Testing in Grade 1
Grade 1 student tests
In Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), grade 1 tests focus on basic literacy and numeracy development. Required tests for first 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 |
| CORE Phonics | Division | Phonics | To measure foundational phonics skills | Approx. 15 minutes | Aug. 22 to Oct. 20 | Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Developmental Spelling Analysis (DSA) | Division | Spelling | To measure development of spelling skills | Approx. 15 minutes |
Aug. 22 to Oct. 20 April 8 to June 7 |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| iReady |
State (Reading, Oral Reading Fluency) Division (Mathematics) Winter ONLY for students below benchmark or not previously tested |
Mathematics, Reading, Oral Reading Fluency |
To identify gaps in foundational academic skills and measure progress of skill development | Approx. 30 minutes per subject |
Sept. 5 to Sept. 29 Jan. 3 to Feb. 2 April 22 to May 17 |
Mailed or published in the Student Information System (SIS) ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 2 months of the close of the assessment window |
| Naglieri Nonverbal Abilities Test (NNAT) | Division | Intelligence Quotient (IQ) | To identify potential Advanced Academic Program services. | Approx. 30 minutes | April 3 to April 12 | Distributed to parents/guardians within approx. 1 month |
| 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 | 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 | Within 14 days of entry from outside Virginia public schools | Distributed to parents/ guardians within approx. 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.