Testing in Grade 10
Grade 10 student tests
In Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), grade 10 tests measure students' learning of specific and broad content and skills. Required tests for tenth 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. 2 to Nov. 10 April 8 to June 7 |
Incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Preliminary SAT (PSAT) | Division | Reading, Logical Reasoning, Mathematics | To measure readiness for advanced coursework | Approx. 3 hours | Oct. 11 | Available through student College Board account and incorporated in ongoing performance communication to parents/guardians |
| Reading Inventory |
Division 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 |
| Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener | Division | 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 |
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 April 22 to May 31 |
Published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab within approx. 1 month of the close of the 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 |
| Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) |
State ONLY for students taught on an adapted curriculum |
Science | To measure knowledge of aligned standards for state and federal accountability | Approx. 15 to 45 minutes per task | Feb. 26 to May 31 | Mailed or published in the SIS ParentVUE Documents tab by the start of the next school year |
| 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 |
| 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.