment - Science |
Division ONLY for students in a Biology course |
Biology | To measure development of content standard knowledge and skills | Approx. 30 minutes |
Oct. 18 to Oct. 31 Jan. 3 to Jan. 25 Feb. 20 to Mar. 1 April 11 to April 26 |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Math Inventory |
Division ONLY for students in an Algebra 1, Geometry, and AFDA courses Winter and Spring ONLY for students below benchmark or not previously tested |
Mathematics | To identify a current mathematical developmental skill level and monitor growth | Approx. 45 minutes |
Aug. 28 to Sept. 29 Dec. 4 to Feb. 2 May 6 to June 7 |
Published in the Student Information System (SIS) ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 2 months of the close of the assessment window |
| NoRedInk Writing Diagnostic | Division | Writing | To monitor progress in writing mechanics and grammar usage skills | Approx. 30 minutes |
Oct. 3 to Nov. 10 Feb. 1 to Feb. 23 |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Reading Inventory |
Division ONLY for students in a literacy intervention course Winter and Spring ONLY for students below benchmark or not previously tested |
Reading | To identify a current reading developmental skill level and monitor growth | Approx. 45 minutes |
Aug. 28 to Sept. 29 Dec. 4 to Feb. 2 May 6 to June 7 |
Published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 2 months of the close of the assessment window |
| Senior Survey |
Division Winter ONLY for students graduating in February |
Post-secondary planning | To identify students' preparations and plans for life after leaving high school | Approx. 45 minutes |
Nov. 3 to April 5 April 8 to June 12 |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener |
State |
Social-Emotional Learning Skills | To measure development of social-emotional learning, relationships, and well-being | Approx. 15 minutes |
Oct. 10 to Oct. 27 Feb. 26 to Mar. 15 |
Mailed or published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 1 month of the close of the assessment window |
| Standards of Learning (SOL) Tests |
State ONLY students needing a test for federal participation or verified credit |
Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, History | To measure knowledge of course content standards for state and federal accountability | Approx. 2 hours per subject |
Schedule based on course and graduation requirements Dec. 5 to Jan. 18 Mar. 4 to Mar. 20 (Writing only) April 22 to May 31 |
Published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 1 month of the close of each non-writing assessment window |
| State Performance-Based Assessments (PBAs) |
State ONLY for students in a social studies course identified for PBAs |
History | To measure social studies disciplinary skills as part of a collection of evidence used to locally award verified credit toward graduation | Approx. 1-3 hours | Aug. 28 to May 24 | Incorporated in performance communication to parents/guardians as part of final grades |
| 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. 16 to Mar. 15 | Distributed to parents/ guardians by the start of the next school year |
| 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 14 days of entry from outside Virginia public schools | Distributed to parents/ guardians within approx. 1 month |
| WorkKeys |
State ONLY for students needing verified credit to graduate by June |
Reading, Writing | To measure the ability to apply content knowledge to a real-world situation | Approx. 30-45 minutes per subject |
Schedule based on course and graduation requirements Jan. 28 to Feb. 2 Feb. 20to Feb. 26 Mar. 15 to Mar. 21 April 22 to April 29 May 20 to June 7 |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| World Language Performance Assessment for Language Students (PALS) |
Division ONLY for students Level 1-5, AP, IB, or DE world language courses |
Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | To measure interpersonal, presentational, and interpretive skills | Approx. 2 hours total | April 17 to June 12 | Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
* 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.