Testing in Grade 12
Grade 12 student tests
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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 |
| Integrated Reading/Writing Field Test |
State ONLY students taking online Standards of Learning (SOL) Reading tests |
Reading, Writing | To collect information for state test developers about potential new test item types for future SOL testing | Approx. 2 hours | Mar. 13 to Mar. 24 | None available from the Virginia Department of Education |
| Math Inventory |
Division ONLY for students in an Algebra 1, Geometry, and AFDA courses Winter and Spring ONLY for students below fall benchmark |
Mathematics | To identify a current mathematical developmental skill level and monitor growth | Approx. 45 minutes |
Aug. 29 to Sept. 30 Dec. 5 to Feb. 3 May 8 to June 9 |
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. 24 |
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 fall benchmark |
Reading | To identify a current reading developmental skill level and monitor growth | Approx. 45 minutes |
Aug. 29 to Sept. 30 Dec. 5 to Feb. 3 May 8 to June 9 |
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 Mar. 31 April 11 to June 16 |
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. 20 minutes |
Oct. 17 to Nov. 4 Mar. 1 to Mar. 24 |
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 for students enrolled in an SOL course or needing a verified credit for graduation |
Writing, Reading, 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 Nov. 29 to Jan. 10 Mar. 6 to Mar. 31 (Writing only) April 24 to June 2 |
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. 29 to May 26 | 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. 17 to Mar. 17 | 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. 30 to Feb. 3 Feb. 21 to Feb. 27 Mar. 27 to Mar. 31 April 24 to April 28 May 22 to June 9 |
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 9 | 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.